Did you know one serving of this Japanese-American chicken teriyaki has 25.2 grams of protein? It’s more than half the daily amount you need. You can make this dish at home using only five ingredients. It takes about 30 minutes.
The key is the marinade that mixes soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and ginger. You marinate the chicken in it, then cook it until it’s golden and shiny. This dish is full of complex flavors and has a crispy, sweet outside.
This chicken teriyaki recipe is perfect for anyone wanting to change up their meals. You can enjoy it with rice, veggies, or a salad. It’s a taste everyone in your family will love.
Key Takeaways
- Authentic Japanese-American chicken teriyaki dish packed with protein and flavor
- Simple five-ingredient marinade using soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and ginger
- Versatile meal that can be served over rice, with vegetables, or as part of a healthy, balanced dinner
- Easy to make at home in just 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight option
- Boneless, skin-on chicken thighs provide juicy, flavorful meat
What is Chicken Teriyaki?
Chicken teriyaki is a well-known Japanese-American meal that you can make at home easily. It uses chicken, often thighs or breasts. They’re marinated in a sauce made of soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and ginger. Then, the chicken is cooked by searing it and simmering in the sauce until done.
A Classic Japanese-American Dish
This chicken teriyaki recipe is both delicious and simple to cook. It only needs a few basic items and 30 minutes. It’s a favorite in Japanese-American cuisine, mixing Japanese tastes with American cooking style.
Five-Ingredient Teriyaki Sauce
The heart of classic chicken teriyaki is its simple but tasty sauce. It’s made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and grated ginger. These ingredients give the dish its sweet, savory taste.
Easy to Make at Home
Making chicken teriyaki at home is easy and quick. It’s perfect for a simple dinner that you can make effortlessly. This homemade teriyaki sauce will surely be a hit with your family, no matter your cooking skill level.
5 Japanese Chicken Teriyaki Recipes: Easy, Simple & Fast
Chicken Teriyaki is a popular Japanese dish featuring juicy chicken coated in a savory and sweet teriyaki sauce. It’s a versatile dish that can be served with rice, noodles, or vegetables. Here are five easy, simple, and fast Chicken Teriyaki recipes you can try at home.
Classic Chicken Teriyaki
Time Required: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons sake
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet. Simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Slice the chicken and serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Tip: Serve with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Grilled Chicken Teriyaki
Time Required: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons sake
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, ginger, and garlic. Marinate the chicken thighs in the mixture for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours.
Step 2: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Step 3: Grill the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, brushing with the marinade occasionally, until fully cooked.
Step 4: Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
Tip: This recipe also works well with a stovetop grill pan if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
Baked Chicken Teriyaki
Time Required: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and place them in a baking dish.
Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, honey, vegetable oil, ginger, and garlic. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes, basting with the sauce occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Tip: Serve with steamed broccoli and rice for a healthy, balanced meal.
Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
Time Required: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, honey, and cornstarch solution.
Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken slices and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add mixed vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables. Stir until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
Step 5: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Tip: Serve over noodles or rice for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Time Required: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sake
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Skewers
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, honey, sake, ginger, and garlic. Marinate the chicken pieces for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Step 3: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
Step 4: Grill the skewers for 5-7 minutes on each side, brushing with the marinade, until cooked through.
Step 5: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Tip: Serve these skewers with a side of grilled vegetables for a delicious barbecue treat.
Ingredients for Authentic Chicken Teriyaki
Making chicken teriyaki at home is easy with just a few ingredients. You’ll start with boneless, skin-on chicken thighs. They are juicy and full of flavor. The teriyaki sauce needs soy sauce, mirin, and sake. These make the dish sweet and savory. Don’t forget sugar and ginger for extra flavor.
Boneless, Skin-on Chicken Thighs
In Japan, cooks choose boneless, skin-on chicken thighs for teriyaki. The skin gets crispy and the meat stays moist. In the U.S., boneless, skinless chicken thighs are easier to find and use.
Soy Sauce, Mirin, and Sake
The heart of teriyaki sauce is soy sauce, mirin, and sake. These give the dish its classic taste. Mix 2 parts of each for a perfect teriyaki sauce.
Sugar and Grated Ginger
Adding sugar and ginger completes the teriyaki sauce. Sugar balances the soy sauce’s saltiness. Ginger adds a fresh, fragrant kick. Use about half as much sugar as the other sauce ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by marinating the chicken in teriyaki sauce for 15 minutes. This helps the flavors get into the meat. It makes sure your dish is tasty.
