A Chicken Teriyaki dish is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal that features tender chicken glazed in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. This recipe is great for weeknight dinners or serving guests, and can be paired with rice, veggies, or noodles. Here’s a simple recipe to prepare Chicken Teriyaki at home:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
Optional Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- Steamed vegetables (like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create a slurry, then slowly whisk it into the simmering sauce. Continue to simmer for 1-2 more minutes until the sauce thickens. If you prefer a thinner sauce, skip the cornstarch step.
3. Coat the Chicken with the Sauce:
- Once the sauce is ready, return the chicken to the skillet and pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, turning the chicken to coat it evenly in the glaze. The sauce should slightly caramelize on the chicken.
4. Serve:
- Slice the chicken into thin strips (optional), and serve it over cooked rice or with your favorite steamed vegetables.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
Tips:
- Chicken Thighs: If you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Grilled Chicken Teriyaki: You can also grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it for a smoky flavor. Simply brush the grilled chicken with the teriyaki sauce just before serving.
- Vegetable Add-ins: For extra veggies, you can stir-fry broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas in the same skillet before adding the chicken and sauce back in.
- Double the Sauce: If you like more sauce, feel free to double the sauce ingredients and pour some over the rice or vegetables.
This Chicken Teriyaki is an easy and tasty dish that is sure to be a hit with the whole family! Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.