Picture this: you’ve just come home after a long day, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But wait—what if I told you there’s a way to have a mouthwatering meal on the table in just 30 minutes?
This teriyaki chicken recipe is like a warm hug on a chilly evening, with its sweet and savory sauce clinging to tender chicken bites. It’s so simple, you might just wonder why you ever ordered takeout.
Steps
- Warm olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place chicken pieces in the skillet, ensuring space between them, and let them cook until they are lightly browned on one side, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Flip the chicken pieces and continue cooking until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches about 160 degrees Fahrenheit, which should take another 3 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, mix soy sauce, water, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch in a small bowl or measuring cup to prepare the teriyaki sauce.
- Once the chicken is nearly cooked, pour the teriyaki sauce mixture into the skillet. Stir with the chicken and allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, which will take about 30 to 60 seconds.
- Serve the teriyaki chicken warm, optionally garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy it with a side of brown or white rice and steamed vegetables if desired.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- Olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or 2 1/2 tablespoons standard soy sauce with 1 1/2 tablespoons water)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or more brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (or dark brown sugar or granulated sugar)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar or lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (or unrefined peanut oil)
- Fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon dried ginger)
- Fresh garlic (or 1 teaspoon dried granulated garlic)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (or arrowroot starch)
- Optional garnishes: Sesame seeds and green onions
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1032 | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 360mg | Sodium: 2792mg | Potassium: 2212mg | Carbohydrates: 60g | Sugar: 52g | Protein: 120g | Vitamin A: 160IU | Vitamin C: 6.8mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 3.2mg
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?
- Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
- What can I use as a substitute for rice vinegar in the teriyaki sauce?
- Apple cider vinegar is a good alternative, and lemon juice can also work in a pinch.
- Is it necessary to use sesame oil in the recipe?
- No, sesame oil is optional. While it adds a distinct flavor, the recipe is still delicious without it. You can also add more if you prefer a stronger sesame taste.
- How can I ensure that the chicken cooks evenly?
- To ensure even cooking, try to cut the chicken into uniformly sized pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate.
- Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the teriyaki sauce mixture while the chicken is cooking to save time and streamline the process.
Tips
- Ensure Even Cooking: Cut the chicken into uniformly sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and avoid any pieces being undercooked or overcooked.
- Control Saltiness: If you prefer a milder salt flavor, consider replacing part of the soy sauce with water. Conversely, if you enjoy a saltier taste, you can add some extra salt to the sauce.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh ginger and garlic. However, if that’s not possible, dried ginger and granulated garlic can be substituted.
- Adjust Sesame Oil to Taste: If you’re not a fan of sesame oil, feel free to omit it, as the dish remains tasty without it. Alternatively, if you love the flavor, you can add more to suit your preference.
Equipment
- Large Non-Stick Skillet or Wok (12-inch recommended)
- Liquid Measuring Cup
- Instant-Read Meat Thermometer (to ensure chicken is cooked to the proper temperature)
