If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels both comforting and a little special, this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe fits the bill perfectly. The balance of savory soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, and the zing of fresh garlic and ginger creates a sauce that clings beautifully to tender, juicy chicken pieces. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough to share with friends, making it a versatile go-to recipe that’s sure to win hearts every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Teriyaki Chicken Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, or color. Their simplicity highlights the authentic taste of a classic favorite.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choosing chicken breasts keeps the dish lean and tender for a juicy bite every time.
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Garlic adds an aromatic punch that warms up the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Ginger gives a bright, slightly spicy note that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce: The salty foundation of the sauce that creates umami depth without overpowering.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Brown sugar lends a rich sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: This adds a subtle tang that lifts the overall flavor, preventing heaviness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: For that toasty, nutty aroma that makes the dish irresistibly inviting.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This not only ensures that the chicken cooks evenly but also makes it easier to enjoy in each mouthful. Preparation like this sets you up for perfectly cooked chicken that’s tender and ready to absorb the sauce.
Step 2: Marinate for Maximum Flavor
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar to create your teriyaki marinade. Add the chicken pieces and let them soak up all those vibrant flavors by marinating for at least 30 minutes. This step really makes a difference, turning simple chicken into something remarkable.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add your marinated chicken. Sauté the pieces for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re cooked through and have that lovely golden sear. The sesame oil imparts a subtle nuttiness that complements the marinade perfectly.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Once the chicken is out of the pan, pour the leftover marinade into the skillet and let it simmer until it thickens slightly. This concentrates the flavors into a glossy sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the thickened sauce until every piece is coated and glossy—this step seals in the deliciousness.
Step 5: Ready to Serve
Now that your Teriyaki Chicken is beautifully sauced and cooked, it’s time to plate up. Serve the chicken over fluffy rice or alongside steamed vegetables to soak up any extra sauce and enjoy a balanced, colorful plate.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions instantly elevates the dish. They bring a fresh crunch and a pop of color that make each bite more exciting and visually appealing.
Side Dishes
This Teriyaki Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a heartier option. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to make the meal vibrant and nutritious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken in lettuce wraps or as a filling for bao buns. You could also plate it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a modern spin that’s both healthy and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce helps keep the chicken moist, but reheating gently is key to preserving its texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Teriyaki Chicken for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from drying out. This will help maintain that fresh-from-the-pan taste you love.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and a richer flavor while still working beautifully with this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook.
What can I substitute for rice vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar are good alternatives. Use a slightly smaller amount to keep the flavor balanced.
Is this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
Be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep this recipe gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt.
Can I marinate the chicken longer than 30 minutes?
Yes! Marinating the chicken for several hours or even overnight will deepen the flavors even more. Just keep it covered in the fridge to stay fresh and safe.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer until it reduces more. Alternatively, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it in while simmering to achieve a glossy, thicker consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. I encourage you to give it a try; once you’ve tasted that perfect sweet and savory glaze on tender chicken, it will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
This Teriyaki Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, then sautéed to perfection in sesame oil for a deliciously sticky and savory glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served over rice or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Marinade
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Marinate: In a bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Add the chicken pieces to this mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sauté for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly browned.
- Thicken Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and simmer the leftover marinade in the pan until it thickens slightly, creating a rich glaze.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, toss well to coat with the thickened sauce, and serve hot over rice or steamed vegetables, drizzling with any extra sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) for deeper flavor absorption.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the saltiness of the dish.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade.
- Can substitute chicken with tofu or salmon for different protein options.
- Serve with steamed broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.
