Indulge in the rich flavors of teriyaki chicken, a dish that brings the taste of Japan to your kitchen. With a sweet and savory sauce that coats tender chicken, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s simple enough for beginners yet delicious enough to satisfy any palate. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful dish!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 chicken thigh with sauce) contains approximately 250 calories, 12g fat, 15g carbohydrates, and 20g protein. This is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Prepare the marinade by mixing soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil.
- Remove chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and sear in the skillet for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken in the skillet.
- Bring the marinade to a simmer and cook for an additional 10 minutes, basting the chicken occasionally.
- Check that the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F/75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Slice the chicken and drizzle the sauce from the skillet over the top.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option. Additionally, use honey instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness, and tamari sauce for a gluten-free version.
Serving and Pairings
Serve teriyaki chicken over steamed rice or noodles. It pairs wonderfully with stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or stir-fry on low heat until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not marinating long enough can result in less flavor.
- Using high heat can burn the sugar in the marinade.
- Overcooking the chicken will make it dry.
- Not letting the chicken rest after cooking can affect juiciness.
- Skipping the garnish can reduce visual appeal.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, add a splash of orange juice to the marinade.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
- Let the chicken marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
- Experiment with different vegetables in your stir-fry.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce according to your taste.
FAQs
Can I use other meats for teriyaki?
Yes, teriyaki sauce works well with beef, pork, or tofu. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is teriyaki chicken gluten-free?
Traditional soy sauce contains gluten. Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into the thickest part to check for doneness.
Can I make teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What sides go well with teriyaki chicken?
Rice, steamed vegetables, and salads complement teriyaki chicken perfectly.
Conclusion
This teriyaki chicken recipe is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor that will leave everyone wanting more. Enjoy it for a busy weeknight dinner or serve it at your next gathering. With its delicious sauce and tender chicken, it’s bound to become a household favorite!
Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by mixing soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil.
- Remove chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and sear in the skillet for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken in the skillet.
- Bring the marinade to a simmer and cook for an additional 10 minutes, basting the chicken occasionally.
- Check that the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F/75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Slice the chicken and drizzle the sauce from the skillet over the top.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition
