Teriyaki chicken is a fantastic meal that combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory glaze. Its quick cooking time makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying yet easy to prepare. This recipe creates a delicious dish that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, offering a delightful balance of flavors that will have you reaching for seconds.

Why cook this at home

This teriyaki chicken is not just simple to whip up; it’s also budget-friendly and customizable. With minimal ingredients, you can enjoy an authentic taste without the takeout price tag. It’s a fantastic option for family dinners or personal meals when you want something comforting yet wholesome.

Preparing Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Gather all your ingredients for easy access.
Create the teriyaki sauce by combining the necessary ingredients.
Brown the chicken in a skillet until it’s golden and cooked through.
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken.
Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry.
Serve hot with your choice of rice or noodles.

Key ingredients

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1/4 cup water
1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

You can substitute honey with brown sugar if you prefer a slightly different sweetness or are looking for a vegan option. Both rice vinegar and apple cider vinegar will provide that needed acidity, so use whichever you have on hand.

Directions

In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, water, ginger, and garlic. Stir until the honey is completely dissolved.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce.
Reduce the heat to low. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this to the skillet, stirring well until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, about 2-3 minutes.

What to serve it with

For a complete meal, pair this teriyaki chicken with white or brown rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully. You could also serve it over noodles for a heartier option. Unleash your creativity with side dishes like steamed broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, or a fresh cucumber salad for contrast.

How to store and freeze

To keep your teriyaki chicken fresh, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze leftovers, pack them in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When reheating, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe for consumption. Follow the two-hour rule, and do not leave it at room temperature for longer.

Tips for best results

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for about 30 minutes before cooking.
Use fresh ginger and garlic rather than powdered for more vibrant flavors.
If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or brown sugar to suit your preference.

Creative twists

Experiment with protein by using beef or tofu instead of chicken for different textures and tastes.
Add vegetables to the skillet, such as snap peas or carrots, to create a more balanced meal.
Consider adding a splash of sesame oil for a nutty aroma.
Use pineapple juice in place of some of the water for a fruity flavor.

Your questions answered

Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?

Certainly! If you prefer skin-on chicken, just adjust the cooking time as it may take a little longer to cook through. Ensure the skin is crispy for added texture.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

If you do not have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent. Just mix it with water in the same way to create a slurry.

Is this teriyaki chicken gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce. This swap ensures it remains friendly for gluten-sensitive eaters while still delivering fantastic flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the sauce a day in advance, and just cook the chicken when you are ready to eat. This makes weeknight cooking much easier without compromising the taste.

You should definitely give this teriyaki chicken recipe a try. It’s a straightforward dish that allows room for experimentation and adjustment based on your preferences. Feel free to tweak the ingredients and cooking method to make it uniquely yours. Your taste buds will appreciate the effort.

Teriyaki Chicken

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A quick and easy teriyaki chicken dish featuring tender chicken pieces with a sweet and savory glaze, perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir Frying
Cuisine: Japanese
Diet: Paleo

Instructions

Mix together the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, water, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl. Stir until the honey is completely dissolved.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce.
Reduce the heat to low. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this to the skillet, stirring well until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, about 2-3 minutes.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. Use fresh ginger and garlic for superior flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Sticky Teriyaki Chicken