What is the best way to make homemade teriyaki chicken?

To make homemade teriyaki chicken, start by mixing soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake to create a simple teriyaki sauce. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor. Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, pouring in the marinade and allowing it to thicken into a glaze. This method results in juicy chicken coated with a sweet and savory sauce. Using boneless, skin-on chicken thighs provides the best texture and flavor.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for teriyaki chicken?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used for teriyaki chicken, though they are leaner and cook faster than thighs. To prevent dryness, marinate the breasts for 1-2 hours and cook over medium heat, avoiding overcooking. Consider slicing the breasts thinly for even cooking. Adding a splash of water or extra marinade during cooking helps keep the chicken moist.

How long should I marinate teriyaki chicken for the best flavor?

For optimal flavor, marinate teriyaki chicken between 30 minutes and 2 hours. This allows the soy and sugar in the marinade to penetrate the meat without breaking down the texture. If you are short on time, even 15 minutes will add noticeable flavor. Avoid marinating longer than 6 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy due to the acidic ingredients.

What side dishes pair well with teriyaki chicken?

Teriyaki chicken pairs well with steamed white or brown rice, which soaks up the sauce nicely. Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, and carrots offer a crunchy contrast. Pickled ginger or a simple cucumber salad can add refreshing balance. For a complete meal, consider miso soup or edamame as starters.

Is teriyaki sauce healthy, and can I make a lighter version at home?

Teriyaki sauce contains soy sauce and sugar, so it can be high in sodium and sugar. Making a lighter version at home is easy by reducing the sugar or substituting with honey or maple syrup, and using low-sodium soy sauce. Adding fresh ginger and garlic boosts flavor without extra calories. This approach helps control ingredients and can fit into a balanced diet.

Teriyaki Chicken Recipe With Sweet Savory Sauce In Minutes

Name: Teriyaki Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: – 1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts diced into 1-inch cubes; – 1 tablespoon olive oil; – 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; – 1/4 cup water (or 2 tablespoons water and 2 tablespoons mirin for more flavor); – 2 tablespoons honey; – 1 1/2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar; – 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; – 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil; – 2 teaspoons peeled and minced fresh ginger; – 2 teaspoons peeled and minced fresh garlic (about 2 cloves); – 2 teaspoons cornstarch; – Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Ingredients

– 1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts diced into 1-inch cubes

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

– 1/4 cup water (or 2 tablespoons water and 2 tablespoons mirin for more flavor)

– 2 tablespoons honey

– 1 1/2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

– 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil

– 2 teaspoons peeled and minced fresh ginger

– 2 teaspoons peeled and minced fresh garlic (about 2 cloves)

– 2 teaspoons cornstarch

– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1-Start: Start by heating 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

2-Add: Add the 1 1/4 lbs diced chicken breasts, cooking without crowding until the bottom side is browned, about 3-4 minutes. Then flip and cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, which takes about 3 minutes longer.

3-While the chicken cooks: whisk together 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup water (or the water and mirin mix), 2 tablespoons honey, 1 1/2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil, 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger, 2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch in a small bowl.

4-Pour the sauce: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet and cook, stirring and tossing, until the sauce thickens, about 30-60 seconds.

5-Serve: Serve warm over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍗 Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts and cooked a bit longer.
🌿 Vegetable oil may replace olive oil.
🥢 Cutting chicken into evenly sized pieces ensures even cooking and better texture.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Japanese
Diet: Gluten (soy sauce contains wheat)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 14 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg