Teriyaki Chicken

A delicious Teriyaki Chicken recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. This dish features tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory caramelized sauce that is sure to impress. With quick cooking methods like stovetop, slow cooker, Instant Pot, and oven-baked options, this recipe offers versatility while remaining simple and flavorful.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• For the Teriyaki Sauce
• For Garnish
• How to Make Teriyaki Chicken
• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
• Step 3: Cook Until Thickened
• Step 4: Garnish and Serve
• How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken
• With Rice
• With Noodles
• With Vegetables
• How to Perfect Teriyaki Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Teriyaki Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Teriyaki Chicken
• Reheating Teriyaki Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make Teriyaki Chicken gluten-free?
• What side dishes pair well with Teriyaki Chicken?
• Can I use a different protein for this recipe?
• What is the best way to store leftover Teriyaki Chicken?
• Can I prepare Teriyaki Chicken ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a tasty meal on the table in no time.
• Multiple Cooking Methods: Choose between stovetop, slow cooker, Instant Pot, or oven-baked to suit your schedule and preferences.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of soy sauce, honey, and ginger creates a rich sauce that elevates the chicken to new heights.
• Customizable Ingredients: Add your favorite vegetables or adjust the sweetness of the sauce to match your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes great leftovers, making it ideal for lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Teriyaki Chicken, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Slow cooker (optional)
• Instant Pot (optional)
• Baking dish (for oven-baked method)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or frying pan: Ideal for searing chicken quickly while allowing the sauce to thicken beautifully.
• Slow cooker: Perfect for those who prefer a hands-off approach; it tenderizes the chicken effortlessly.
• Instant Pot: Cuts down cooking time significantly while ensuring juicy chicken with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this Teriyaki Chicken recipe:

For the Chicken

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/4 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

For the Teriyaki Sauce

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For Garnish

• Sesame seeds
• Green onions

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How to Make Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
1. Add the cubed chicken to the pan.
2. Cook until browned on both sides and fully cooked through.

Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl:
1. Whisk together all teriyaki sauce ingredients until well combined.
2. Pour this mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet.

Step 3: Cook Until Thickened

Continue to cook:
1. Allow the sauce to bubble and thicken around the chicken for about 3-5 minutes.
2. Stir occasionally to ensure even coating.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once thickened:
1. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
2. Serve with steamed rice or noodles alongside fresh vegetables for a complete meal.

Now you have a flavorful Teriyaki Chicken dish ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken

Serving teriyaki chicken is a delightful experience that can elevate your meal. This dish pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes, creating a balanced and satisfying plate.

With Rice

• Steamed White Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the teriyaki sauce perfectly.
• Brown Rice: Offers a nuttier flavor and more fiber for a healthier option.
• Fried Rice: Adds texture and flavor, making the meal more indulgent.

With Noodles

• Lo Mein: Soft noodles that complement the sweet and savory notes of teriyaki chicken.
• Rice Noodles: Thin and light, they are perfect for a gluten-free option.
• Soba Noodles: Buckwheat noodles add a unique taste that pairs well with the sauce.

With Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Adds brightness and crunch to your plate.
• Stir-Fried Bell Peppers: Colorful and flavorful; they enhance the dish visually and taste-wise.
• Grilled Asparagus: Offers a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweet teriyaki sauce.

How to Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

Perfecting teriyaki chicken is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Bold Marinade: Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes to absorb maximum flavor from the teriyaki sauce.
• High Heat Cooking: Cook at medium-high heat for a nice sear, giving the chicken color and depth.
• Thicken Your Sauce: For a richer glaze, let the sauce simmer until it thickens before pouring over the chicken.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and ginger for vibrant flavors in your teriyaki sauce.
• Garnish Generously: Top with sesame seeds and green onions just before serving for added texture and freshness.

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Best Side Dishes for Teriyaki Chicken

Adding side dishes enhances your teriyaki chicken experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with cucumbers, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds balances the richness of the chicken.
2. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the flavors beautifully while adding warmth to your meal.
3. Edamame Beans: These steamed soybeans provide protein and are great as finger food on the side.
4. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles cut through the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce, adding complexity to your plate.
5. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing brings texture and brightness.
6. Quinoa Salad: Light yet filling, quinoa adds a nutritious element to your meal while being easy to prepare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making teriyaki chicken, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.

• Using the wrong cut of chicken: Choosing low-quality or fatty chicken can lead to a greasy dish. Opt for lean chicken breasts or thighs for better flavor and texture.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long will make it dry. Always monitor the cooking time and check for doneness.
• Neglecting to marinate: Skipping the marination step can result in bland flavors. Allow your chicken to soak in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Not thickening the sauce properly: A watery sauce won’t cling to the chicken well. Make sure to simmer it until it thickens or use a cornstarch slurry.
• Ignoring garnish: Skipping garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions can make your dish less visually appealing. Always add these toppings for an extra touch.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Teriyaki Chicken

• To freeze, place cooled teriyaki chicken in freezer-safe bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Teriyaki Chicken

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring occasionally until heated.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Teriyaki Chicken gluten-free?

You can easily make teriyaki chicken gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that maintains great flavor.

What side dishes pair well with Teriyaki Chicken?

Teriyaki chicken goes well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a fresh salad. These sides complement its sweet and savory taste nicely.

Can I use a different protein for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef. Just adjust the cooking times as needed.

What is the best way to store leftover Teriyaki Chicken?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for longer preservation.

Can I prepare Teriyaki Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken a day before you plan to cook it. This enhances its flavor and makes preparation quicker on cooking day.

Final Thoughts

This teriyaki chicken recipe is not just quick and easy; it’s also versatile! You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the sweetness level. Try this recipe today and enjoy delicious homemade teriyaki chicken any night of the week!

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