Teriyaki Chicken

A quick and easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe that tantalizes your taste buds with its sweet and savory flavors. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, thanks to its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation. Whether you’re using an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or oven, this recipe ensures juicy chicken enveloped in a beautiful caramelly sauce. Serve it over rice or noodles, and you have a meal that’s sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Sauce: The balance of sweet honey and savory soy sauce creates a rich teriyaki flavor that elevates your chicken.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Cook it how you like—choose between the Instant Pot, slow cooker, or oven for your convenience.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with lean chicken and low-sodium soy sauce, it’s a healthier option compared to takeout.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Teriyaki Chicken, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or frying pan: Essential for browning the chicken evenly and ensuring that the sauce thickens properly.
• Mixing bowl: Helps combine all the teriyaki sauce ingredients without making a mess.

Ingredients

A quick and easy teriyaki chicken recipe that is both sweet and savory in a beautiful caramelly sauce! With cooking options for instant pot, slow-cooker or bake in the oven!

For the Chicken

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 1/4 pounds Chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cube size

For the Teriyaki Sauce

• 1/4 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoon Ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 1/4 teaspoon Sesame Oil
• 1/4 cup Water
• 2 teaspoon Cornstarch

For Garnishing

• Sesame Seeds
• Green Onions

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Add the chicken cubes to the skillet.
1. Cook until they are browned on both sides.
2. Ensure they are fully cooked through.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine:
– Low sodium soy sauce
– Rice vinegar
– Minced garlic
– Minced ginger
– Brown sugar
– Honey
– Sesame oil
– Water

Step 4: Add Sauce to Chicken

Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Cook until the sauce thickens and bubbles. Stir occasionally for even coating.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken

Serving teriyaki chicken can elevate your meal experience. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and garnishes that enhance its sweet and savory flavors.

With Rice

• Steamed White Rice – A classic choice that soaks up the delicious teriyaki sauce.
• Fried Rice – Add vegetables or egg for a flavorful twist that complements the chicken.

With Noodles

• Soba Noodles – These buckwheat noodles provide a nutty flavor and texture contrast.
• Rice Noodles – Quick to prepare, they are perfect for soaking up the teriyaki sauce.

With Vegetables

• Stir-Fried Broccoli – Adds crunch and a healthy green element to your plate.
• Roasted Bell Peppers – Their sweetness pairs well with the savory chicken.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Chopped Green Onions – Sprinkle on top for fresh flavor and color that brightens the dish.

Topped with Sesame Seeds

• Toasted Sesame Seeds – They add a delightful crunch and enhance the Asian flavors of your meal.

How to Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

To achieve the best teriyaki chicken, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish is flavorful and well-prepared.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh ginger and garlic will enhance the sauce’s flavor significantly.
• Marinate for Flavor – Allowing the chicken to marinate in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes can deepen the taste.
• Cook on Medium-High Heat – This helps caramelize the sugar in the sauce, creating a beautiful glaze.
• Thicken Sauce Properly – Mix cornstarch with water before adding it to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth sauce.
• Adjust Sweetness – Feel free to modify sugar or honey levels based on your taste preference; some may prefer it sweeter or less sweet.

Best Side Dishes for Teriyaki Chicken

Pairing side dishes with teriyaki chicken enhances your meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavor profile beautifully.

1. Steamed Bok Choy – Lightly steamed bok choy adds freshness and balances the richness of teriyaki sauce.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes with garlic provide comfort and contrast against the savory chicken.
3. Edamame Beans – These protein-packed beans make for a nutritious and colorful side dish.
4. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad can cut through the sweetness of teriyaki, adding crispness.
5. Asian Slaw – Crunchy cabbage mixed with carrots creates a vibrant side that pairs well with teriyaki chicken.
6. Miso Soup – Serve warm miso soup as an appetizer to start your meal off right.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making teriyaki chicken, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using too much soy sauce: This can make your dish overly salty. Use low sodium soy sauce for a balanced flavor.
• Skipping the marinating step: Marinating the chicken enhances its flavor. Allow it to sit in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Not monitoring cooking time: Overcooking can lead to dry chicken. Cook until just done, about 10 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces.
• Inconsistent heat levels: Cooking at too high a temperature can burn your sauce. Maintain medium heat for even cooking and caramelization.
• Neglecting garnishes: Garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions adds texture and visual appeal. Don’t skip this step for a beautiful presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store teriyaki chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Teriyaki Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Teriyaki Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about teriyaki chicken that you may find helpful.

What is Teriyaki Chicken?

Teriyaki chicken is a popular Japanese dish made by grilling or pan-frying chicken glazed with a sweet soy sauce mixture.

Can I use other meats for Teriyaki?

Yes, you can use beef, pork, or tofu as alternatives. Each will absorb the teriyaki flavors differently but will still be delicious.

How do I make Teriyaki Chicken spicier?

To add spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to your teriyaki sauce before cooking.

Is Teriyaki Chicken healthy?

When made with lean chicken and low sodium ingredients, teriyaki chicken can be a healthy option that is rich in protein.

Final Thoughts

This teriyaki chicken recipe is quick and versatile, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting the sweetness to your taste. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful flavors!