Easy Teriyaki Chicken

This Easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors. With minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps, you’ll have a flavorful meal on the table in no time. The homemade teriyaki sauce is rich and satisfying, making it a family favorite that pairs well with rice and vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes.
• Family-friendly: The sweet and savory flavors appeal to kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to your liking.
• Budget-friendly: Made with pantry staples, it’s a great meal that won’t break the bank.
• Healthy option: You can make this recipe healthier by choosing low-sodium soy sauce and adding more vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, minced
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and water. Set aside.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
3. Thicken the sauce: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the prepared teriyaki sauce. Mix cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry, then add to the sauce. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the chicken to the pan and coat it well with the sauce.
5. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired, and serve hot with rice or your favorite vegetables.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4.
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian option: Substitute tofu for the chicken and follow the same steps. Tofu absorbs the teriyaki sauce wonderfully.
• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Low-sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content.
• Gluten-free: Swap regular soy sauce for tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
• Extra veggies: Add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for more texture and nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

How can I make the sauce thicker?

You can thicken the sauce by using a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then add it to the sauce while stirring.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and often result in juicier chicken.

What vegetables go well with Teriyaki Chicken?

Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas are great vegetable pairings for this dish.

Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?

Yes, but homemade teriyaki sauce offers a fresher taste and allows you to control the ingredients and flavor balance.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The sweet teriyaki sauce makes it a favorite for kids.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them when ready to serve.

Can I freeze Teriyaki Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Cooking it until just done and then adding it back to the sauce will keep it moist.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in the slow cooker and add the teriyaki sauce at the end to thicken it.

How do I make the sauce sweeter or less sweet?

To make the sauce sweeter, add more brown sugar. To make it less sweet, reduce the sugar or increase the soy sauce.

Conclusion

This Easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a perfect solution for those busy nights when you want something quick, delicious, and healthy. It’s easy to customize, store, and reheat, making it an ideal dish to add to your meal rotation. Enjoy it with rice and vegetables, or make your own variations to suit your preferences!

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