A quick and easy teriyaki chicken recipe with a sweet and savory caramelized sauce is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a simple weeknight meal, this dish will impress everyone at your table. With options for stovetop, slow cooker, Instant Pot, and oven-baked methods, you can enjoy delicious teriyaki chicken no matter how much time you have.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Chicken
- Teriyaki Sauce
- Garnish
- How to Make Teriyaki Chicken
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
- Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken
- With Rice
- With Noodles
- With Vegetables
- How to Perfect Teriyaki Chicken
- Best Side Dishes for Teriyaki Chicken
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Teriyaki Chicken
- Reheating Teriyaki Chicken
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Teriyaki Chicken?
- Can I make Teriyaki Chicken gluten-free?
- How do I make Teriyaki Chicken spicier?
- What side dishes pair well with Teriyaki Chicken?
- Can I use other meats for Teriyaki?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This teriyaki chicken comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Choose from stovetop, slow cooker, Instant Pot, or oven-baked methods to fit your schedule.
- Flavorful Sauce: The homemade teriyaki sauce combines sweetness and umami for a delightful taste that pairs well with rice or noodles.
- Healthier Option: Using low-sodium soy sauce and fresh ingredients allows you to enjoy a healthier version of this popular dish.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make preparing your teriyaki chicken smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick skillet or frying pan
- Slow cooker (optional)
- Instant Pot (optional)
- Baking dish (optional)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick skillet: This tool ensures the chicken cooks evenly without sticking, making cleanup easier.
- Slow cooker: Perfect for set-and-forget meals; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time.
- Instant Pot: Ideal for quick cooking under pressure; it speeds up the process while keeping the chicken tender.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/4 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through.
Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together all teriyaki sauce ingredients until fully combined.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet.
- Cook until the sauce thickens and bubbles.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles alongside fresh vegetables.
Feel free to explore other cooking methods detailed earlier if you prefer a different approach! Enjoy your flavorful teriyaki chicken meal!
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken
Serving teriyaki chicken is a delightful experience, as this dish is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments. Here are some great serving ideas to enhance your meal.
With Rice
- Steamed White Rice: A classic pairing that absorbs the sweet and savory sauce perfectly.
- Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
- Coconut Rice: This fragrant rice adds a tropical touch that complements the teriyaki sauce.
With Noodles
- Soba Noodles: These buckwheat noodles provide a hearty texture that goes well with teriyaki chicken.
- Rice Noodles: Light and chewy, they soak up the sauce beautifully for a satisfying bite.
- Udon Noodles: Thick and chewy, udon noodles offer a unique twist to traditional teriyaki chicken dishes.
With Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing the sweetness of the chicken.
- Stir-Fried Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers add crunch and freshness to your plate.
- Grilled Asparagus: The smoky flavor of grilled asparagus makes for an elegant side.
How to Perfect Teriyaki Chicken
To create the perfect teriyaki chicken, follow these helpful tips that ensure delicious results every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavor of your teriyaki sauce significantly.
- Marinate for Flavor: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Control Heat Levels: Cooking on medium-high heat helps caramelize the sauce without burning it.
- Thicken Sauce Properly: If the sauce isn’t thick enough, simmer longer or use a cornstarch slurry for ideal consistency.
Best Side Dishes for Teriyaki Chicken
Pairing side dishes with teriyaki chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Fried Rice: A flavorful combination of rice, vegetables, and eggs that complements teriyaki well.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds freshness to your plate.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a sweet contrast to savory teriyaki chicken.
- Miso Soup: A light and comforting soup that cleanses the palate between bites of rich teriyaki chicken.
- Garlic Green Beans: Stir-fried green beans tossed in garlic offer both flavor and crunch alongside your main dish.
- Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber slices dressed in rice vinegar add brightness to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making teriyaki chicken, it’s easy to fall into a few common traps. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using Regular Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce can make your dish too salty. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
- Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to less flavor. Allow the chicken to soak in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Keep an eye on cooking times and use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s just right.
- Not Thickening the Sauce: A watery sauce won’t cling well to the chicken. Make sure to thicken it by simmering or using a cornstarch slurry.
- Ignoring Garnishes: Skipping garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions can lead to a dull presentation. Adding these will enhance both flavor and appearance.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooked teriyaki chicken in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Teriyaki Chicken
- Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Teriyaki Chicken
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Teriyaki Chicken?
Teriyaki chicken is a popular dish made with grilled or sautéed chicken coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
Can I make Teriyaki Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos as substitutes for traditional soy sauce in teriyaki chicken recipes.
How do I make Teriyaki Chicken spicier?
To add heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or Sriracha into your teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
What side dishes pair well with Teriyaki Chicken?
Teriyaki chicken pairs excellently with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Can I use other meats for Teriyaki?
Absolutely! While chicken is common, you can also use beef, pork, or tofu as alternatives in your teriyaki recipes.
Final Thoughts
This teriyaki chicken recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the sweetness of the sauce. Whether you’re preparing dinner for family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try!
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Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this quick and easy teriyaki chicken recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish features tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/4 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add cubed chicken, cooking until browned and cooked through.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, water, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and cook until thickened.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving with rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 225g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
