Teriyaki chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Japan right to your kitchen. This recipe features succulent chicken thighs glazed in a rich teriyaki sauce, creating a balance of sweet and savory that will tantalize your taste buds. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish can be easily paired with rice or vegetables. Follow along to learn how to make this simple yet delicious meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
– 4 chicken thighs, skinless
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup mirin
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 green onions, chopped
– Sesame seeds for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4. Preparation time is 15 minutes, while cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of teriyaki chicken (approximately 1 chicken thigh with sauce) contains about 250 calories, 12g of fat, 15g of protein, 20g of carbohydrates, and 600mg of sodium. This is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger to create the marinade.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them.
3. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for extra flavor.
4. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the liquid.
6. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
7. In a small saucepan, bring the reserved marinade to a boil and reduce it for about 5 minutes.
8. Brush the thickened sauce over the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking.
9. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
10. Serve the chicken, drizzled with the sauce, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Other alternatives include using honey in place of brown sugar for sweetness.
Serving and Pairings
Teriyaki chicken pairs excellently with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with miso soup or a side of edamame.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few minutes or warm in a skillet over low heat. The dish can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze the chicken without the sauce.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the chicken can make it dry; use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Not marinating long enough can result in less flavor.
- Using low-quality soy sauce can affect the taste of the dish.
- Skipping the resting time after cooking can lead to dry chicken.
- Not thickening the sauce can result in a watery dish.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate overnight.
- Try adding vegetables to the grill with the chicken.
- Garnish with lime for a refreshing twist.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar.
FAQs
Can I use different meats for teriyaki?
Yes, teriyaki sauce works well with various proteins, including beef, pork, and tofu. Just adjust the cooking times as necessary.
What can I serve with teriyaki chicken?
Teriyaki chicken is best served with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple green salad to balance the flavors.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Can I make teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare teriyaki sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to reheat it before use.
Is teriyaki chicken healthy?
Teriyaki chicken can be part of a healthy diet, especially when made with lean chicken and served with vegetables. Just be mindful of the sodium content in soy sauce.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this teriyaki chicken recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that anyone can master. With its sweet and savory notes, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this delightful meal with family and friends, and don’t forget to experiment with sides and sauces to make it your own!
Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs skinless
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger to create the marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs in a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them.
- Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for extra flavor.
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the liquid.
- Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
- In a small saucepan, bring the reserved marinade to a boil and reduce it for about 5 minutes.
- Brush the thickened sauce over the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the chicken, drizzled with the sauce, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
