Cooking is like telling a story, and today I’m here to share a delicious tale about an easy teriyaki chicken recipe. Imagine tender chicken glazed in a sweet and tangy sauce, with hints of garlic and ginger swirling through the air. It’s the kind of dish that makes your mouth water just thinking about it. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re simply craving something comforting, this recipe will have you dreaming of far-off Japanese bistros while you cook in your own kitchen.
Now, let me take you back to a family gathering where I first attempted this dish. My aunt’s laughter filled the kitchen as I nervously stirred the sauce, hoping it would turn out just right. Spoiler alert: It did! The joy on everyone’s faces as they devoured the teriyaki chicken inspired me to keep making it. This dish is not only flavorful but also perfect for impressing family and friends at your next dinner party.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy teriyaki chicken recipe guarantees incredible flavor without hours of prep work
- The glossy sauce makes it visually appealing, perfect for any tabletop presentation
- Its versatility means you can serve it over rice, noodles, or even toss it in salads
- Plus, it’s quick enough for a busy weekday dinner yet impressive enough for special occasions
I remember the first time I tried this easy teriyaki chicken recipe; my friends couldn’t get enough of it and asked for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Select firm cloves for maximum flavor; fresh garlic is key to elevating this dish.
Fresh Ginger: A small piece provides warmth and zest; peel and finely grate it for best results.
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium to balance flavors without overwhelming saltiness.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness; light or dark brown sugar works fine depending on your preference.
Sesame Oil: Just a splash gives the dish an authentic Asian flavor profile; don’t overdo it!
Green Onions: These are perfect for garnish; chop them up for a pop of color and freshness.
For the Sauce:
Cornstarch: A mixture with cold water creates a smooth glaze; use sparingly to avoid lumpiness.
Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity that balances the sweetness of the sauce; it’s essential for depth of flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make easy teriyaki chicken recipe
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients together. Chop your garlic and ginger finely so they release their full flavors when cooked.
Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add your chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge—this enhances flavor!
Cook Chicken : Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts along with some marinade sauce if desired. Cook until golden brown on both sides (about 5-7 minutes each side).
Create the Teriyaki Sauce : In another bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Pour this into the skillet with remaining marinade once chicken is nearly cooked through.
Thicken Your Sauce : Stir continuously as the sauce thickens—this should take about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of your spoon nicely.
Add Final Touches : Once cooked through and saucy perfection is achieved, drizzle some sesame oil over everything and garnish with green onions before serving.
Now you’re armed with an easy teriyaki chicken recipe that’s sure to make taste buds dance! Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- Teriyaki chicken is not just a dish; it’s a flavor explosion!
- The sweet and savory notes will have you reaching for seconds
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with rice, noodles, or even veggies
- The vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes too!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Then, sear it in a hot pan to lock in flavors before finishing with the teriyaki sauce for a glossy glaze.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your teriyaki chicken by adding sesame seeds, green onions, or even pineapple chunks. Experimenting with ingredients can lead to delightful surprises that suit your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep that juicy goodness intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect teriyaki chicken, ensure your chicken is uniformly cut for even cooking
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; give each piece room to sear properly
- Lastly, don’t skip the marination; it’s key for flavor infusion!
Cooking teriyaki chicken always reminds me of family dinners where everyone competed over who got the last piece. Nothing brings people together like good food!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this easy teriyaki chicken recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.
What can I serve with teriyaki chicken?
Serve it with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles for a complete meal.
How long does teriyaki sauce last?
Homemade teriyaki sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to one week safely.
Easy Teriyaki Chicken
Indulge in this easy teriyaki chicken recipe that brings the flavors of Japan right to your kitchen. Featuring tender chicken breasts glazed in a sweet and tangy sauce with hints of garlic and ginger, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (for thickening)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add chicken breasts and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add marinated chicken (reserve marinade) and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Pour into the skillet with remaining marinade once chicken is cooked through.
- Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Drizzle sesame oil over the dish and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 170g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: - For added texture, sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving. - Customize your dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking. - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
