Welcome to another delicious recipe that is guaranteed to have your taste buds dancing with joy. Today, we are bringing you a mouth-watering chicken teriyaki recipe that is not only easy to make but also an absolute crowd-pleaser. The sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki sauce paired with perfectly cooked chicken make for a sumptuous meal that is sure to leave you craving for more. Gather your ingredients and get ready to cook up a storm!
This recipe is perfect for a hectic weeknight when you don’t have a lot of time to prepare a meal. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dinner that the whole family will love. The key to making the best chicken teriyaki is to marinate the chicken for a few hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. This ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor. So, without further ado, let’s get started and learn how to make chicken teriyaki that is sure to be a winner in your household!
Introduction to Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Chicken teriyaki is a dish that originated from Japan and has now become a popular dish worldwide. It is easily recognized for its sweet and savory taste, which comes from the teriyaki sauce it is cooked with. The dish is known for being quick and effortless to prepare, making it a great option for people who lead busy lives.
The History of Teriyaki
The term “teriyaki” refers to a cooking technique used in Japan, where meat or fish is broiled or grilled with a glaze of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. The word “teriyaki” is a combination of two Japanese words: teri, which means luster, and yaki, which means to grill or broil. Historically, teriyaki sauce was used to preserve fish, marinating it in the sauce for long periods before cooking it. The flavors in the sauce helped to mask the taste of fish that was no longer fresh. Over time, using teriyaki sauce in cooking became increasingly popular in Japanese cuisine, and the sauce began to be used on other meats, such as chicken and beef.
The Beauty of Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Chicken teriyaki brings together the flavors of salty soy sauce, sweet mirin, and the umami flavor of the chicken. The sauce can be made from scratch or purchased pre-made in stores, making it a versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is also a simple recipe to prepare, only requiring a few ingredients and minimal preparation time. Chicken teriyaki can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of side dishes such as vegetables, rice, or noodles.
To make chicken teriyaki, marinade the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and ginger for at least thirty minutes. Once the chicken has marinated, cook it in a pan or on the grill and baste it with the leftover marinade. This brings out the rich and savory flavors of the sauce and leaves the chicken moist and tender.
Chicken teriyaki is a great weeknight meal that can quickly become a go-to dish in any household. It is a simple and delicious meal that requires minimal effort and yields big flavors. You can easily vary the recipe by using different meats or vegetables, depending on your preferences. Overall, chicken teriyaki is a delicious meal that is a must-try for anyone looking for a new and exciting dish to add to their recipe repertoire.
Ingredients for Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Chicken Breasts
The chicken is the most important ingredient in a chicken teriyaki recipe. It is recommended to use fresh, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts cut into small cubes. Chicken breasts are preferred because they have a lower percentage of fat and are easier to cook. When buying chicken, ensure that it does not have any unpleasant smell, has a soft texture, and is not slimy. If you can’t find boneless chicken breasts, you can debone the chicken on your own or ask your butcher to do it for you.
Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce is what gives chicken teriyaki its distinct flavor. It is a sweet and salty sauce that originated from Japanese cuisine. You can either prepare it from scratch or buy it from a store. If you choose to prepare it from scratch, you will need soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, ginger, and garlic. It is effortless to make teriyaki sauce. Just mix all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until the sugar has dissolved. Add some water if the sauce is too thick.
If you prefer to buy teriyaki sauce from the store, ensure that the sauce is of high quality and has a favorable flavor. You can find teriyaki sauce in most grocery stores. Look for one that has minimal additives and preservatives.
Stir-Fry Vegetables (Optional)
For a healthier version of chicken teriyaki, you can add some vegetables into the mix. Stir-fry vegetables like bok choy, green beans, carrots, or bell peppers are perfect for this recipe. These vegetables are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also add color, texture, and flavor to the dish.
Cut the vegetables into small pieces and stir-fry them with the chicken. You can also cook them separately if you want to preserve their individual flavors and textures. When stir-frying vegetables, use sesame oil as it enhances the flavor of the vegetables.
In conclusion, the three main ingredients for a chicken teriyaki recipe are chicken breasts, teriyaki sauce, and stir-fry vegetables. Ensure that you use fresh and high-quality ingredients to get the best results. With these ingredients, you can make a healthy and delicious chicken teriyaki meal in no time.
Instructions for Cooking Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
If you are a fan of Asian cuisine, you might have tried the famous Chicken Teriyaki dish at least once in your lifetime. It is a simple yet delicious recipe that you can easily prepare in the comfort of your own kitchen. Teriyaki sauce is the key ingredient that makes this dish stand out from the rest. In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of cooking Chicken Teriyaki.
Preparing the Chicken
First and foremost, make sure to prepare the chicken well before cooking. You can use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Start by washing the chicken under cold running water, then pat it dry with paper towels. This step ensures that any bacteria present on the chicken is eliminated. Cut the chicken into small bite-sized pieces that will cook faster and be easier to eat.
The next step is to marinate the chicken meat using teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes. Teriyaki sauce is a combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ginger, and garlic. This marinade not only adds flavor and sweetness to the chicken but also tenderizes it, making it juicy and flavorful.
Once the chicken is marinated, heat up a skillet over medium heat and add some oil. Once the oil is heated, add the chicken and cook for about five minutes until it turns brown and becomes tender. Be careful not to overcook the chicken as it can turn dry and tough.
