Looking for a quick and tasty dinner idea? My Easy Teriyaki Chicken is just what you need! With juicy chicken thighs and a sweet-savory sauce, this dish comes together in no time. Whether you’re a busy parent or just want something delicious, I’ll show you how to whip up a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the simple ingredients and easy steps to get you cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This teriyaki chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, taking just 40 minutes from start to finish.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, honey, and ginger creates a mouthwatering marinade that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add different vegetables to the stir-fry for a personalized touch.
- Healthy Option: Using chicken thighs provides a juicy texture and paired with fresh green onions, it’s a nutritious choice.
Ingredients
List of Main Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnishes
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
For this Easy Teriyaki Chicken, the main ingredients are simple and tasty. I use chicken thighs because they stay juicy and flavorful. The soy sauce gives it a nice salty taste, while honey adds sweetness. Rice vinegar adds a bit of tang to balance it all.
I also add sesame oil for a nutty flavor. Minced garlic and grated ginger bring fresh zest to the dish. The cornstarch and water create a thick sauce that clings to the chicken.
For garnishes, chopped green onions add color and crunch. A sprinkle of sesame seeds makes it look special. This dish uses common items found in your kitchen, so you can make it any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Place the pieces in a large bowl. Next, mix the marinade. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Pour this mix over the chicken. Make sure all the pieces are coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating for up to 2 hours in the fridge gives better flavor.
Cooking the Chicken
Now, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, along with half of the marinade. Keep the rest for later. Cook the chicken for about 7 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. The chicken should be fully cooked and golden brown on the outside.
Making the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Add this to the reserved marinade and stir well. Once the chicken is cooked, pour this mixture into the pan. Stir well to combine everything. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken nicely. Now you are ready to serve!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Teriyaki Chicken
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This lets the chicken soak up the flavors. If you can, try to marinate it for up to 2 hours. This gives you a richer taste. To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking it. When cooking, look for a golden brown color. This shows it's cooked, but still moist inside.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need a soy sauce alternative, try tamari or coconut aminos. Both give a similar taste. For sweeteners, you can swap honey with maple syrup or agave. These options work well and add a nice touch of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the teriyaki chicken over fluffy rice or steamed vegetables. Both pair nicely with the rich sauce. For side dishes, consider a simple salad or stir-fried greens. For a nice presentation, sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top. It adds color and crunch to your dish. This makes your meal look as good as it tastes!
Pro Tips
- Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This will enhance the flavors and make the chicken more tender.
- Sear for Extra Crispiness: For a crispy texture, make sure your pan is well-heated before adding the chicken. This will help achieve a nice golden-brown color.
- Adjust Sweetness to Your Preference: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey based on your sweetness preference. You can also substitute it with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with Steamed Rice or Vegetables: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables, making it a complete meal.
Variations
Chicken Alternatives
You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Breasts cook faster and can be just as juicy. If you want a vegetarian option, use teriyaki sauce on tofu or vegetables. Tofu absorbs flavors well and gives a nice texture.
Flavor Enhancements
Add spices like black pepper or chili flakes for more heat. You can also mix in extra vegetables, like bell peppers or broccoli, for more crunch. If you want a twist, try fruit-based marinades. Pineapple juice or orange juice can add a sweet zing.
Different Cooking Methods
You can bake teriyaki chicken in the oven. Preheat to 400°F. Spread the chicken on a baking sheet and cook for about 20 minutes. Grilling is another great option. Just marinate the chicken and grill it over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side. This adds a nice smoky flavor.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your easy teriyaki chicken fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. Make sure to cool the chicken to room temperature before sealing it. You can store it for up to four days.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some teriyaki chicken for later, freezing works great! Place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy it later, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a pan over medium heat until warm.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, your teriyaki chicken will stay good for about four days. If you freeze it, you can keep it for three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Trust your senses!
FAQs
How do you make teriyaki sauce from scratch?
To make teriyaki sauce, mix a few simple ingredients. Use these:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
Combine all these ingredients in a bowl and whisk them together. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or using brown sugar. For a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry made from 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water. Cook this mixture in a pan until it thickens. You can add variations by including sesame seeds or even pineapple juice for a fruity twist.
Can I use alternative sweeteners instead of honey?
Yes, you can use several options for low-sugar or vegan alternatives. Here are a few:
- Maple syrup: A great vegan option that adds a unique flavor.
- Agave nectar: A low-glycemic sweetener that works well.
- Coconut sugar: This has a caramel-like taste and is less sweet than honey.
These alternatives can replace honey in equal amounts. However, you may need to tweak the other ingredients to maintain balance.
What sides go well with teriyaki chicken?
Teriyaki chicken pairs well with various sides. Here are some tasty options:
- Steamed rice: White or brown rice absorbs the sauce well.
- Stir-fried vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas add color and crunch.
- Noodles: Serve with udon or soba for a hearty meal.
- Salad: A fresh cucumber or cabbage salad can lighten the meal.
These sides not only complement the teriyaki chicken but also enhance the overall dining experience.
In this post, I shared a simple way to make teriyaki chicken. We covered the key ingredients, including chicken thighs, soy sauce, and honey. I also walked you through each step, from prepping the chicken to making the sauce. Don't forget the tips for great flavor and juicy chicken. You can customize this dish with alternatives and serve it with delicious sides. Now you can enjoy a tasty meal at home!
