Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken
If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal, this Teriyaki Chicken stands out as a real winner. It’s easy to whip up on busy nights, taking just about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook. The sweet soy glaze gives it a rich, savory flavor that makes every bite feel special.
This recipe uses lean chicken breasts for a healthy twist, offering about 258 calories per serving with 30g of protein and only 7g of fat. Whether you’re a busy parent or a diet-conscious individual, it’s versatile enough to fit your lifestyle while keeping things delicious and satisfying.
One of the best parts is how it adapts to different tastes. You can tweak the sauce to make it your own, like using low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on sodium to around 698mg per serving. This dish serves four people, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
To explore more chicken recipes that are simple and flavorful, check out our guide to easy chicken breast dishes. It offers tips that pair perfectly with this teriyaki favorite.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Teriyaki Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Teriyaki Chicken
- 5. Mastering Teriyaki Chicken: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Teriyaki Chicken: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Teriyaki Chicken
- 8. Teriyaki Chicken
Essential Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Teriyaki Chicken recipe with sweet soy glaze a success. Below is a complete list based on the exact measurements needed. Each item is listed clearly to help you shop and measure with ease.
- 1 and 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons peeled and minced fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons peeled and minced fresh garlic (2 cloves)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (amount as desired)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (amount as desired)
These ingredients come together to create a sweet soy glaze that’s full of tender chicken meat. For those watching their salt intake, remember you can adjust the soy sauce and water to taste. If you want to amp up the flavor, try swapping the water with mirin for a fun twist.
| Ingredient Category | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Protein | Provides juicy chicken that stays tender when cooked evenly |
| Sauce Base | Delivers the sweet and savory glaze with soy sauce and honey |
| Extras | Adds flavor and garnish like ginger, garlic, and sesame seeds |
This setup ensures the dish hits around 258 calories per serving, with a good mix of 15g carbohydrates and 30g protein. Cutting the chicken into even cubes helps with uniform cooking, keeping it juicy every time.
How to Prepare the Perfect Teriyaki Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting the hang of this Teriyaki Chicken recipe is straightforward and fun. Start by dicing 1 and 1/4 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to brown the chicken nicely.
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the sauce: 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 and 1/2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil, 2 teaspoons peeled and minced fresh ginger, 2 teaspoons peeled and minced fresh garlic, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. This mix creates that irresistible sweet soy glaze.
Once the chicken is browned, pour in the sauce and stir it all together. Let it cook for 30 to 60 seconds until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Finish with a garnish of sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you like, and you’re ready to serve up to four people in just 20 minutes total. For more ideas on quick meals, try our creamy chicken and broccoli pasta recipe for another easy option.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Teriyaki Chicken
Making this Teriyaki Chicken fit your needs is simple with a few swaps. For plant-based eaters, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh to keep that juicy texture. If seafood is your thing, use salmon or shrimp instead, but watch the cooking time so it stays tender.
For the sauce, try coconut aminos in place of soy sauce if you’re avoiding soy. You can also play with vegetables like adding zucchini or snap peas for extra crunch. These changes help maintain the sweet soy glaze while fitting diets like gluten-free or low-calorie.
Remember our tips: Adjust salt by tweaking soy sauce and water, and avoid overcooking to keep everything moist. This way, you get a dish that’s as healthy as it is tasty, with options for everyone from students to food enthusiasts.
Mastering Teriyaki Chicken: Advanced Tips and Variations
To take your Teriyaki Chicken to the next level, focus on a few key tricks. Start with even cuts of chicken to ensure uniform cooking and that juicy, tender meat we all love. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness without overdoing it.
For flavor boosts, add a splash of mirin instead of water in the sauce for enhanced taste, or experiment with honey and sriracha for a sweet-spicy kick. Presentation matters too serve over rice and top with sesame seeds for a polished look. These variations keep the dish versatile for busy parents or working professionals.
