Name: Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp grated ginger; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp water; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 tbsp sesame seeds

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Short Description

This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy, tender chicken is coated in a deliciously sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, making it a family favorite. Serve it with steamed rice or vegetables for a well-rounded meal that satisfies every craving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a fast yet satisfying meal.
Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples to create a rich and flavorful sauce.
Customizable: Adjust sweetness, spice levels, or swap proteins to fit your preferences.
Great for Meal Prep: Keeps well for leftovers and reheats beautifully.
Kid-Friendly: A dish the whole family will enjoy, with familiar flavors that appeal to all ages.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Soy sauce
Brown sugar
Honey
Garlic
Ginger
Rice vinegar
Cornstarch
Water
Sesame oil
Green onions
Sesame seeds

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking and better sauce absorption.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or pan, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
Make the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.
Thicken the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the sauce and stir well.
Combine Everything: Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and stir, allowing it to thicken and coat the chicken evenly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, and serve over steamed rice or vegetables.

Variations

Spicy Teriyaki: Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha for a spicy kick.
Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a meat-free version.
Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Pineapple Twist: Add pineapple chunks for a fruity, tropical touch.

Servings and Timing

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

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

How can I make teriyaki chicken healthier?

Use low-sodium soy sauce, less sugar, and lean chicken breast instead of thighs.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, but homemade sauce has fresher flavors and allows you to control sweetness and saltiness.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

A cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) works best for thickening without clumping.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes.

What can I serve with teriyaki chicken?

Steamed rice, quinoa, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad complement the dish well.

Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?

Yes! Marinating for 30 minutes to an hour enhances the flavor even more.

How do I make this dish more authentic?

Use mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine) instead of honey for a more traditional taste.

Is teriyaki chicken spicy?

No, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce if you like spice.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky depth to the flavors.

How do I prevent the sauce from burning?

Keep the heat at medium and stir frequently to prevent the sugar from caramelizing too quickly.

Conclusion

This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors in a simple, homemade dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized to suit any dietary preference. Give it a try and enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal with minimal effort!

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