Marinating the Chicken
Place boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a dish or bag. Add the teriyaki sauce. This sauce is made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and ginger. Mix it well, then refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
You can also leave it overnight for the flavors to soak in more.
Searing and Browning the Chicken
Now, it’s time to cook your chicken. Heat a skillet or grill on medium-high. Put in some cooking oil. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side. You want it to be golden-brown.
Simmering in Teriyaki Sauce
After searing, add the rest of the teriyaki sauce. Let it simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 8-10 more minutes. The sauce will get thicker and coat the chicken.
The secret to great chicken teriyaki is marinating, searing, and simmering. These steps lock in the flavors and make the dish perfect.
Variations and Substitutions
The usual chicken teriyaki recipe asks for boneless, skin-on chicken thighs. But, you can swap them for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or pork tenderloin. Want less sweetness? Just use less sugar in the teriyaki sauce.
On the other hand, to add more ginger kick, put more freshly grated ginger. You can also thicken the sauce with a cornstarch or potato starch slurry at the end. This lets you adjust the taste to fit what you like.
Using Chicken Breasts or Pork
If you like, pick boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lighter meal. Pork tenderloin is also a tasty choice with teriyaki sauce. Just watch the cooking time to ensure everything is fully cooked.
Adjusting Sweetness and Ginger
For a less sweet flavor, lower the brown sugar in your chicken teriyaki. More ginger, anyone? Grate some extra fresh ginger for a bolder taste.
Thickening the Sauce
Need a thicker teriyaki sauce? Mix some cornstarch or potato starch with water. Then, add it to the sauce while it simmers. This makes the sauce shiny and stick better to your chicken or pork.
chicken teriyaki recipe
First, you prepare the teriyaki marinade. Combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and ginger. Add chicken to the mix. Let it sit for 15 minutes to soak up the flavors.
Grilling or Pan-Searing
Next, you have a choice – grill or pan-sear the chicken. For grilling, baste the chicken with the left-over teriyaki sauce. This gives it a sweet, caramelized glaze.
In a pan, sear the chicken until it’s golden. Then, add the remaining marinade. Let it simmer. This way, the chicken becomes juicy and the sauce thickens.
Basting with Teriyaki Sauce
Basting with teriyaki sauce is the secret. On the grill, it makes a sweet glaze. In a pan, it infuses the chicken with the teriyaki flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoying homemade chicken teriyaki offers many tasty options. It’s great with steamed white or brown rice. Add some steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach. These veggies balance the teriyaki’s delicious, savory taste.
Steamed Rice and Vegetables
Besides the usual white or brown rice, try other types too. Jasmine rice or even pineapple or cauliflower fried rice work well. These rice dishes complement the bold flavors of teriyaki chicken.
Salad and Garnishes
A salad with a light dressing is a perfect addition. Options include Asian slaw, Japanese potato, cucumber, or Thai peanut chicken salad. Add green onions, sesame seeds, or furikake for more taste and texture.
These suggestions make teriyaki chicken a balanced, satisfying meal for the family.
Japanese Farm-Style Teriyaki
There’s a unique Japanese twist to the classic chicken teriyaki. It’s called “farm-style,” with a simple, Japanese farm-style teriyaki marinade. This version uses only soy sauce, mirin, and ginger, skipping the sugar.
Traditional Teriyaki Marinade
In the farm-style recipe, the marinade is basic. It has soy sauce, mirin (a sweet Japanese rice wine), and fresh ginger. This basic marinade lets the meat’s true taste come through. It doesn’t cover it in a too-sweet sauce.
Grilled Chicken or Portobello Mushrooms
The grilled chicken teriyaki or grilled portobello teriyaki is made with care. It needs to marinate: chicken for 4 hours to overnight, mushrooms for just 1 hour. This method brings out the juicy, flavorful side of the meat, without adding a lot of sugar.
Refreshing Cucumber Salad
A cucumber salad goes well with this version of teriyaki. It’s dressed in a mix of rice vinegar, honey, and sesame seeds. It’s a fresh and crunchy addition to the meal. It balances the taste of the teriyaki with its own zesty flavor.
Tips for Perfect Teriyaki
When making chicken teriyaki at home, remember a few vital tips. First off, marinating time is key. Chicken should soak in the flavors for at least 15 minutes. For the tastiest dish, let it marinate for several hours or even overnight.
Marinating Time
Allowing the chicken to sit in the teriyaki marinade longer is better. This makes the chicken more tender and full of flavor. Shoot for 15 minutes at the least. For the best results, marinate for several hours or overnight.
