Teriyaki chicken is a classic Japanese dish that’s easy to make at home and is always a crowd pleaser. The sweet and sticky sauce is made from soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger and black pepper, and it coats juicy chicken breasts perfectly. This recipe is perfect for a quick and tasty dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger and black pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Turn the chicken to coat it in the sauce.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, basting occasionally with the sauce.
- While the chicken is cooking, make the cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the baking dish and place it in the skillet. Pour the remaining teriyaki sauce from the baking dish into the skillet.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Vegetarian Version:
To make a vegetarian version of this dish, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or seitan. Press the tofu or seitan to remove excess water, and then cut it into cubes or slices. Follow the same recipe, but instead of baking the tofu or seitan, pan-fry it in a little bit of oil until it’s crispy on the outside. Then proceed with the recipe as written.
Vegan Version:
To make a vegan version of this dish, follow the vegetarian version above, but also substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Gluten-Free Version:
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure that the cornstarch used is certified gluten-free.
Conclusion:
Teriyaki chicken is a delicious and easy dish that’s perfect for a quick and tasty dinner. This recipe is simple to follow and requires only a few ingredients, making it a great choice for a weeknight meal. The sweet and sticky teriyaki sauce is what makes this dish so flavorful, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of Japan from the comfort of your own home!
FAQ
What is Teriyaki Chicken?
Teriyaki chicken is a Japanese dish that is made with grilled or broiled chicken that has been marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and ginger.
Can I make Teriyaki Chicken without Mirin?
Yes, you can make Teriyaki Chicken without mirin. You can use a combination of rice vinegar and sugar or white wine and sugar as a substitute for mirin.
What can I serve with Teriyaki Chicken?
Teriyaki Chicken goes well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a side salad. You can also serve it with noodles or grilled vegetables.
How long can I marinate the chicken in the Teriyaki sauce?
You can marinate the chicken in the Teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the chicken.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs have more fat and tend to be more flavorful, but they also take longer to cook than chicken breasts.
Can I make Teriyaki Chicken in the oven?
Yes, you can make Teriyaki Chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Can I use Teriyaki sauce from a bottle?
Yes, you can use Teriyaki sauce from a bottle. However, homemade Teriyaki sauce is easy to make and tastes much better than store-bought sauce.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill or pan?
To prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill or pan, make sure the grill or pan is hot before adding the chicken. You can also brush the chicken with oil before cooking to prevent sticking.
Can I use Teriyaki sauce as a marinade for other meats or vegetables?
Yes, you can use Teriyaki sauce as a marinade for other meats such as beef or pork, or for vegetables such as eggplant or zucchini.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
To know when the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before it is safe to eat.
