Introduction
Teriyaki chicken is one of those dishes that instantly brings a sense of comfort and joy. It is a beloved classic from Japanese cuisine that has found its way into kitchens all around the world. What makes teriyaki chicken so special is its perfect blend of flavors.
The sauce is both sweet and savory with a slight tang, which beautifully complements the tender, juicy chicken. The name teriyaki comes from the Japanese words “teri” meaning glaze or shine and “yaki” meaning to grill or broil. This dish is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make at home.
You do not need a lot of fancy ingredients, and with just a little time and care, you can create a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Whether you are cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing something special for guests, teriyaki chicken is always a great choice.
It pairs wonderfully with rice and vegetables and can be adjusted to suit your personal taste. In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect teriyaki chicken from scratch. From the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to helpful tips and nutritional information, you will find everything you need in one place.
Ingredients Needed
To make the best teriyaki chicken, it is important to gather fresh and high-quality ingredients. The recipe is simple and does not require many components, but each ingredient plays a key role in building the delicious flavor of the sauce and the juiciness of the chicken.
You will need chicken thighs because they stay tender and juicy when cooked. Boneless and skinless is best for ease of preparation, but you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
The teriyaki sauce is made from a combination of soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and garlic and ginger which give it the signature sweet and savory taste. Mirin is a type of sweet rice wine that adds a mild sweetness and depth to the sauce. Sake is optional but recommended because it enhances the flavor even more.
Vegetable oil is used to cook the chicken in the pan. Fresh garlic and ginger add a warm and aromatic kick to the sauce. Finally, for garnish and an extra touch of flavor, green onions and sesame seeds are perfect.
Here is a helpful table with the ingredients and approximate calorie counts per serving:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) per serving* |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) | 4 pieces (about 1 pound) | 430 kcal |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup | 35 kcal |
| Mirin (sweet rice wine) | 1/4 cup | 70 kcal |
| Sake (optional) | 2 tablespoons | 30 kcal |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons | 90 kcal |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | 9 kcal |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 tablespoon | 5 kcal |
| Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon | 120 kcal |
| Green onions (sliced) | 2 stalks | 10 kcal |
| Sesame seeds (optional) | 1 teaspoon | 15 kcal |
Calories are approximate and based on four servings.
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Cooking teriyaki chicken at home is very straightforward, and the results are always rewarding.
Start by preparing the sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake if you are using it, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This simple mixture will form the base of your teriyaki glaze.
Next, place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the sauce over the chicken, making sure all the pieces are well coated. This step is important because it allows the flavors to soak into the meat. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes. If you have more time, letting it marinate for one to two hours will make the flavor even more intense.
When you are ready to cook, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade but do not discard the marinade yet. Place the chicken in the hot pan and cook for about five to six minutes on each side. You want the chicken to develop a nice golden brown color and to be cooked through but still juicy inside.
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the remaining marinade into the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium low and let the sauce simmer gently. Stir occasionally and turn the chicken pieces so they become beautifully coated in the thick, shiny teriyaki glaze. This should take about three to five minutes. Keep an eye on the sauce to avoid burning.
Finally, remove the chicken from the heat. You can slice it into bite-sized pieces or leave it whole. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add color and extra flavor. Your teriyaki chicken is now ready to serve.
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Tips for Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about this teriyaki chicken recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily adjust it to match your personal taste and dietary preferences.
If you like your food with a bit of heat, try adding a teaspoon of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce. This adds a spicy kick that balances nicely with the sweetness of the glaze.
If you prefer a leaner cut of meat, chicken breasts work perfectly fine, but you should be careful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out faster than thighs.
For those who need a gluten-free version, swap the regular soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. This simple change lets you enjoy the flavors without worry.
Adding vegetables is a great way to turn this dish into a full meal. You can stir-fry bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots and serve them alongside or mix them into the skillet right after cooking the chicken.
Adjusting the sweetness of the sauce is also easy. If you want it less sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar or try honey for a different kind of natural sweetness. If you want a thicker sauce, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce while simmering to get the perfect consistency.
Nutritional Information
Teriyaki chicken is not only delicious but also a nutritious choice. Each serving typically contains about three hundred to three hundred fifty calories, making it a reasonable option for lunch or dinner.
It provides a good amount of protein, usually between thirty and thirty-five grams per serving. This protein content supports muscle repair and keeps you feeling full longer.
The carbohydrate content mainly comes from the sugars in the sauce, which is around ten to fifteen grams per serving. The fat content is moderate, ranging between twelve to fifteen grams, mostly coming from the chicken thighs and the vegetable oil used in cooking.
One thing to note is that soy sauce contains a significant amount of sodium, so if you are watching your salt intake, consider using a low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall salt content.
The recipe also provides some fiber, especially if you add vegetables to your meal. Overall, teriyaki chicken can be part of a balanced diet when eaten with whole grains and fresh vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Teriyaki chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options.
The classic way to enjoy it is over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. The rice soaks up the rich sauce and complements the flavors perfectly.
You can also serve it alongside steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or bok choy to add a nutritious and colorful touch to your plate.
Another popular option is to serve teriyaki chicken on top of noodles, which makes for a comforting and filling meal.
If you want something a little different, try using the chicken as a protein topping in salads. The sweet and savory glaze pairs wonderfully with fresh greens and crunchy vegetables.
For a quick and casual meal, you can even wrap the sliced chicken and some veggies in warm tortillas or lettuce leaves to make delicious teriyaki chicken wraps.
No matter how you serve it, this dish is sure to be a hit.
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Conclusion
Making teriyaki chicken at home is easier than many people think, and the results are well worth the effort.
This dish is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of Japanese cuisine in your own kitchen. It is simple, tasty, and can be customized to fit your preferences and dietary needs.
With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a meal that is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
Whether you are cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, teriyaki chicken is always a crowd-pleaser.
Give this recipe a try and discover how a few basic ingredients can come together to make something truly delicious. You might find it becoming a staple in your recipe collection.