Teriyaki Chicken

A delicious Teriyaki Chicken recipe is the perfect way to impress family and friends. This quick and easy meal features a sweet and savory caramelized sauce that elevates the tender chicken. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or meal prepping for the week, this dish fits any occasion perfectly. With stovetop, slow cooker, Instant Pot, and oven-baked options, it’s versatile enough for any kitchen!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For Chicken
• For Teriyaki Sauce
• For Garnish
• How to Make Teriyaki Chicken
• Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
• Step 2: Cook the Chicken (Stovetop Method)
• Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
• Step 4: Serve
• Alternative Cooking Methods
• How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken
• Rice
• Noodles
• Vegetables
• How to Perfect Teriyaki Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Teriyaki Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Teriyaki Chicken
• Reheating Teriyaki Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Teriyaki Chicken?
• How can I make Teriyaki Chicken gluten-free?
• What is the best way to serve Teriyaki Chicken?
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
• What are some great vegetable additions for Teriyaki Chicken?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a flavorful dish ready in no time.
• Customizable Flavor: Adjust the sweetness or spice to match your taste by modifying the ingredients.
• Multiple Cooking Methods: Choose from stovetop, slow cooker, Instant Pot, or oven-baked methods based on your schedule.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with lean chicken and low-sodium soy sauce, it’s a healthier alternative to takeout.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Great for meal prep, this dish tastes even better the next day.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Below are some essential tools you’ll need for this Teriyaki Chicken recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or frying pan
• Slow cooker
• Instant Pot
• Baking dish
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or frying pan: Perfect for achieving a nice sear on the chicken while allowing for quick sauce thickening.
• Slow cooker: Ideal for hands-off cooking that allows flavors to deepen over hours without constant attention.
• Instant Pot: A great option for quick cooking under pressure while maintaining juicy chicken.
• Baking dish: Ensures even cooking in the oven while providing an easy serving method.

Ingredients

For Chicken

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/4 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

For Teriyaki Sauce

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

For Garnish

• Sesame seeds
• Green onions

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How to Make Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and tools before starting. This will help streamline the cooking process.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken (Stovetop Method)

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add cubed chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together all teriyaki sauce ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet.
2. Cook until it thickens and bubbles.

Step 4: Serve

Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve your Teriyaki Chicken with steamed rice or noodles alongside fresh vegetables for a complete meal.

Alternative Cooking Methods

For those who prefer other cooking methods:
– Slow Cooker: Place unsliced chicken in a slow cooker with mixed sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours before serving.
– Instant Pot: Combine unsliced chicken with sauce ingredients in an Instant Pot. Seal and cook on high for 10 minutes before serving.
– Oven-Baked: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake seasoned chicken brushed with sauce in a baking dish for about 30 minutes total.

Enjoy your homemade Teriyaki Chicken!

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken

Serving Teriyaki Chicken can be a delightful experience. The sweet and savory flavors pair wonderfully with various sides and garnishes that enhance the dish. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Rice

• Steamed White Rice: A classic accompaniment that absorbs the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
• Fried Rice: Add vegetables and eggs for a flavorful twist.
• Brown Rice: A healthier option that adds a nutty flavor.

Noodles

• Soba Noodles: These buckwheat noodles make a great base for teriyaki chicken, providing a unique texture.
• Rice Noodles: Light and chewy, rice noodles are perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Udon Noodles: Thick and hearty, udon noodles hold the teriyaki sauce well.

Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Adds color and nutrients while complementing the dish’s flavors.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas stir-fried in sesame oil enhance the meal’s freshness.

How to Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Teriyaki Chicken, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish is flavorful and perfectly cooked.

• Bold Cooking Method: Choose your preferred cooking method—stovetop, slow cooker, Instant Pot, or oven—to match your schedule and preferences.
• Bold Marinade Time: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight to deepen the flavors of the teriyaki sauce.
• Bold Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it longer or use a cornstarch slurry for added texture.
• Bold Garnish Choices: Don’t forget sesame seeds and green onions as garnishes; they add visual appeal and extra flavor.
• Bold Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality soy sauce and fresh ginger for the best taste in your teriyaki chicken recipe.
• Bold Vegetable Additions: Add colorful vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to your teriyaki chicken for added nutrition and flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for Teriyaki Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your delicious teriyaki chicken can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, and snap peas steamed lightly enhance nutrients without overpowering flavors.
2. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and lime dressing adds protein while keeping it healthy.
4. Miso Soup: This traditional Japanese soup provides warmth and complements the main dish nicely.
5. Cucumber Pickles: Quick-pickled cucumbers give a tangy bite that balances sweetness in teriyaki chicken.
6. Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with vegetables add crunch and freshness to the meal.
7. Egg Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice with eggs is filling and pairs excellently with teriyaki chicken.
8. Kimchi: Spicy fermented cabbage offers bold flavors that contrast beautifully with sweet teriyaki sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Teriyaki Chicken, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Using regular soy sauce – Regular soy sauce can make the dish too salty. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce for a balanced taste.
• Skipping the marination – Not allowing the chicken to marinate can result in bland flavor. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper taste.
• Overcooking the chicken – Cooking chicken too long makes it dry. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for juicy results.
• Ignoring the sauce thickness – If the sauce is too thin, it won’t cling well to the chicken. Simmer longer or add cornstarch to thicken it up.
• Neglecting garnishes – Skipping sesame seeds and green onions misses out on added flavor and presentation. Always garnish before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Teriyaki Chicken

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Teriyaki Chicken

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave – Use a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid, and heat on medium power in short increments until hot.
• Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Teriyaki Chicken?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and provide a richer flavor due to higher fat content.

How can I make Teriyaki Chicken gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos as a substitute in your teriyaki sauce recipe.

What is the best way to serve Teriyaki Chicken?

Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and store it in the fridge or freezer and reheat when ready to serve.

What are some great vegetable additions for Teriyaki Chicken?

Consider adding bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra crunch and color.

Final Thoughts

This Teriyaki Chicken recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. With multiple cooking methods available, you can enjoy this delicious dish any night of the week. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or adjust the sweetness of the sauce to suit your taste!

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