Cooking Techniques
The cooking technique also matters a lot. First, sear the chicken for that nice caramelized outside. Then, simmer it in the sauce to cook it perfectly. This method locks in the juices and creates a great glaze.
Balancing Flavors
It’s crucial to get the sweet, savory, and umami tastes right in your teriyaki sauce. Tweak the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and ginger until it fits your taste. Making sure all the flavors are balanced is the secret to a top-notch teriyaki dish.
Remembering these steps will help you make awesome chicken teriyaki every time.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
Chicken teriyaki is tasty and good for you when eaten in the right amounts. It’s a great source of lean protein. This means it gives you a lot of protein without too much fat or calories. The ginger in the sauce is full of antioxidants. These help your body stay healthy.
When you eat chicken teriyaki, you usually get a reasonable amount. This lets you enjoy its taste without eating too much. Remember to check the size of your serving. Also, eating it with lots of steamed veggies can turn it into a good, filling meal.
Lean Protein Source
A single tablespoon of teriyaki sauce has 14 calories, 2.5g carbs, and 0.9g of protein. It only has a tiny amount of fat. This shows that chicken teriyaki is a healthy choice for getting more protein without the added calories.
Antioxidant-Rich Ginger
The ginger in teriyaki sauce is full of antioxidants. These can help lower the risk of some cancers. This makes ginger a great addition to your diet.
Portion Control
Each tablespoon of teriyaki sauce has 613mg of sodium. This is above what’s recommended for a whole day. Even then, the servings of chicken teriyaki are usually small. This means you can savor the meal without eating too much. Just watch out for your portion size. Pair your meal with lots of veggies for a nutritious balance.
Conclusion
This Japanese-American chicken teriyaki recipe is a top choice for anyone who loves good food. It’s easy to make with just five ingredients. With juicy chicken thighs, all this meal needs is a simple teriyaki sauce. Serve it with rice, salad, or veggies. It’s a meal everyone in the family will enjoy.
This dish isn’t just tasty; it’s also a great healthy protein option. It uses lean chicken that’s full of flavor. Marinated in a tangy teriyaki sauce, it gets even better when cooked with fresh ginger, garlic, and vegetables. The best part? It only takes 20 minutes to prepare. Perfect for those busy days or planning meals ahead.
Even if you’re new to cooking, this chicken teriyaki recipe is a winner. Its rich taste and many ways to serve it make it stand out. Give it a go and taste the unique blend of Japanese and American flavors. Your kitchen will feel like a little slice of both worlds.
FAQ
What is chicken teriyaki?
Chicken teriyaki is a favorite Japanese-American meal. It stars juicy chicken thighs or breasts. They’re marinated and cooked in a yummy teriyaki sauce.
What ingredients are needed to make authentic chicken teriyaki?
To make authentic chicken teriyaki, you need these items:
Boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
Soy sauce
Mirin (sweet sake)
Sake
Sugar
Freshly grated ginger.
How do you make chicken teriyaki at home?
To make it at home, first marinate the chicken. Then, sear it for a golden finish. Finally, simmer it in the sauce until done. This also helps the sauce thicken up a bit.
Can I use chicken breasts or pork instead of chicken thighs?
Yes! You can swap in boneless, skinless chicken breasts or pork tenderloin. They work great as alternatives.
How can I customize the teriyaki sauce to my taste?
There are a few ways to tweak the teriyaki sauce. You could:
- Adjust its sweet level by adding more or less sugar.
- Boost the ginger taste with extra grated ginger.
- Thicken it more by stirring in a cornstarch or potato starch slurry at the end.
How do I serve chicken teriyaki?
Serve it on a plate over steamed rice. Add a simple veggie, like broccoli or spinach, on the side. Top with green onions, sesame seeds, or furikake.
Is there a more traditional, less sweet version of chicken teriyaki?
Yes, a “farm-style” chicken teriyaki exists. Its marinade is simple: just soy sauce, mirin, and ginger. It skips the sugar for a less sweet sauce.
What are the keys to making the best chicken teriyaki at home?
To nail it at home, remember these three tips:
- Marinate the chicken well for deeper flavor.
- Sear it for a lovely caramelized outside.
- Make sure your teriyaki sauce is perfectly balanced in sweetness, savory, and umami.
Is chicken teriyaki a healthy meal option?
Yes, it can be a healthful choice when not overdone. Chicken is a lean protein. Ginger in the sauce brings antioxidants. Pair with steamed veggies for a nutritious meal.