Discover the secret to making the best Chicken Teriyaki at home with this detailed, easy-to-follow recipe. Enjoy the perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors in this classic Japanese dish that will leave you craving for more. Learn tips and tricks to master the art of Teriyaki sauce, and create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.
Chicken Teriyaki Recipe: A Flavorful Journey to Japan’s Culinary Delight
Chicken Teriyaki is a classic Japanese dish that has won hearts all over the world with its deliciously sweet and savory flavor profile. Originating from the culinary traditions of Japan, the word “teriyaki” derives from “teri,” which means luster, and “yaki,” which means grill or broil. This dish perfectly encapsulates the essence of Japanese cuisine – simplicity, balance, and the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
The Teriyaki sauce is the star of this dish, providing a glossy finish and a rich, umami-packed flavor that enhances the natural taste of the chicken. Traditionally, this sauce is made from a blend of soy sauce, mirin (a sweet rice wine), sake, and sugar. These ingredients come together to create a harmonious balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors that is both comforting and tantalizing to the taste buds.
Chicken Teriyaki is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. It can be served over a bed of steamed rice, paired with stir-fried vegetables, or wrapped in a sushi roll. The dish is also a fantastic choice for meal prepping, as it reheats well and retains its flavor and texture.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the ability to achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through each step to ensure you achieve the perfect Chicken Teriyaki every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Authentic Flavor: This recipe stays true to the traditional Japanese method, ensuring an authentic taste.
- Easy to Follow: With clear, step-by-step instructions, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main dish, in a bento box, or as part of a larger Japanese-themed meal.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredients Overview:
- Chicken Thighs: Preferred for their juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- Teriyaki Sauce: A blend of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, providing a balanced sweet and savory glaze.
- Aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger to enhance the flavor profile.
Authentic Chicken Teriyaki
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of authentic Chicken Teriyaki with our easy-to-follow recipe. This classic Japanese dish features juicy chicken glazed in a perfect blend of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Ideal for dinner or meal prepping, our recipe ensures a delicious, restaurant-quality meal every time.
Main Ingredients
Chicken Teriyaki:
Serving:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Heat the Skillet:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sear the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later.- Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down (if using skin-on), and sear until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side.
Simmer with the Marinade:
Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the chicken.- Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes.
Glaze the Chicken:
Spoon the thickened sauce over the chicken to glaze it beautifully.- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve:
Slice the chicken thighs and serve over steamed rice.- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Cholesterol 120mg40%
- Sodium 1000mg42%
- Potassium 400mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 25g50%
- Vitamin A 200 IU
- Vitamin C 5 mg
- Calcium 30 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 5 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.2 mg
- Niacin 10 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 10 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.5 mcg
- Biotin 2 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1 mg
- Phosphorus 200 mg
- Iodine 0.02 mcg
- Magnesium 20 mg
- Zinc 1.5 mg
- Selenium 25 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.2 mg
- Chromium 2 mcg
- Molybdenum 0.01 mcg
- Chloride 100 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
- Substitute mirin with a mix of rice vinegar and sugar if unavailable.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less sugar according to your preference.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to make it a complete meal.
Tips & Tricks
- Marination: For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Searing: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice sear.
- Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thin, simmer longer; if too thick, add a bit of water.
- Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Cutting Chicken: Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain its juices.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed white or brown rice.
- Pair with a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables.
- Add a bowl of miso soup for a complete Japanese meal.
- Top with a fried egg for a protein-packed variation.
- Include a side of pickled vegetables to balance the flavors.
Dietary Restrictions
- Contains soy and alcohol (sake).
