Teriyaki chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings a taste of Japan to your kitchen. Its perfect balance of sweet and umami flavors makes it an instant hit with both kids and adults alike. In just half an hour, you can whip up this restaurant-quality meal right in your own home!

Chef's Notes:

• Teriyaki chicken is a delicious Japanese-inspired dish that's perfect for busy weeknights.
• The secret lies in the homemade teriyaki sauce, crafted with common pantry staples.
• Mastering the cooking technique ensures succulent chicken coated in a glossy, flavorful glaze.

What is Teriyaki Chicken?

Teriyaki is a Japanese cooking style where meat is coated with a shiny, sweet soy sauce glaze. The term combines teri, meaning glossy, and yaki, referring to grilling or broiling. While authentic Japanese teriyaki is quite basic, our Westernized version incorporates additional ingredients for a more nuanced flavor profile.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the teriyaki sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

Making the Teriyaki Sauce

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the luscious teriyaki sauce. Here's how to create it:

1. Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.

2. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger until well incorporated.

3. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry.

4. Blend the cornstarch mixture into the sauce and whisk until fully combined.

This sauce achieves a harmonious balance of sweetness and savoriness, with a subtle tang from the rice vinegar. Fresh ginger and garlic infuse the sauce with aromatic depth and complexity.

Preparing the Chicken

We opt for chicken thighs in this recipe for their juicy tenderness. They're more forgiving than breasts and remain succulent even if slightly overcooked. Follow these steps to prep them:

1. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the chicken thighs.

2. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper.

3. For even cooking, consider flattening thicker pieces to a uniform thickness.

Cooking the Teriyaki Chicken

Now, let's bring all the elements together:

1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.

2. Cook the seasoned chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side until golden.

3. Set the cooked chicken aside on a clean plate.

4. Pour the teriyaki sauce into the hot skillet, scraping up any flavorful browned bits.

5. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes.

6. Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is well-coated with sauce.

7. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce forms a sticky glaze.

The key to success lies in allowing the sauce to reduce properly. This process intensifies the flavors and creates that signature teriyaki stickiness we all crave.

Serving Suggestions

Teriyaki chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to side dishes. Here are some delicious pairing ideas:

• Serve atop a mound of fluffy white rice or nutrient-rich brown rice.
• Add steamed broccoli or a medley of stir-fried veggies for a well-rounded meal.
• Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and visual appeal.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient amount per serving

• • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fat: 16g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 890mg

Tips for the Best Teriyaki Chicken

Elevate your teriyaki chicken game with these pro tips:

1. Opt for chicken thighs to ensure juicy, flavorful results.

2. Be patient during the sauce reduction phase – it's crucial for developing rich flavors.

3. For a lighter version, try grilling or baking the chicken instead of pan-frying.

4. Spice lovers can add a squirt of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

5. Make extra for convenient meal prep – it stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Variations to Try

Once you've mastered the classic recipe, why not experiment with these tasty variations?

• Teriyaki Salmon: Apply the same delicious sauce to salmon fillets for an omega-rich twist.
• Vegetarian Teriyaki: Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh to create a plant-based delight.
• Pineapple Teriyaki: Introduce some diced pineapple to the sauce for a tropical flavor explosion.

Remember, the joy of cooking lies in making each recipe uniquely yours. Feel free to adjust the sauce's sweetness or saltiness to perfectly suit your palate.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Chicken breasts can be used, but they require careful cooking to prevent drying out. Try cutting them into smaller pieces or pounding them to an even thickness for best results.

Is teriyaki sauce gluten-free?

Traditional teriyaki sauce contains wheat-based soy sauce. For a gluten-free alternative, simply substitute tamari for the regular soy sauce in the recipe.

Can I make teriyaki chicken in advance?

Certainly! Teriyaki chicken is great for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water if needed to revive the sauce.

What can I substitute for mirin?

If mirin is unavailable, try a mixture of rice vinegar and sugar, or even a dry white wine with a touch of sugar added.

Is teriyaki chicken very sweet?

The sweetness level is customizable. If you prefer a less sweet version, simply reduce the amount of brown sugar in your sauce.

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