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Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki Chicken

This easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts glazed with a homemade sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed dinners, using simple pantry staples to deliver a balanced blend of soy sauce, ginger, and sweetness with a glossy finish and a restaurant-style touch of sesame seeds.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Teriyaki Sauce

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey (or pure maple syrup as variation)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or mirin

For Thickening

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon cold water

Garnishes

  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture forms a sticky, sweet base.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Add the chicken thighs or breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Add the Sauce and Thicken: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the pan. Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the pan. Continuously stir until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken pieces.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from heat, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches to ensure even browning.
  • Use chicken thighs to keep the meat juicier and less prone to drying out than breasts.
  • Fresh garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions enhance texture and visual appeal.
  • Adjust sweetness by starting with less sugar and tasting as you go to avoid overpowering the sauce.

Nutrition

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