Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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Sweet, Savory, and Absolutely Irresistible

If there’s one dish that’s guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing and leave everyone asking for seconds, it’s Teriyaki Chicken.

There’s something about that glossy, sticky-sweet sauce coating tender, juicy chicken that just hits differently. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a must-have in your recipe rotation.

The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. In just 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table that tastes even better than takeout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
• Made with Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of them in your pantry!
• Better Than Takeout: No preservatives, no unnecessary additives—just pure deliciousness.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

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Key Ingredients and Their Role

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Thighs offer more juiciness and flavor, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden brown perfection.

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: The base of the sauce, adding umami depth.
• Honey or Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a little tang to balance the flavors. Apple cider vinegar works as a substitute!
• Fresh Ginger & Garlic: These two are essential for authentic, bold flavor.
• Cornstarch Slurry: A mix of cornstarch and water helps thicken the sauce to the perfect glossy consistency.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
• 1 tsp minced garlic

Stir well until the honey or sugar fully dissolves. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

Reminder: If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook—they can dry out quickly!

Step 3: Add the Teriyaki Sauce

1. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken.
2. Stir well to coat each piece evenly.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry.
2. Reduce the heat to low, then pour the slurry into the skillet.
3. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats the chicken.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the pan from heat.
2. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken.
3. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps.

Best Ways to Serve Teriyaki Chicken

• Over Rice: Classic and simple. The rice soaks up all that delicious sauce.
• With Noodles: Try serving it over lo mein, udon, or even ramen.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, wrap the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves.
• As a Meal Prep Option: Make ahead and store in containers with rice for easy grab-and-go meals.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze cooked teriyaki chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes! Just be mindful of cooking time, as chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Just swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.

Q: What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
A: You can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.

Q: Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce instead?
A: While you can, homemade teriyaki sauce is so much fresher and tastier!

Final Thoughts

This Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami. It’s quick, easy, and way better than takeout! Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just craving a comforting dish, this recipe is a total winner.

Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! 😍🍛

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