Get ready to embark on a delicious journey with a dish that’s as quick to make as it is to devour. Welcome to the world of Teriyaki Chicken, where tender chicken pieces are enrobed in a dazzling sweet and savory sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impromptu feast. It’s simplicity at its finest, delivering bold flavors with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Teriyaki Chicken recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weekdays.
- Flavor-Packed: A mouthwatering blend of savory soy sauce and sweet brown sugar make every bite irresistible.
- Versatile: Pair it with rice, noodles, or even a fresh salad to suit your craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that together create a symphony of flavors. The key lies in each component, especially the sweet and tangy sauce that elevates the tender chicken.
- Olive Oil: Helps to sear the chicken beautifully, adding a subtle earthiness.
- Chicken Breast: Becomes tender and juicy when cooked just right, offering the perfect protein base.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the chicken’s natural flavors.
- Soy Sauce: Provides depth and a rich umami punch to the sauce.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce effortlessly.
- Garlic: Infuses every bite with aromatic warmth.
- Rice Vinegar: Introduces a tart counterpoint that brightens the dish.
- Cornstarch: Creates a glossy, thickened sauce that clings to each piece of chicken.
- Steamed Rice (Optional): A perfect bed to soak up the delicious sauce.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to make this Teriyaki Chicken your own. It’s a flexible recipe that caters brilliantly to personal tastes and dietary needs.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to adapt the recipe for gluten sensitivities.
- Spicy Kick: Add a splash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to fire things up if you love a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and you’ve got a plant-based version that’s just as satisfying.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink inside. This searing step locks in all those wonderful juices!
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, whip up the sauce. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Stir well to ensure the cornstarch dissolves completely, creating a smooth mixture ready to work its magic.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir continuously as the sauce begins to bubble and thicken. This step transforms the sauce into a shiny glaze, enveloping each piece of chicken beautifully. Once thickened, it’s time to serve.
Pro Tips for Making Teriyaki Chicken
- Perfect Browning: Ensure the skillet is hot enough to get a nice sear on the chicken, giving it a flavorful crust.
- Smooth Sauce: Mix the cornstarch thoroughly in the sauce to avoid lumps, achieving a silky consistency.
- Quick Marinade: For extra flavor, let the chicken sit in the sauce for 10 minutes before cooking.
- Ingredient Balance: Adjust soy sauce and sugar to taste, based on how sweet or salty you prefer.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken
Garnishes
Top your Teriyaki Chicken with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions. These garnishes add a lovely crunch and a pop of freshness, enhancing both the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice, which soak up the delicious sauce. Consider adding steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken in lettuce cups or on top of a warm noodle salad. Layering different textures and colors makes for an exciting and Instagram-worthy meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop even more, making leftovers equally delightful.
Freezing
If you plan to freeze, make sure to cool the chicken completely before packaging it tightly. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave for a quick fix.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to be more forgiving. Just ensure they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
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What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
Feel free to substitute apple cider vinegar or even white wine vinegar for a similar tangy effect.
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What’s the best way to add vegetables?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or carrots directly to the skillet after cooking the chicken, or steam them separately.
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How can I make the dish less sweet?
Adjust the sugar content by reducing the amount of brown sugar or adding a squeeze of lemon juice for additional acidity.
Final Thoughts
With its unbeatable blend of simple ingredients and rich flavors, this Teriyaki Chicken is bound to become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire. Give it a try, and let each mouthful transport you to a new culinary experience. Enjoy!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This flavorful Teriyaki Chicken recipe combines tender bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a savory and slightly sweet homemade sauce. Quick to prepare and cook, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or meal prep. Serve over steamed rice for a classic Asian-inspired dish that balances protein and vibrant flavors in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein and Basic Seasoning
– 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 Tbsp. olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar
– 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
Optional
– Steamed rice
Instructions
- Heat oil in skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, ensuring it coats the bottom evenly.
- Cook chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the hot skillet. Cook, stirring often, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until fully combined and the cornstarch is dissolved.
- Add sauce: Pour the sauce into the skillet with cooked chicken. Continue to stir and cook until the mixture thickens to a shiny, glaze-like consistency, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to taste.
- For a thicker sauce, add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in a bit of water.
- This dish can be easily doubled for larger gatherings or meal prepping.
- For extra flavor, garnish with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
