Chicken Teriyaki Recipe

Chicken Teriyaki is a classic Japanese dish loved for its sweet and savory flavors that perfectly complement tender chicken. This recipe brings the authentic taste of teriyaki right to your kitchen, allowing you to enjoy a delightful meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• Chicken Teriyaki:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast, if preferred)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
• 1/4 cup sake (Japanese rice wine) or dry sherry
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the chicken to cook evenly and allows the sauce to adhere better.

1. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

• In a bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake (or sherry), brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, reserving the other half for later. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

1. Cooking the Chicken:

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the used marinade) and place it in the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and nicely caramelized on the outside. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken.

1. Glaze with Teriyaki Sauce:

• In the last few minutes of cooking, pour the remaining teriyaki sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly, coating the chicken pieces beautifully.

1. Serve:

• Transfer the cooked chicken teriyaki to a serving plate or dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve hot with steamed rice and vegetables of your choice.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Teriyaki:

• Marinate for Flavor: Don’t rush the marinating time—it allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the teriyaki sauce, resulting in a more delicious dish.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter or less sweet teriyaki sauce, adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey accordingly.
• Grill Option: You can also grill the marinated chicken thighs on an outdoor grill for a smoky flavor.

Enjoy this homemade Chicken Teriyaki with family and friends, and savor the authentic taste of Japan right in your own kitchen!