Preparing the Sauce and Vegetables
The sauce is what gives the dish its unique flavor, and it is relatively easy to make. Mix the teriyaki sauce ingredients in a bowl and stir until it blends. For better results, let the mixture sit for a while to allow the flavors to blend.
For the stir-fry vegetables, you can use any of your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers or mushrooms. Cut them into small pieces so that they cook faster. Heat up a skillet over high heat, add oil, and cook the vegetables until they are tender. Make sure to stir the vegetables frequently to prevent them from sticking to the pan or burning.
Combining the Chicken with Sauce and Vegetables
After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and add the teriyaki sauce. Simmer the sauce for about 1-2 minutes until it thickens, then add the chicken and stir together. Finally, add the stir-fry vegetables, mix everything thoroughly and serve.
Chicken Teriyaki Recipe is a versatile dish that you can serve with a variety of side dishes such as rice, noodles or salad. To garnish the dish, you can sprinkle some sesame seeds or green onions on top. With this simple recipe, you can impress your family or guests with your culinary skills.
Tips for Making Delicious Chicken Teriyaki at Home
Choosing the Right Pan
One important factor in getting that perfect chicken teriyaki dish is using the right pan. It is recommended to use a non-stick skillet or a wok to prevent the meat from sticking to the pan. Chicken tenders are the best choice for this recipe as they cook quickly and evenly. Be sure to remove your chicken from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking, so it comes to room temperature, which allows it to cook more evenly.
Choosing High-Quality Teriyaki Sauce
The quality of your teriyaki sauce is also important. For the best taste, make sure that you use high-quality teriyaki sauce that is free from artificial ingredients or preservatives. Reading labels is key, so make sure to choose a sauce with natural ingredients. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own teriyaki sauce using fresh ingredients. Homemade sauces will make a big difference in the taste of the final dish, and are often much healthier and less processed than store-bought options.
Garnishing and Serving
How you serve your chicken teriyaki can enhance its visual appeal and make it even more appetizing. Serve your chicken with fluffy white rice – short-grain white rice is traditional in Japan but jasmine rice or basmati rice is also a tasty option in this dish. The fluffy grains of rice soak up the sweet and savory sauce well and offer a wonderful balance of flavors.
You can also garnish your dish with fresh green onions, sesame seeds, or sliced carrots to add color and texture. These toppings create an added layer of flavor to the dish and can make it more appealing to the eye.
For added punch, you can add thicker slices of green onions on top before serving and pour over a little more teriyaki sauce. Make sure not to overdo it, though, as the chicken teriyaki already has a pronounced flavor and too much sauce can make it too sweet and overpowering. Sliced shiitake mushrooms and roasted broccoli florets are also great additions to this dish, as they nicely complement the sweet and savory flavors of the teriyaki sauce.
Make sure to serve your chicken teriyaki hot to enjoy the full flavors of the dish. After all, this is one meal that you’ll want to savor every last bite of!
How to Make Chicken Teriyaki: A Step-by-Step Guide
Chicken teriyaki is a classic Japanese dish that originated during the 17th century. If you’re looking for an easy and healthy meal, this recipe is perfect for you! Here is a step-by-step guide to making delicious chicken teriyaki from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup sake
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- In a saucepan, mix together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Heat over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until browned.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet and stir to combine.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until completely combined.
- Take the skillet out of the oven, and stir in the cornstarch mixture.
- Serve the chicken teriyaki hot with rice and steamed vegetables.
There you have it! An easy and delicious chicken teriyaki recipe you can make at home. You can also make extra sauce and drizzle it over the rice and vegetables for added flavor.
Variations:
If you want to add some variety to your chicken teriyaki, try these variations:
- Swap out the chicken for beef, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add some vegetables to the skillet, such as sliced bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli.
- Make a spicy version by adding red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce.
- Experiment with different types of rice, such as jasmine or brown rice.
- Add some garnishes, such as chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or sliced avocado.
Whatever variation you try, chicken teriyaki is a versatile dish that you can customize to your liking.
Conclusion
Enjoying Your Delicious Chicken Teriyaki
Making chicken teriyaki at home is an easy, cost-effective, and healthy meal that everyone can enjoy. Whether as a quick lunch or dinner, chicken teriyaki is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone satisfied and asking for more. To recap, simply follow the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, and try some of the variations to make the dish even more interesting. So go ahead and enjoy your delicious chicken teriyaki!
Thanks for Reading and Come Back Soon!
We hope you enjoyed this mouthwatering chicken teriyaki recipe and are now ready to bust out your forks. Remember, this recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal with friends and family. So, go ahead and give it a try – we promise you won’t be disappointed!
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FAQ
1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs instead if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this recipe on the grill?
Absolutely! Just grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
3. Is there a low-sodium version of the teriyaki sauce?
Yes, many brands offer reduced-sodium versions of teriyaki sauce. Look for it in the Asian section of your grocery store.
4. Can I meal prep this recipe for the week ahead?
Definitely! Just store the cooked chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge and reheat as needed.
5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies, like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers, for a nutritious and colorful meal.
6. How long does the chicken need to marinate?
We recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
7. Is this recipe spicy?
Nope! It’s a mild and sweet teriyaki sauce, so it’s perfect for those who prefer milder flavors.
8. Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven.
9. Can I use a different type of rice?
Absolutely! Feel free to use brown rice, basmati rice, or your favorite type of rice instead of jasmine rice.
10. What can I serve with this chicken teriyaki?
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, stir-fried noodles, or a simple green salad. Get creative and make it your own!