Easy Chicken Teriyaki Recipe: A Delicious and Simple Meal
This easy chicken teriyaki recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's quick, delicious, and requires minimal ingredients. Even beginner cooks can master this classic dish! This recipe focuses on simplicity and fresh flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for both casual weeknight meals and more formal gatherings.
What You'll Need:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine) – If you can’t find mirin, you can substitute with a combination of 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 tablespoon dry sherry
- 1/4 cup sake (optional, but adds depth of flavor) – Dry sherry can be substituted if you don't have sake
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- Green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (Optional but Recommended):
While not strictly necessary, marinating the chicken will significantly enhance the flavor. Combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors fully.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken:
Heat the sesame oil (if using) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce:
If the sauce from the marinade seems too thin, you can thicken it by bringing it to a simmer. This will help the sauce cling to the chicken beautifully. Simply continue cooking until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken teriyaki hot over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables to the skillet along with the chicken for a complete meal. Broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots all work well.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little heat.
- Make it ahead: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
- Leftovers: Store leftover chicken teriyaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This easy chicken teriyaki recipe is a fantastic weeknight meal, offering a delicious and satisfying dinner without the fuss. Enjoy! Let us know in the comments how your teriyaki chicken turned out!
