Simple and Delicious Chicken Teriyaki Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, mirin, grated ginger, and minced garlic to make the teriyaki sauce.
  3. Marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a stronger flavor.
  4. In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in water to make a slurry.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
  6. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook until browned and cooked through.
  7. Pour the remaining teriyaki sauce and the cornstarch slurry into the pan.
  8. Stir and cook until the sauce thickens.
  9. Remove from heat and garnish the chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - For cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  • Knife - To cut the chicken and prepare other ingredients.
  • Mixing bowl - For combining the teriyaki sauce ingredients.
  • Whisk - To mix the teriyaki sauce ingredients thoroughly.
  • Marinating container - To marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce.
  • Small bowl - For preparing the cornstarch slurry.
  • Pan - To cook the chicken and simmer the teriyaki sauce.
  • Spatula - For flipping and stirring the chicken while cooking.
  • Measuring cups - To accurately measure the soy sauce, honey, mirin, and water.
  • Grater - To grate the fresh ginger.
  • Garlic press - To mince the garlic cloves.
  • Serving dish - To present the Chicken Teriyaki before serving.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version.
  • Add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots for added crunch and flavor.
  • Use brown sugar instead of honey for a slightly different sweetness.
  • Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
  • Add a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
  • Experiment with different spices like chili flakes or Sriracha for a spicier version.
  • Grill the chicken instead of pan-frying for a smoky flavor.
  • Try using different types of protein like shrimp or beef instead of chicken.
  • For a healthier option, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of honey or sweetener used.
  • Add sesame oil for a nutty and aromatic flavor.

Recipe overview

This Chicken Teriyaki recipe is a classic favorite that's easy to make right at home! Tender pieces of chicken are marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, cooked until golden brown, and then coated with the thickened sauce for maximum flavor. Add a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds for a nice texture contrast and extra burst of flavor. In just a few simple steps, you'll have a delicious meal that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles. This dish is not only satisfying to the palate, but also a visual treat. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish from the comfort of your kitchen!

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
    Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly.
  2. Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?
    Yes, you can use other sweeteners like maple syrup or brown sugar as a substitute for honey.
  3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
    Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
  4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Cook and thicken the sauce just before serving.
  5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
    Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken teriyaki in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface for cutting and preparing the chicken.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for slicing and cutting the chicken.
  • Mixing bowl - A bowl for mixing the teriyaki sauce.
  • Whisk - A whisk for thoroughly combining the ingredients in the teriyaki sauce.
  • Measuring cups - For accurately measuring the soy sauce, honey, mirin, and water.
  • Grater - To grate fresh ginger for the teriyaki sauce.
  • Garlic press - A tool for mincing the cloves of garlic.
  • Cornstarch - For dissolving in water to make a slurry for thickening the sauce.
  • Slotted spoon - To remove the cooked chicken from the pan while leaving excess sauce behind.
  • Serving plate - A plate to present the cooked chicken teriyaki.
  • Spatula - A utensil for stirring and flipping the chicken in the pan.
  • Garnish shaker - Optional, for sprinkling sesame seeds on top of the chicken teriyaki.

Origin stories

Chicken Teriyaki, despite its popularity in Western Japanese restaurants, is not traditionally Japanese. It is, in fact, a dish born out of the Japanese diaspora in Hawaii. The term "teriyaki" refers to a cooking technique used in Japanese cuisine, where foods are broiled or grilled with a glaze of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. However, in the early 20th century, Japanese immigrants in Hawaii added local products like pineapple juice and brown sugar to this glaze, creating the sweet-savory sauce we now associate with teriyaki. This modified sauce was then used to marinate and grill chicken, giving birth to the Chicken Teriyaki we know and love today. The dish's quick cooking time and simple yet flavorful marinade made it a hit among Americans, eventually becoming a staple on Japanese-American menus across the United States.

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.