This Teriyaki Chicken recipe delivers a sticky, sweet, and savory flavor explosion. It’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for quick weeknight meals. Serve it over rice, in wraps, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a satisfying and balanced dinner.

About This Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Teriyaki chicken is a classic dish loved for its vibrant flavor and simplicity. This recipe takes the fuss out of making teriyaki sauce from scratch, offering a quick and convenient method without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and customize to your preferences.

The key to perfect teriyaki chicken lies in the balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The combination of soy sauce, sugar, garlic powder, water, lemon juice, and ginger creates a rich and complex sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. Cornstarch is added to thicken the sauce, giving it that desirable glossy and sticky texture.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the amount of sugar to suit your sweetness preference or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or seasonings to create your own unique twist on this classic dish.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

By: Julia Pacheco

Ingredients

• 1 ½ tablespoons canola oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅓ cup water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ tablespoon freshly minced ginger
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

Instructions

1. Brush the canola oil onto the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is lightly coated.
2. Heat a large pan or skillet over high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, so cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Turn off the heat once the chicken is cooked.
3. In a separate pot, combine the soy sauce, sugar, garlic powder, water, lemon juice, and minced ginger. Stir the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Continue stirring to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
4. Once the sauce is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to reduce slightly. This step is crucial for developing the rich and complex flavor of the teriyaki sauce.
5. While the sauce is simmering, prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Ensure there are no lumps in the slurry. Once the sauce has simmered for the specified time, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the sauce while continuously stirring.
6. Continue stirring the sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes. The cornstarch will help to create a glossy and sticky texture that coats the chicken beautifully.
7. Plate the cooked chicken and generously pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over it, ensuring each piece is well coated.
8. Serve the teriyaki chicken hot, preferably over a bed of white or brown rice. You can also serve it with your favorite vegetables, such as steamed broccoli, stir-fried bell peppers, or grilled asparagus, to create a balanced and nutritious meal.

Serving Suggestions

Teriyaki chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:

• Rice: Serve over white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Vegetables: Add steamed broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, grilled zucchini, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
• Noodles: Toss the teriyaki chicken with stir-fried noodles for a quick and easy Asian-inspired dish.
• Wraps: Use the chicken as a filling for lettuce wraps or tortillas for a lighter meal.
• Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or red pepper flakes for added flavor and visual appeal.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best teriyaki chicken every time:

• Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the flavor of the dish. Use good-quality soy sauce, fresh ginger, and lean chicken thighs for the best results.
• Marinate the chicken: For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of brown. Cook the chicken in batches to ensure it gets a nice sear on all sides.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. You can also use a sugar substitute, such as honey or maple syrup, for a different flavor profile.
• Add a touch of heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce.
• Thicken the sauce to your liking: Adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired sauce consistency. For a thicker sauce, use more cornstarch; for a thinner sauce, use less.

Variations of Teriyaki Chicken

This teriyaki chicken recipe is just a starting point. Here are some variations to try:

• Teriyaki Chicken Bowls: Assemble bowls with rice, teriyaki chicken, and your favorite toppings, such as avocado, shredded carrots, and a fried egg.
• Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: Grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it for a smoky flavor. Marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
• Baked Teriyaki Chicken: Bake the chicken in the oven for a healthier option. Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken: Cook the chicken in a slow cooker for a hands-off meal. Place the chicken and teriyaki sauce in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and serve over rice.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

• Calories: 370 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0.1g
• Cholesterol: 111mg
• Sodium: 899mg
• Potassium: 277mg
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Sugar: 13g
• Vitamin A: 89IU
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 14mg
• Iron: 1mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is estimated and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Video Tutorial

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