What’s in Teriyaki Chicken? Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful, mouth-watering dish that balances salty, sweet, and savory elements, making it a favorite for dinner time. It’s made with tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked in a rich, umami-packed teriyaki sauce. This sauce, consisting of ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar, coats the chicken beautifully, creating a glossy glaze that’s simply irresistible. And don’t forget the addition of fresh garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to enhance the depth of flavor!
While Teriyaki Chicken is incredibly tasty, it’s also versatile, allowing you to add vegetables like broccoli, peppers, or carrots for extra nutrition and color. Pair it with steamed rice, fried rice, or even noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish at home:
1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless (or you can substitute with chicken breasts)
1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended for healthier options)
1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine, or use a sugar and water substitute)
1/4 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste depending on how sweet you like it)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch ginger, grated
1 tbsp sesame oil (adds a nutty, rich flavor)
1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
2 tbsp water (to mix with cornstarch for slurry)
1 cup broccoli florets (steamed or blanched, for garnish and nutrition)
Cooked rice (preferably fried rice or plain white rice)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
This recipe serves about 4 people.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken
Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry to ensure they sear perfectly when cooking.
Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, filling your kitchen with amazing aromas.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a zip-top bag or large bowl, pour the marinade over it, and toss to coat. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but the longer you let it marinate, the more flavorful it will become. You can leave it for up to 2 hours.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (set the marinade aside for later) and add it to the hot pan. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked through.
Thicken the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring it to a boil. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and let the sauce thicken for about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until tender. Add them to the skillet in the last minute of cooking to absorb the sauce and heat through.
Serve: Serve your Teriyaki Chicken over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
A Touch of Inspiration For extra flavor, consider tossing in additional vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. You could even spice it up with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat! This dish is also fantastic when served cold the next day—perfect for meal prepping or leftovers.
Is Teriyaki Chicken Healthy? While Teriyaki Chicken is not a “light” dish, it has several health benefits when made with care. The chicken provides a good source of protein for muscle repair and energy, while the broccoli adds fiber and essential vitamins. Soy sauce and mirin provide depth and flavor, but keep an eye on the sodium content in soy sauce. You can opt for low-sodium soy sauce to make this dish healthier while still keeping the rich flavors intact.
Teriyaki Chicken is a great option for those looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to make. It’s perfect for weeknights or even special occasions when you want to impress your guests with something delicious yet simple to prepare. Enjoy the process of cooking and, most importantly, the joy of eating this savory meal!
