Teriyaki Chicken

The sweet and savory teriyaki glaze enveloping each tender piece of chicken creates a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that are simply irresistible. The moment you pull the sizzling chicken from the pan, the fragrant aroma of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic fills the air, making it hard to resist taking a bite right away. That glossy sheen of the sauce—just the right amount of sticky, but not overwhelming—coats the chicken perfectly, each bite offering a delicate balance of umami and sweetness. The glaze is rich but not heavy, allowing the juicy chicken to shine through while adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

Key Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken

For an extra burst of freshness, a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a few thinly sliced green onions can really elevate the dish. The subtle crunch from these toppings contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken, creating a delightful textural contrast. I love serving this dish over a bed of steaming white rice, where the sauce soaks into each grain, transforming it into something special. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together around the table, the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight.

If you’re like me, always experimenting with flavors, you can play around with the marinade, adding a bit of orange zest or even a dash of chili flakes for a spicy kick. The beauty of teriyaki chicken lies in its versatility, and no matter how you make it, there’s no wrong way to savor it. Each time I make it, I feel a little more connected to the kitchen, as if I’ve mastered a small but significant part of the culinary world.

To create that rich, balanced flavor of teriyaki chicken, it’s all about the right combination of ingredients. Each one plays a pivotal role, from adding sweetness and tang to enhancing the savory base of the sauce. Here’s a breakdown of the key players in this mouthwatering dish:

• Chicken Breasts
  The main star of the dish, chicken breasts offer a lean and juicy protein that soaks up the teriyaki glaze beautifully. They provide the perfect canvas for all those layers of flavor to come through.
• Soy Sauce
  The foundation of the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce brings in that signature salty umami flavor. It’s rich and savory, balancing out the sweetness from the other ingredients.
• Mirin
  This sweet rice wine is a key ingredient that adds a subtle sweetness to the glaze. It gives the sauce a delicate, aromatic depth that’s essential to the authentic taste of teriyaki.
• Sake
  A touch of sake contributes a mild, slightly fruity note to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering it. It adds a touch of elegance to the glaze.
• Brown Sugar
  Brown sugar introduces a deep, molasses-like sweetness that perfectly balances the savory soy sauce and the tangy vinegar. It helps to create that beautiful sticky glaze we all love.
• Rice Vinegar
  The tanginess of rice vinegar brightens up the dish, cutting through the richness of the sauce. It adds just enough acidity to keep the flavors balanced and adds a layer of complexity.
• Grated Ginger
  Fresh ginger provides a warm, zesty bite that complements the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce. It adds a bit of spice and freshness that makes the dish feel lively.
• Garlic
  Garlic’s bold, aromatic presence enhances the umami flavor of the soy sauce and gives the glaze a deliciously savory kick. It pairs perfectly with the ginger, creating a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Sesame Oil
  The nutty, toasted flavor of sesame oil gives the sauce a subtle richness that rounds out the profile of the glaze. It adds a layer of complexity, making the chicken even more irresistible.
• Cornstarch
  Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, helping the teriyaki sauce reach that perfect consistency—glossy and sticky but not too thick. It ensures the sauce clings beautifully to the chicken.
• Water
  Water helps to thin the sauce just enough to ensure it coats the chicken evenly without being too heavy. It’s an essential component for creating the ideal sauce texture.
• Sesame Seeds
  A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a gentle crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken. They also provide a bit of visual appeal, making the dish even more inviting.
• Chopped Green Onions
  Fresh, bright green onions give the dish a burst of color and a refreshing crunch. Their mild onion flavor adds a nice contrast to the rich teriyaki glaze, providing balance and a pop of freshness.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken

Serving Suggestions for Teriyaki Chicken

There’s no better way to soak up all that rich, glossy sauce than with a bowl of perfectly steamed white rice. The rice becomes a flavorful canvas, absorbing every last bit of that savory, sweet glaze. For an added touch, try using jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma, or even brown rice for a nutty twist.

Serve your teriyaki chicken alongside a colorful medley of stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. The crispness of the veggies contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken, and the slight char from the stir-fry adds a smoky depth that complements the sweetness of the glaze.

For a lighter take, try slicing the chicken thinly and placing it over a crisp, refreshing salad. Toss it with mixed greens, avocado, and a drizzle of sesame dressing. The coolness of the salad with the warm, savory chicken makes for a delightful balance—perfect for those warmer days when you’re craving something fresh but satisfying.

What do you think—are you more of a rice person or a salad lover when it comes to teriyaki chicken?

How to Store Teriyaki Chicken

After enjoying the delightful flavors of your homemade teriyaki chicken, you may find yourself with some leftovers. No worries, as this dish stores wonderfully if done correctly to maintain its freshness and flavor. One simple method is to store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up to avoid excess moisture build-up, which could compromise the texture of the chicken.

If you plan on keeping the teriyaki chicken for an extended period or want to prepare it ahead of time, freezing is a fantastic option. Simply portion out the chicken into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, being sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This way, you can have a quick and tasty meal on hand for those busy days when cooking from scratch isn’t an option.

Another great way to store teriyaki chicken is by turning it into meal prep containers. Divide the chicken into individual portions and pair them with your favorite sides like steamed veggies or rice. This way, you have a complete meal ready to grab and go for work or school lunches, saving you time and ensuring you have a delicious and satisfying meal wherever you are.

Whether you choose to refrigerate, freeze, or prepare meal prep containers, storing your teriyaki chicken properly will help it stay fresh and tasty for days to come. Feel free to mix things up by incorporating the leftovers into salads, wraps, or even fried rice for a new take on this classic dish. With a little extra care in storing your teriyaki chicken, you can enjoy its amazing flavors even after the initial serving.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a delicious, flavorful teriyaki chicken recipe that’s sure to be a hit in your kitchen! From the sticky, sweet-and-savory glaze to the tender chicken, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re enjoying it over rice, with a side of veggies, or nestled on top of a fresh salad, it’s the perfect balance of comfort and excitement. And the best part? It’s versatile enough to suit any mood or craving, so feel free to experiment and make it your own.

I hope you had as much fun reading through this recipe as I had writing it—and if you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Have any tips of your own, or maybe a variation you’ve tried? Or, if you need a little extra help bringing it all together, I’m here for that too. I always love chatting about food and cooking with fellow enthusiasts.

So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and get cooking! Can’t wait to hear all about your own teriyaki chicken creations!

Print Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken

Author: Maria Bennet Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 35 mins

Calories: 350

Description

Tender, juicy chicken glazed with a rich, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce that’s perfectly balanced with hints of garlic and ginger. Each bite is a burst of flavor, with a slight smoky undertone that leaves you craving more!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 pounds chicken breasts

• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce

• ¹⁄₄ cup mirin

• ¹⁄₄ cup sake

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 2 teaspoons grated ginger

• 2 cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• ¹⁄₄ cup water

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag and pour half of the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best results).
4. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Set aside.
5. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
6. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken in the skillet. Bring to a simmer.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
9. Meanwhile, place the skillet with the marinade back on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce has thickened.
10. Slice the chicken breasts and serve drizzled with the teriyaki sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Enjoy!

Note

• For a stronger flavor, marinate the chicken for longer, ideally overnight.
• To prevent the chicken from sticking to the skillet, make sure it is well-seared before adding the remaining marinade.
• Adjust the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce by adding more or less brown sugar according to personal preference.
• For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the skillet for a complete meal.

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