Teriyaki chicken is a classic dish loved for its sweet and savory flavor profile. This guide will walk you through making delicious teriyaki chicken at home, from creating the perfect marinade to achieving that signature glossy finish. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to be simple, adaptable, and incredibly tasty.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes enough teriyaki chicken for 2-4 servings. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
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For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, but thighs stay juicier)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for extra tender chicken)
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For the Teriyaki Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1/4 cup sake (optional, adds depth of flavor)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey for a lighter flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
Instructions: Marinate and Cook Your Chicken to Perfection
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This is the heart of your teriyaki flavor, so take your time to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. If using cornstarch for extra tenderness, toss the chicken with it before adding to the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2-4 hours for maximum flavor absorption. Overnight marinating is even better!
Step 3: Cooking Options:
You have several options for cooking your teriyaki chicken:
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Pan-frying: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely browned.
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Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
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Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional but Recommended)
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the 1 tbsp of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Whisk constantly over medium heat until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This will give your teriyaki chicken that signature glossy finish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Return the cooked chicken to the pan to coat it in the thickened teriyaki sauce. Serve immediately with rice, steamed vegetables, or noodles.
Tips for the Best Teriyaki Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If pan-frying or grilling, make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and result in steaming rather than browning.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet teriyaki chicken, reduce the amount of brown sugar or mirin.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste!
- Get creative with your sides: Serve your teriyaki chicken with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal.
This recipe is your key to unlocking the delicious world of homemade teriyaki chicken. Enjoy experimenting with different cooking methods and side dishes to make it your own! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us! #teriyakichicken #homemade #recipe #easyrecipe
