Teriyaki Chicken Recipe 🍗🥢
Teriyaki chicken is a flavorful dish known for its glossy, sweet-and-savory sauce. The word teriyaki comes from Japanese cooking, referring to foods grilled or pan-cooked with a shiny glaze made from soy sauce, sugar, and other ingredients. Originating from Japan, this dish has become popular worldwide because it’s simple to prepare and packed with delicious flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
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4 boneless chicken thighs or breasts
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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1 teaspoon minced garlic
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1 teaspoon grated ginger
For the Teriyaki Sauce
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¼ cup soy sauce
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3 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
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2 tablespoons mirin (or rice vinegar)
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½ cup water
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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1 tablespoon water (to mix with cornstarch)
Garnish (Optional)
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Sesame seeds
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Chopped green onions
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes.
5. Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Add it to the pan and stir until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
6. Slice and Serve
Slice the chicken and spoon the teriyaki sauce over the top.
Serving Suggestions
Teriyaki chicken pairs perfectly with:
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Steamed rice
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Stir-fried vegetables
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Noodles
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Fried rice
For a complete meal, serve it with rice and lightly sautéed broccoli or carrots.
Tips for the Best Teriyaki Chicken
✔ Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
✔ Don’t overcook the sauce—it thickens quickly.
✔ Marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
✔ Cook over medium heat so the sauce caramelizes without burning.
Variations
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Marinate the chicken and grill it instead of pan-cooking.
Spicy Teriyaki Chicken
Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Serve sliced chicken over rice with avocado, cucumbers, and sesame seeds.
Final Thoughts
Teriyaki chicken is one of those dishes that combines simplicity with bold flavor. The rich, glossy sauce perfectly coats the tender chicken, creating a satisfying meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Whether served with rice, noodles, or vegetables, it’s a versatile recipe that works for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.