Perfectly Glazed Chicken Teriyaki (Easy Weeknight Dinner)

Easy Chicken Teriyaki: My Family's Favorite japanese recipes!

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a trip to japan without the pricey plane ticket? these japanese recipes will take you there. this chicken teriyaki recipe gives you that authentic sweet and savory flavour, right in your own kitchen.

Brief Overview

Teriyaki hails from japan. it's a method of cooking where food is glazed in soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. this easy recipe is perfect for beginners and takes about an hour, including marinating.

It serves four hungry people.

Main Benefits

It's a pretty healthy dinner asian , full of protein. chicken teriyaki is perfect for a quick japanese weeknight meals that everyone will love.

What makes it special? the amazing homemade sauce!. it tastes way better than anything you'd get in a bottle.

Ready to ditch the usual recipes for dinner asian ? Let's dive in!

Cooking Recipes Asian: Making Teriyaki Magic

Honestly, i used to be intimidated by authentic japanese recipes . then i realised teriyaki is surprisingly simple. it's all about the teriyaki sauce recipe homemade .

That beautiful, glossy glaze? pure magic.

This chicken teriyaki recipe easy uses chicken thighs for extra flavour. I like using boneless, skinless japanese chicken thigh recipes because they cook evenly.

Dinner Ideas Japanese: Perfect for One or Four

This recipe works great whether you are cooking easy dinner recipes for 1 or for the whole family. serve it with rice and steamed broccoli.

It is a total crowd pleaser. i hope you try it out, you won't regret it!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Teriyaki Party Started!

Ready to dive into some amazing japanese recipes ? We're making Chicken Teriyaki! This isn't your average Recipes For Dinner Asian . This is good stuff. Here's what you'll need.

Main Ingredients: The Teriyaki Dream Team

Alright, grab these bits. Remember, good ingredients = good food. I've had disasters with dodgy soy sauce.

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1 inch pieces): Quality chicken thighs are key. Look for good color. Make sure it feels firm. This is crucial for the Chicken Teriyaki Recipe Easy we're whipping up.
  • ¼ cup ( 60 ml ) soy sauce (Japanese preferred): Go for a decent Japanese soy sauce. It makes a HUGE difference.
  • ¼ cup ( 60 ml ) sake (or dry sherry): If you're out of sake, dry sherry works a treat.
  • ¼ cup ( 60 ml ) mirin (sweet rice wine): Mirin adds that essential sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) granulated sugar: Plain old sugar does the trick.
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) grated fresh ginger: Fresh ginger is a must!
  • 1 clove garlic, minced: Garlic makes everything better. Right?
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil: Any neutral oil will do.
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sesame oil: Sesame oil gives it that amazing aroma!
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) cornstarch
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Thinly sliced green onions, for garnish

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life (Teriyaki Style)

The marinade is where the magic happens. This combo is key for Authentic Japanese Recipes .

  • Essential Spice Combinations: Soy sauce, sake, mirin, ginger, and garlic. This is the core.
  • Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Sesame oil and green onions add that extra oomph. Seriously, don't skip the sesame oil.
  • Quick Substitution Options: No sake? Dry sherry or chicken broth. No Mirin? Mix 1/4 cup dry white wine or rice vinegar with 1 tsp of sugar.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

You don't need fancy gadgets. Easy Dinner Recipes For 1 , or four, requires simple tools.

  • Large bowl: For mixing the marinade.
  • Whisk: To get that marinade nice and smooth.
  • Large skillet (preferably non-stick): Non-stick makes life easier. Honestly.
  • Tongs: For flipping the chicken.

Alternatives? use a regular bowl if you don't have a large one. a fork works in a pinch instead of a whisk.

A normal pan will do, just be careful to not burn. let's get cooking some japanese weeknight meals ! or dinner ideas japanese .

I know you're going to kill it!

Cooking Method: Teriyaki Chicken Like a Pro

Okay, let’s chat about nailing chicken teriyaki. this isn’t just any chicken recipe. this is an introduction to recipes for dinner asian that explodes with sweet and savoury flavour.

It is a cornerstone of japanese recipes . honestly, even i get cravings for it sometimes! this method guarantees perfectly glazed, juicy chicken every time, i promise you.

Forget dry, boring chicken!

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place is your friend. get everything prepped before you even turn on the hob. slice 1.

5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite sized pieces. then, gather your marinade ingredients. chop the garlic and ginger, too.

Safety first : always wash your hands after handling raw chicken.

Next, organisation is key for any easy dinner recipe for 1 or even more people! have all your ingredients measured out and ready to go.

Trust me, it saves a lot of stress.

step-by-step: From Bland to Brilliant

  1. Marinade Magic: Whisk together ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce , ¼ cup (60 ml) sake , ¼ cup (60 ml) mirin , 2 tablespoons (30 ml) sugar , 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ginger , and 1 clove garlic in a large bowl.
  2. Chicken Bath: Add the chicken, toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours ) in the fridge. The longer, the better, for authentic japanese recipes .
  3. Slurry Time: Mix 2 teaspoons (10 ml) cornstarch with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water . This thickens the sauce.
  4. Sizzle Time: Heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sesame oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
  5. Sear It Good: Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 3- 4 minutes per side, until browned. Don't overcrowd the pan!
  6. Sauce It Up: Pour the marinade into the pan. Simmer, scraping up any browned bits. Those bits add flavour.
  7. Thickening Power: Add the cornstarch slurry. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens ( 1- 2 minutes ). Aim for a glossy finish.
  8. Glaze Galore: Toss the chicken to coat in the teriyaki sauce. Make sure every piece is covered.

