Hey there, my friend! If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, you’ve got to try my teriyaki chicken recipe. Seriously, it’s a game changer! This recipe is quick to whip up and packed with that irresistible sweet and savory flavor that just sings with every bite. I mean, who doesn’t love the glossy, sticky sauce that clings to tender chicken strips? Trust me, I’ve made this on busy weeknights and it’s always a winner.
My favorite part? You can marinate the chicken ahead of time—like, even overnight if you want to kick the flavor up a notch! It’s perfect for family dinners, or even when you need something nice for a casual get-together. Plus, it pairs beautifully with steamed rice or fresh veggies. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into making this delicious teriyaki chicken together!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
These ingredients are simple and easy to find, making this teriyaki chicken recipe a breeze to prepare. I love how the combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil creates that magical glaze that’s just unbeatable! Don’t forget to have your garlic and ginger ready to go—they’re the flavor powerhouses in this dish. Trust me, you’ll want to have everything prepped and measured out before you start cooking. It makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare the Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Now, let’s get into the heart of this teriyaki chicken recipe! I’m so excited to share the steps with you because they’re super straightforward and oh-so-satisfying. Just follow along, and I promise you’ll end up with a dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Japanese restaurant!
Marinating the Chicken
First things first, let’s marinate that chicken! In a good-sized bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. This marinade is where all the flavor magic happens, so don’t skimp on the time. I usually let my chicken soak up those delicious flavors for about 30 minutes. But if you have the luxury of time, marinating overnight is a game changer! Just pop it in the fridge, and you’ll be rewarded with an even more flavorful result when you cook it. Yum!
Cooking the Chicken
Alright, after your chicken has soaked in that flavorful goodness, it’s time to cook! Heat a skillet over medium heat, and then add the marinated chicken along with all that beautiful marinade. Sizzle, sizzle! Cook the chicken for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to make sure the chicken is cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) (source). This step is super important because no one wants to bite into undercooked chicken! Plus, that marinade will reduce down and create a lovely sticky sauce while the chicken cooks.
Thickening the Sauce
Now, here comes the fun part—thickening that sauce! In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Once your chicken is cooked, pour the slurry into the skillet, stirring constantly. You’ll notice the sauce starts to bubble and thicken beautifully! This will give your teriyaki chicken that glossy finish that makes it so irresistible. Keep stirring for a minute or two until it reaches the perfect consistency. And just like that, you’re almost ready to serve!
Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—dinner is ready in just 25 minutes!
- Minimal cleanup required; just one skillet and a bowl for marinating.
- Sweet and savory flavor that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile—great on its own, or served over rice or veggies.
- Can be marinated ahead of time for an even richer flavor.
- Kid-friendly and sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
- Gluten-free option with simple ingredient swaps.
- Budget-friendly, using just a few affordable ingredients.
- You’ll impress your family and friends with this homemade delight!
Tips for Success with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Now, before you dive into making this amazing teriyaki chicken, I want to share some of my best tips to ensure you nail it every time! Trust me, a few little tricks can make a world of difference in flavor and texture.
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If you can, marinate your chicken overnight! It really allows those flavors to penetrate deeply. But even if you’re short on time, just 30 minutes will still make a difference.
- Cut Uniformly: Make sure your chicken strips are cut evenly. This helps them cook at the same rate, ensuring no pieces are over or undercooked. No one likes a chewy piece of chicken!
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Give your chicken time to sear a bit in the skillet. This helps develop those delicious, caramelized bits that add depth to your dish. Plus, it enhances the overall flavor!
- Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar. If you like it sweeter, add a touch more; if you prefer it less sweet, reduce it a bit. It’s all about making it your own!
- Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger make a huge difference! They bring a brightness and punch that pre-packaged versions just can’t match. Plus, the aroma while cooking is to die for!
- Thickening Tip: When making your cornstarch slurry, make sure to mix it well to avoid lumps. If your sauce doesn’t thicken as expected, just give it a little more time over the heat while stirring.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the sesame seeds and green onions! They add a lovely crunch and freshness that elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise. It’s like the cherry on top!
- Pair with the Right Sides: Serve your teriyaki chicken with steamed rice or sautéed veggies to soak up that luscious sauce. It makes for a complete meal that everyone will adore!
- Experiment: Feel free to play around with the recipe! Add veggies to the skillet during cooking for a stir-fry twist or try different proteins like tofu or shrimp for a tasty variation.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a teriyaki chicken that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my teriyaki chicken recipe. Keep in mind, these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 30g
This teriyaki chicken is not only delicious but also packs a protein punch, making it a satisfying option for dinner. If you’re looking to tweak it for your dietary needs, feel free to adjust ingredients like the soy sauce for lower sodium options or use less sugar if you prefer. Enjoy your meal, guilt-free!
FAQ About Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
I know you might have a few questions, so let’s dive into some of the most common ones I get about this teriyaki chicken recipe. I want you to feel totally confident when you make this dish, so here’s the scoop!
Can I use a different type of chicken?
Absolutely! While I love using chicken breast for its lean texture, you can easily swap in chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have sesame oil?
No worries! If you’re out of sesame oil, you can substitute it with olive oil or vegetable oil. It won’t have the same nutty flavor, but your teriyaki chicken will still taste amazing. If you can, just add a sprinkle of sesame seeds at the end for that signature flavor!
Can I make this teriyaki chicken recipe gluten-free?
Yes, definitely! Just use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. It’s an easy swap that keeps all the delicious flavor intact while catering to gluten-free diets.
What can I serve with teriyaki chicken?
Oh, I love this question! Teriyaki chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice or quinoa, and you can’t go wrong with sautéed veggies like bell peppers and broccoli. It also makes a delightful filling for lettuce wraps if you’re feeling a bit adventurous!
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, and you’ll be good to go!
Can I freeze teriyaki chicken?
Yes! You can freeze the cooked teriyaki chicken. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It should stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned earlier.
What variations can I try?
Feel free to get creative! You can add veggies like snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the skillet for a stir-fry twist. Or try adding pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy flavor! You could even experiment with different proteins like shrimp or tofu. The possibilities are endless!
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just be mindful of your skillet size. If you double the ingredients, you might need to cook them in batches to ensure everything gets that lovely sear and cooks evenly. It’s perfect for meal prep or serving a crowd!
With these FAQs covered, you’re all set to whip up this delicious teriyaki chicken! Enjoy the cooking adventure!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s chat about how to store your delicious leftover teriyaki chicken! I know it’s hard to resist eating it all in one sitting, but if you do have some left, you’ll want to keep it fresh for later. First, cool the chicken completely before storing it. This helps avoid any condensation that can make it soggy.
Transfer your teriyaki chicken into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay good for about three days—perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch! If you’re looking to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty zip-top bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing. It’ll last in the freezer for up to three months!
Now, when you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is super simple. For the best results, I recommend reheating in a skillet over low heat. Just add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist, and stir occasionally until it’s heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just pop it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a paper towel, and heat in short bursts, stirring in between until it’s warmed up. Easy peasy!
With these storage and reheating tips, your teriyaki chicken will taste just as good the next day—if it even lasts that long! Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Recipe: 5 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple teriyaki chicken recipe that is quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Add chicken strips to the marinade and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken along with the marinade.
- Cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Add the slurry to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for better flavor.
- Serve with steamed rice or vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: teriyaki chicken recipe, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner ideas