Teriyaki Chicken is the ultimate weeknight meal, offering a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors with tender, juicy chicken. This easy recipe for homemade teriyaki chicken features bite-sized pieces of chicken coated in a rich, flavorful teriyaki sauce. Perfectly paired with rice or steamed vegetables, it makes for a satisfying and quick dinner.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch
For Garnish:
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Directions:
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce mixture and stir well.
Combine and Simmer: Pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the teriyaki chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Serving Tips:
Rice Pairing: Serve Teriyaki Chicken over steamed white rice or brown rice for a classic and filling combination. You can also pair it with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Vegetable Sides: Complement the dish with steamed or sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. The freshness and crunch of vegetables balance the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
Garnish: Enhance the presentation and flavor with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for extra freshness.
Sauce Drizzle: For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle additional teriyaki sauce over the chicken just before serving.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the chicken is cooled to room temperature before sealing the container to prevent condensation.
Freezing: If you have more leftovers than you can use within a few days, freeze the Teriyaki Chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, and it will last for up to 3 months. For best results, portion it out into single servings for easy reheating.
Reheating: Reheat Teriyaki Chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
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FAQs:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner but may be slightly less tender. Make sure not to overcook them to keep them juicy.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Teriyaki Chicken gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Ensure that all other ingredients, like cornstarch and any added seasonings, are certified gluten-free.
Can I prepare the Teriyaki Sauce in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the teriyaki sauce up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, simply reheat and stir before adding it to the cooked chicken.
What can I use as a substitute for rice vinegar in the teriyaki sauce?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Adjust the quantity to taste, as these alternatives may slightly alter the flavor profile of the sauce.
Conclusion:
This Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a surefire way to enjoy a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With its blend of savory soy sauce, sweet honey, and tangy rice vinegar, it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike. Give it a try tonight for a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious!
📖 Recipe:
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Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s both savory and sweet. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice and steamed vegetables. Discover how to make this flavorful meal in just 25 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
For Garnish:
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the teriyaki sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the sauce mixture and stir well.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot with rice or vegetables.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
You can make the teriyaki sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