Pro Tips: Secret Weapons

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan. Seriously. You'll steam the chicken, not sear it. You want that lovely caramelisation. It would prevent the healthy dinner asian .
  • Homemade teriyaki sauce is a game changer. It’s so much better than store-bought. For teriyaki sauce recipe homemade that’s the real deal, try one of the best cooking recipes asian .
  • make-ahead option: Marinate the chicken the night before. It will be more flavourful when you're ready for japanese weeknight meals .

So there you have it, chicken teriyaki made simple. this is the key to delicious and japanese chicken thigh recipes that you can bang out any night of the week.

Have fun cooking, and remember, don’t be afraid to experiment.

Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Teriyaki Game

Alright, let's talk nitty gritty. we are talking japanese recipes so it's important we do it right. these are my thoughts after countless cooking recipes asian .

This isn't just a recipe, it’s your roadmap to teriyaki town!

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters! my go-to? pile that glistening chicken on a bed of fluffy rice. think restaurant quality. a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some vibrant green onions? chef's kiss! steamed greens are a perfect healthy dinner asian side.

A crisp, dry white wine is a lovely pairing pinot grigio, perhaps? if you want dinner ideas japanese style, try serving with miso soup and a small salad with ginger dressing.

Storage Tips: Make It Last

Honestly, leftovers are a blessing. refrigerate any leftover chicken teriyaki immediately. proper refrigeration is key. i use an airtight container.

It's good for 3-4 days . want to freeze? totally doable! let it cool completely first. then, freeze in a freezer safe bag.

It'll keep for up to 2 months . reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or in the microwave.

Remember: heat leftovers to 165° f ( 74° c) to be safe. don't forget the teriyaki sauce recipe homemade taste.

Variations: Remix Your Teriyaki

Feeling adventurous? how about spicy teriyaki? add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. boom! you've got a kick.

Need a gluten-free option? no problem! use tamari instead of soy sauce. for a healthier version, use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar.

The flavor profile of this chicken teriyaki recipe easy is quite versatile.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, let's keep it real. this recipes for dinner asian isn't a kale smoothie. but it's got protein! each serving packs about 45g of protein .

That'll keep you full. there's some sugar, mostly from the mirin, but hey, life's too short to skip the good stuff.

Plus you can always make japanese weeknight meals in a hurry! if you are like me and only need easy dinner recipes for 1 just scale down the ingredients.

See? Easy peasy! Don't be scared to experiment. This authentic Japanese recipes is about enjoying the process.

So grab your skillet, and let's get cooking! have fun, and remember, even if it doesn't turn out perfectly the first time, it'll still taste amazing.

And at the end of the day, the journey of trying japanese chicken thigh recipes is just as important as the destination!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Chicken Teriyaki ahead of time? It's like, "Will it still slap" the next day?

You bet! Chicken Teriyaki is great for meal prepping. Just cook as directed and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld together even more overnight, making it even tastier.

When reheating, add a splash of water to the pan to keep the chicken moist nobody likes dried out teriyaki!

I'm new to japanese recipes. What can I serve with this Chicken Teriyaki to make it a complete meal?

Welcome to the wonderful world of Japanese cuisine! Chicken Teriyaki pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, either white or brown. Round out the meal with some stir fried vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for a healthy and colorful side. If you're feeling fancy, a simple miso soup is the perfect appetizer.

It’s all pretty straightforward, nothing too "cheffy".

I don't have sake or mirin. Are there any substitutions I can use in this japanese recipes?

No sake, no problem! Dry sherry works as a good substitute for sake in the marinade. If you don't have Mirin, you can use 1/4 cup of dry white wine or rice vinegar mixed with 1 tsp of sugar. While the flavor might be slightly different, the dish will still be delicious.

Think of it as your own personal twist on a classic!

How can I make this Chicken Teriyaki healthier? Is it okay to use less sugar in these japanese recipes?

Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe healthier. Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content. You can also reduce the sugar in the marinade by a tablespoon or two, or even substitute it with a sugar alternative like stevia or honey.

Consider serving it with brown rice instead of white for added fiber, just don't use Uncle Ben's!

My teriyaki sauce isn't thickening up! What am I doing wrong?

Don't panic! The cornstarch slurry is key to thickening the sauce. Make sure you whisk the cornstarch and water together thoroughly before adding it to the skillet. Also, ensure the sauce is simmering gently, not boiling vigorously. It should thicken within 1-2 minutes of adding the slurry.

If it's still not thickening, you can whisk another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add that to the sauce.

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

You can, but chicken thighs are generally more flavorful and stay juicier. If you use chicken breast, be extra careful not to overcook it. It tends to dry out more easily than thighs.

Consider pounding the chicken breast to an even thickness before marinating to ensure it cooks evenly, and keep a close eye on it in the pan to pull it off the heat when it's just cooked through!

Perfectly Glazed Chicken Teriyaki Easy Weeknight

Easy Chicken Teriyaki: My Family's Favorite japanese recipes! Recipe Card
0.0 / 5 (0 Review)
Preparation time:45 Mins
Cooking time:20 Mins
Servings:4

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories450 calories
Fat20g
Fiber0g

Recipe Info:

CategoryMain Course
CuisineJapanese

Share, Rating and Comments: