Teriyaki Chicken is one of those crowd-pleasers that’s not only simple to whip up but rewarding in its savory-sweet flavor profile. With just a handful of ingredients, you’re only 20 minutes away from a delicious homemade dish that’ll have everyone thinking you ordered takeout from an upscale Japanese restaurant. Let’s dive into this kitchen-favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Weeknight Dinner: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for those busy evenings.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely have on hand, making it convenient and cost-effective.
- Flavor Bomb: A delightful combination of savory, sweet, and tangy that caters to diverse taste buds.
- Customizable: Easily adapted to suit various dietary needs and flavor preferences with simple ingredient swaps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Teriyaki Chicken recipe lies in its simplicity, yet each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving a balance of flavors and textures. You’ll love how these basic items transform into something truly mouthwatering.
- Olive oil: A heart-healthy oil to sauté the chicken, imparting a subtle fruity aroma.
- Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-size pieces for quick cooking and tender texture.
- Salt and pepper: Seasoning is key to unlocking the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Soy sauce: The umami-rich foundation of the teriyaki sauce, infusing depth and savory notes.
- Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the soy sauce’s saltiness and creates a glaze.
- Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor and aroma that complements the sauce beautifully.
- Rice vinegar: Offers a mild tang that enhances the brightness of the dish.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to that signature glossy finish.
- Steamed rice (optional): The perfect neutral base to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Variations
This Teriyaki Chicken is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to put your own spin on it to cater to dietary preferences, nutritional needs, or just to experiment with flavors you love.
- Spicy Teriyaki: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a kick of heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Throw in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing taste.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken bite-sized pieces with salt and pepper to taste. Add them to the skillet, cooking until they are no longer pink inside, making sure to stir often for even cooking. This will take about 7-8 minutes.
Step 2: Combine and Cook the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is completely dissolved. Add this mixture to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating the chicken beautifully, which should take another 2-3 minutes.
Pro Tips for Making Teriyaki Chicken
- Perfect Glaze: Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved before adding to the pan to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth glaze.
- Golden Sear: Sear the chicken pieces well before adding the sauce to lock in juices and enhance flavor.
- Prep Ahead: Cut the chicken and prep the sauce ingredients ahead of time for a stress-free cooking experience.
- Ingredient Flexibility: Feel free to tweak sugar levels in the sauce to suit your personal taste for a sweeter or less sweet teriyaki.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken
Garnishes
Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top of your Teriyaki Chicken before serving. These garnishes add a slight crunch and a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the rich sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine rice is a classic pairing, but you can also serve Teriyaki Chicken with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad to balance out the savory sweetness of the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in individual bowl settings over rice with a neat sprinkle of sesame seeds and a side of pickled ginger for a touch of color. Or get creative by filling lettuce cups with the chicken for a fun, hands-on dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be a lifesaver! Store any unused Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring it maintains its flavor and moisture.
Freezing
For longer storage, feel free to freeze the cooked Teriyaki Chicken in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months, ready to be reheated for a quick meal later.
Reheating
Reheat your Teriyaki Chicken gently over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave it, covered, in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs work well and offer a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
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What if my sauce doesn’t thicken?
If your sauce isn’t thickening, ensure your cornstarch is fully incorporated and increase the heat slightly while stirring. It should thicken as it cooks.
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How can I make this dish vegan or vegetarian?
Swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use a vegetable broth-based sauce for a delightful plant-based version of Teriyaki Chicken.
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Is Teriyaki Chicken safe to freeze with the sauce?
Yes, it’s safe to freeze the chicken with the sauce. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before placing it in the freezer, and use a proper, airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t yet tried making Teriyaki Chicken at home, you’re in for a treat. It’s a fast, flavorful dish that’s customizable and perfect for any occasion. I hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your home, as it has in mine. Bon appétit!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This delicious Teriyaki Chicken recipe features tender bite-sized chicken pieces cooked to perfection in a savory, slightly sweet homemade sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, it is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, served best over steamed rice for a complete Asian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar
Other
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
Optional
- Steamed rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat oil: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, preparing for cooking the chicken.
- Cook chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until they are well browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, light brown sugar, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth and the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Add sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and turns shiny, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer the teriyaki chicken to a serving dish and serve immediately over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sliced green onions or sesame seeds on top before serving.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it before serving.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Perfect for meal prepping; refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