This recipe’s sweet soy glaze really shines when you let the flavors meld, creating a teriyaki chicken that’s hard to resist.
How to Store Teriyaki Chicken: Best Practices
Proper storage keeps your Teriyaki Chicken fresh and tasty. Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days to lock in that sweet soy glaze. If you’re planning ahead, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for 2-3 months.
When reheating, go low and slow in a skillet with a bit of water to keep the chicken juicy. For meal prep, pair it with rice and veggies in containers for easy grab-and-go meals. Following these steps ensures your teriyaki chicken stays delicious for diet-conscious folks or seniors.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Teriyaki Chicken
What ingredients do I need to make authentic teriyaki chicken?
To make authentic teriyaki chicken, you will need boneless chicken thighs or breasts, soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), sake (Japanese rice wine), and sugar. These four ingredients create the classic teriyaki sauce. For added flavor, you can include grated ginger and garlic. Mixing the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar in the right proportions and cooking the chicken until the sauce thickens gives the dish its signature glossy and savory glaze.
How do I cook teriyaki chicken so the sauce is thick and sticky?
To achieve a thick, sticky teriyaki sauce, start by cooking the chicken over medium heat until it is nearly done. Then, pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the chicken and reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally. The sugar in the sauce will caramelize and thicken as the liquid reduces. Avoid high heat to prevent burning. Continue cooking until the sauce coats the chicken with a shiny glaze.
Can I make teriyaki chicken healthy without losing flavor?
Yes, you can make a healthier version of teriyaki chicken by using skinless chicken breast and reducing the sugar or replacing it with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in small amounts. Using low-sodium soy sauce also cuts down on salt content. Baking or grilling the chicken instead of frying reduces added fat. Incorporate plenty of steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas on the side to balance the meal.
How long can I store leftover teriyaki chicken in the refrigerator?
Leftover teriyaki chicken can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To maintain the sauce’s thickness, store separately from any rice or vegetables if possible. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Always check for freshness before eating leftover chicken.
What side dishes pair well with teriyaki chicken?
Teriyaki chicken pairs well with steamed white or brown rice, which balances the sweet and savory flavors of the sauce. Stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas make for nutritious sides. You can also serve it with pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, consider adding miso soup or edamame as traditional Japanese accompaniments.
Teriyaki Chicken
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option
Description
🍗 This Teriyaki Chicken recipe provides tender, juicy meat coated in a sweet and savory soy glaze.
🌿 It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a delicious home-cooked meal packed with protein and flavor.
Ingredients
– 1 and 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes for juicy chicken that stays tender when cooked evenly
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce for sauce base
– 1/4 cup water for sauce base
– 2 tablespoons honey for sauce base
– 1 and 1/2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
– 2 teaspoons peeled and minced fresh ginger for flavor and garnish
– 2 teaspoons peeled and minced fresh garlic (2 cloves) for flavor and garnish
– 2 teaspoons cornstarch
– Sesame seeds for garnish (amount as desired) for flavor and garnish
– Chopped green onions for garnish (amount as desired) for flavor and garnish
Instructions
1-Getting the hang of this Teriyaki Chicken recipe is straightforward and fun. Start by dicing 1 and 1/4 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to brown the chicken nicely.
2-While the chicken cooks, whisk together the sauce: 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 and 1/2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil, 2 teaspoons peeled and minced fresh ginger, 2 teaspoons peeled and minced fresh garlic, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. This mix creates that irresistible sweet soy glaze.
3-Once the chicken is browned, pour in the sauce and stir it all together. Let it cook for 30 to 60 seconds until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Finish with a garnish of sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you like, and you’re ready to serve up to four people in just 20 minutes total.
Notes
🧂 Adjust saltiness by modifying the amount of soy sauce and water to suit your taste.
🔪 Cut chicken into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
⏲ Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken moist and tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 258 per serving
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 698mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Teriyaki Chicken, Sweet Soy Glaze, Juicy Chicken, Japanese Chicken