If you’re a fan of quick and easy meals, just like me, then you’re going to love this Teriyaki Chicken recipe! As a dad who’s always juggling things around the house, I know the struggle of putting a tasty, satisfying meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’m all about recipes that give you big flavors with less effort. And this one? It’s a winner.
Imagine juicy, tender pieces of chicken, coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze. The sauce is sticky, just the right kind of sweet, and has a hint of that umami flavor we all crave. Every bite is packed with flavor that hits all the right spots – perfect with a warm bowl of rice! Plus, it’s so easy to make; you’ll have it ready before the kids start asking, “What’s for dinner?”
This recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen, and I’m excited to share it with you. Let’s cook up something delicious!
What is Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki Chicken is a popular Japanese-inspired dish featuring tender chicken pieces glazed in a rich, sticky sauce made from soy sauce, mirin (a sweet rice wine), sugar, and sometimes sake. The “teriyaki” technique refers to grilling or broiling foods while basting them in this sweet-savory sauce, which gives a glossy, caramelized finish.
In the Filipino kitchen, Teriyaki Chicken is loved for its flavorful, balanced sauce that’s perfect over a bowl of rice. It’s a go-to meal for many because it’s quick, easy to prepare, and full of flavors that kids and adults both enjoy.
Teriyaki Chicken Ingredients
Boneless Chicken Thighs – Juicy and tender, chicken thighs bring a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory teriyaki sauce, staying moist and flavorful even after cooking.
Salt and Pepper – These simple seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the chicken, adding just the right amount of seasoning.
Cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce, creating a smooth, glossy texture that clings beautifully to the chicken.
Garlic and Ginger – Minced fresh, these two add a bold aroma and a hint of warmth, giving the sauce a rich depth that enhances the teriyaki flavor.
Soy Sauce – Salty and savory, soy sauce forms the base of the teriyaki sauce, balancing well with the sweetness of honey and sugar.
Honey and Sugar – Together, these add a gentle sweetness that caramelizes, bringing out a balanced, sticky glaze that coats the chicken.
Vinegar – Adds a bit of tang to balance the sweet and salty flavors, rounding out the sauce with a subtle acidity.
How To Cook Chicken Teriyaki
Season the Chicken
First, take your chicken thigh pieces and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. This will bring out their natural flavor. Next, coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch. The cornstarch helps give the chicken a nice golden crust when it cooks and also helps thicken the sauce later.
Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a bowl, combine minced garlic and ginger with soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sugar, and water. Stir everything together until it’s fully mixed, then set it aside. This is your teriyaki sauce, packed with savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors.
Cook the Chicken
Heat some cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add your chicken pieces and cook them for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’ll want the chicken to be golden brown and cooked all the way through. The browning adds flavor and makes the dish even more appetizing!
Add the Teriyaki Sauce
Now, pour the teriyaki sauce into the pan with the chicken. Let the sauce simmer with the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the sauce to thicken and cling to each piece of chicken, giving it that classic sticky and delicious teriyaki finish.
Let it Cool and Serve
Once the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly. This helps the sauce thicken even more, making each bite more flavorful. Serve the teriyaki chicken over steamed rice and, if you like, add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or green onions on top for an extra touch. Enjoy!
Tips When Cooking Chicken Teriyaki
Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger
Fresh garlic and ginger make a huge difference in the flavor of the sauce. They add depth and aroma that you can’t get from powdered alternatives.
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch
Coating the chicken with cornstarch gives it a nice, golden crust when cooked and helps the sauce cling better. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in texture!
Brown the Chicken First
Cooking the chicken until golden brown on both sides adds extra flavor and gives it a nice texture. It also seals in the juices, keeping the meat tender.
Adjust the Sweetness to Your Taste
Teriyaki sauce is all about balance! If you prefer it sweeter, add a little extra honey or sugar. If you want less sweetness, go easy on the sugar or add a touch more vinegar for extra tang.
Simmer to Thicken the Sauce
Let the sauce simmer with the chicken to thicken it up. Be patient and avoid high heat, as this could burn the sauce. Low and slow is the way to go for a perfectly glossy, sticky finish.
Garnish for Extra Flavor
A sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions not only adds flavor but also makes the dish look extra appetizing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, chicken breast works too, but it may be slightly less juicy. Be careful not to overcook it to keep it tender.
Absolutely! Prepare it in advance and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the sauce smooth.
You can use maple syrup or brown sugar as a substitute. These will add a similar sweetness to the sauce.
You can use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce saltiness. Adjusting with a bit more water or sugar can also help balance the flavor.
Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 boneless Chicken Thighs
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tbsp Cooking Oil
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 inch ginger minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Season the chicken thigh pieces with salt and pepper, then coat them with 1 tbsp of cornstarch.
- In a bowl, combine the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sugar and water. Stir until everything is well mixed, then set aside.
- Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thigh pieces and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce into the pan with the chicken. Let it simmer for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Remove from heat and let the dish cool slightly to thicken further. Serve over steamed rice, and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
