Are you craving a delicious and quick meal that puts the takeout to shame? My Easy Chicken Teriyaki recipe gets dinner on the table in just 30 minutes! With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you’ll discover how to whip up this savory dish in no time. Whether for a busy weeknight or meal prep, this chicken teriyaki will satisfy your taste buds and your schedule. Let’s dive into the tasty details!
What Are the Key Ingredients for Easy Chicken Teriyaki?
To make easy chicken teriyaki, you need fresh ingredients. The main star is chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender when cooked. You can also use chicken breast if you prefer.
For the homemade teriyaki sauce, you will mix several key items. Start with soy sauce. I recommend low-sodium soy sauce for better flavor control. Next, add honey for sweetness. This balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Rice vinegar brings a nice tang. It helps cut through the richness of the sauce. Brown sugar adds depth and a bit of caramel flavor. You will also need sesame oil for a nutty taste.
Don’t forget the garlic and ginger! They give the dish a fresh and aromatic kick. For thickening, you will use a cornstarch slurry made with cornstarch and water.
Finally, top your dish with sesame seeds and green onions. They add crunch and color. For a full list of ingredients, check the Full Recipe.
What Chicken Cuts Work Best for Teriyaki?
The best chicken cuts for teriyaki are boneless and skinless thighs. They cook quickly and stay moist. However, chicken breast works too. Just remember, it may dry out if overcooked.
Which Sauces Are Essential for Homemade Teriyaki?
The essential sauces for homemade teriyaki are soy sauce and rice vinegar. Soy sauce gives it that classic umami taste. Rice vinegar adds brightness, making the dish lively.
How to Prepare a Simple Chicken Teriyaki Marinade?
To prepare a simple chicken teriyaki marinade, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix until smooth. This marinade is simple yet packed with flavor. Marinate your chicken for at least 15 minutes for the best taste.
How Do You Cook Easy Chicken Teriyaki in Less Than 30 Minutes?
To make easy chicken teriyaki in under 30 minutes, follow these clear steps.
What Are the Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions?
1. Start by cutting 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger to the bowl. Whisk until smooth.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir often until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned.
5. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Stir well to coat each piece.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
7. Add the slurry to the skillet. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over rice.
How Can You Speed Up the Cooking Process?
You can speed up cooking by cutting the chicken into smaller pieces. Smaller pieces cook faster. You can also use pre-minced garlic and ginger. This saves time on prep. If you have a microwave, you can cook the rice while the chicken cooks. This way, both are ready together.
What Cooking Equipment Do You Need?
For this teriyaki dish, you need a large skillet and a medium bowl. A whisk helps mix the sauce well. Use a cutting board and a sharp knife for cutting the chicken. Finally, have measuring spoons and cups ready for accurate ingredient amounts. Check out the Full Recipe for more details!
