Learn to make Chicken Teriyaki, a popular Japanese dish perfect for a quick, delicious family meal.

During a visit to my brother in Japan, where he has lived for several years, I was introduced to the real taste of Chicken Teriyaki. One evening, he took me to a small, local restaurant in Tokyo renowned for its authentic Japanese cuisine. The chef, a friendly man with years of culinary experience, prepared a dish of Chicken Teriyaki that was unlike anything I had ever tasted. The chicken was tender and the sauce was a perfect blend of sweet and savory, glazing the chicken beautifully. This experience not only deepened my love for Japanese cuisine but also inspired me to bring this recipe back home and share it with others.

Why Chicken Teriyaki is a Must-Try

Chicken Teriyaki is celebrated for its delightful simplicity and the perfect balance of flavors. The dish consists of pan-fried chicken coated in a glossy sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. This sauce caramelizes around the chicken, creating a slightly sweet, rich flavor that is irresistible. Chicken Teriyaki is versatile and can be served over a bed of steamed rice with vegetables, making it a wholesome meal that is both satisfying and comforting.

Ingredients List

To make this dish, you’ll need:

• Chicken: 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, known for their juiciness and flavor.
• Soy Sauce: 1/3 cup, acting as the savory backbone of the teriyaki sauce.
• Mirin: 1/4 cup, which introduces a sweet contrast to the soy sauce.
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons, to enhance the mirin’s sweetness and help the sauce caramelize.
• Sake: 1 tablespoon, optional but recommended for adding complexity.
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon, freshly grated, to provide a zesty note that cuts through the sweetness.
• Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon, for sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.
• Garnishes: Green onions and sesame seeds to add color and texture.

Cooking Time and Serving Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Serves: 4 people

Cooking Equipment

• Frying Pan or Skillet: Essential for achieving a perfect sear on the chicken.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Used for combining the teriyaki sauce ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: For ensuring accurate proportions of ingredients.
• Spatula or Tongs: For flipping the chicken, ensuring even cooking and coating in the sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preparing the Teriyaki Sauce:

• Begin by combining the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake in a small mixing bowl. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely. This mixture is crucial as it forms the base of the teriyaki sauce that will glaze the chicken.

2. Cooking the Chicken:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs. Cook without moving them for about 3-4 minutes on one side, or until the underside is golden brown and slightly crispy.
• Flip the chicken pieces over to cook on the other side for another 3 minutes before reducing the heat to medium.
• Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Allow the sauce to bubble and thicken as it simmers. Continuously spoon the thickening sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. This process should take about 10 minutes. The sauce will reduce, becoming sticky and more concentrated in flavor, which is perfect for coating the chicken.

3. Finalizing and Serving:

• Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to a glaze, remove the skillet from heat. Slice the chicken into strips or serve the thighs whole on a plate of steamed rice, drizzled with the thick teriyaki sauce from the pan.
• Garnish with finely chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These not only add a burst of color but also texture and a slight nutty flavor, which complements the sweet and savory chicken beautifully.

Nutritional Insights

Chicken Teriyaki offers plenty of nutritional benefits. Here’s a breakdown:

• Calories: About 300 per serving making it a relatively light option for a main dish.
• Protein: Provides approximately 25 grams per serving, essential for muscle maintenance and growth.
• Carbohydrates: Around 20 grams per serving, primarily from the sauce ingredients, which provide quick energy.
• Fat: Approximately 10 grams per serving, ensuring you receive some healthy fats, which are crucial for nutrient absorption.
• Sodium: Can be moderated by adjusting the soy sauce quantity, allowing for a healthier meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for Chicken Teriyaki?

• Yes, chicken breast can be used for a leaner option. However, thighs are preferred for their richer flavor and moisture, which pair well with the teriyaki sauce.

What can I substitute for mirin in the teriyaki sauce?

• A good substitute for mirin is a combination of white wine and a little sugar, which mimics mirin’s sweet-tangy flavor profile. Alternatively, apple cider vinegar mixed with sugar can work in a pinch.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

• Absolutely! Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make the entire dish gluten-free without compromising on taste.

How long can I store leftover Chicken Teriyaki?

• Leftover Chicken Teriyaki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Chicken Teriyaki is versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides to make a complete meal:

• Steamed Rice: A classic pairing, providing a neutral background that lets the teriyaki shine.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Mix vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, quickly stir-fried with a touch of soy sauce, complement the richness of the teriyaki chicken.
• Noodle Dishes: Soba or udon noodles are excellent under a serving of Chicken Teriyaki, absorbing the sauce deliciously.
• Salad: A light salad dressed with a sesame or ginger dressing balances the sweetness and umami of the teriyaki sauce beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Teriyaki Every Time

1. Control the Heat: When cooking the chicken, start on medium-high to get a good sear, then reduce the heat when adding the sauce to avoid burning the sugars.
2. Constant Basting: Frequently spooning the sauce over the chicken while it cooks ensures the meat absorbs all the flavors and enhances the caramelization on the surface.
3. Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your preference, the sweetness of the sauce can be adjusted. Some might enjoy a more savory note, so feel free to reduce the sugar slightly.

Chicken Teriyaki, with its delightful mix of sweet and savory, is a testament to the simplicity and elegance of Japanese cooking. It’s a dish that invites experimentation and can be tailored to various dietary needs and taste preferences. Enjoy crafting this dish that not only feeds the body but also offers a glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of Japan, making it a meaningful and tasty experience for everyone at the table.

Chicken Teriyaki

Stacy – GlobalRecipes4u.com

Learn to make Chicken Teriyaki, a popular Japanese dish perfect for a quick, delicious family meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Japanese

Servings 4

Equipment

• Frying Pan or Skillet
• Small Mixing Bowl
• Spatula or Tongs

Ingredients

  

Chicken

• 1.5 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs, known for their juiciness and flavor.

Soy Sauce

• 1/3 cup acting as the savory backbone of the teriyaki sauce.

Mirin

• 1/4 cup which introduces a sweet contrast to the soy sauce.

Sugar

• 2 tablespoons to enhance the mirin’s sweetness and help the sauce caramelize.

Sake

• 1 tablespoon optional but recommended for adding complexity.

Ginger

• 1 teaspoon freshly grated, to provide a zesty note that cuts through the sweetness.

Vegetable Oil

• 1 tablespoon for sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.

Garnishes

• Green onions and sesame seeds to add color and texture.

Instructions

 

Preparing the Teriyaki Sauce:

• Combine soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake in a small mixing bowl. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.

Cooking the Chicken:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs. Cook without moving them for about 3-4 minutes on one side, or until the underside is golden brown and slightly crispy.
• Flip the chicken pieces over to cook on the other side for another 3 minutes before reducing the heat to medium.
• Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Allow the sauce to bubble and thicken as it simmers. Continuously spoon the thickening sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. This process should take about 10 minutes. Reduce sauce till it becomes sticky and more concentrated in flavor.

Finalizing and Serving:

• Slice the chicken into strips or serve the thighs whole on a plate of steamed rice, drizzled with the thick teriyaki sauce from the pan.
• Garnish with finely chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Keyword Easy quick Chicken Teriyaki, How to make chicken teriyaki, Japanese chicken teriyaki recipe