Delicious Homemade Chicken Teriyaki Recipe

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup sliced green onions for garnish
1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish

Steps and instructions

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic and grated ginger. Mix well.
Take out a quarter cup of the mixture and set it aside. Add the chicken pieces to the remaining mixture in the bowl. Stir until all the pieces are well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
While the chicken is marinating, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry.
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until brown on all sides.
Pour the reserved sauce and the cornstarch slurry into the pan. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Tools for making

Cutting board - Used to chop and prepare the chicken
Knife - For cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces
Mixing bowl - To combine the ingredients for the marinade
Whisk - To mix the marinade ingredients thoroughly
Measuring cups - To accurately measure the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and oil
Measuring spoons - To measure the minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch
Pan - To cook the chicken teriyaki
Spatula - For stirring and flipping the chicken
Small bowl - To create the cornstarch slurry
Serving dish - To present the finished chicken teriyaki

Recipe variations

Replace chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version.
Add pineapple chunks or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Use teriyaki marinade with sesame oil for a more intense flavor.
Try using bone-in chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier result.
Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili flakes for a spicier teriyaki sauce.
Marinate the chicken overnight for a more intense flavor infusion.
Grill the chicken instead of pan-frying for a smoky flavor.
Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
Add a tablespoon of mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine) for a touch of sweetness.
For a healthier option, use low-sodium soy sauce and replace honey with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar.

Recipe overview

Delight your tastebuds with this homemade Chicken Teriyaki recipe! A popular dish in Japanese cuisine, Chicken Teriyaki is a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors. This dish features tender bite-sized chicken pieces, marinated in a tangy-sweet teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Cooked to perfection, the chicken is then coated in a thick, glossy sauce for a satisfying finish. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this Chicken Teriyaki is truly a treat to behold and devour. Enjoy this flavorful dish with a bowl of steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Chicken Teriyaki recipe is sure to impress!

Common questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can use chicken thighs as a substitute for chicken breasts in this recipe. The cooking time may vary slightly, so make sure to adjust accordingly.
Can I make this recipe without cornstarch? Yes, you can omit the cornstarch if desired. However, the sauce may not thicken as much without it.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply follow the remaining steps in the recipe.
Can I use low-sodium soy sauce? Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer. The taste may be slightly less salty, so you may want to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Can I use powdered ginger instead of fresh ginger? While fresh ginger is recommended for the best flavor, you can use powdered ginger as a substitute. Use half the amount of powdered ginger compared to fresh ginger called for in the recipe.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - For preparing and cutting the chicken.
Knife - To cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Mixing bowl - To combine the sauce ingredients and marinate the chicken.
Whisk or spoon - To mix the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
Measuring cups - To accurately measure the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch.
Garlic press - To mince the garlic cloves.
Grater - To grate the fresh ginger.
Pan or skillet - To cook the chicken and thicken the sauce.
Spatula - To stir and flip the chicken while cooking.
Serving platter - To present the Chicken Teriyaki once it is cooked.
Garnish tools - To slice green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the dish.

Origin stories

Teriyaki is a popular cooking style in Japan, where the term "teri" refers to a shine or luster given by the sugar content in the sauce, and "yaki" refers to the cooking method of grilling or broiling. Interestingly, the version of teriyaki that we often enjoy in Western cuisine, especially in dishes like Chicken Teriyaki, is not exactly a traditional Japanese dish. In Japan, teriyaki sauce is often applied to fish like mackerel, eel, and tuna. It was only after Japanese immigrants in Hawaii began using local products like pineapple juice and brown sugar to sweeten the sauce, and applying it to meats like chicken and beef, that the teriyaki we know today became popular.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.