5 Easy Chicken Teriyaki Recipes You'll Love

In today's fast-paced world, finding quick and delicious recipes is essential for those looking to maintain a healthy diet without spending too much time in the kitchen. Chicken Teriyaki is a dish that embodies simplicity, flavor, and nutritional benefits, making it a go-to meal for many home cooks. This blog post will delve into 5 Easy Chicken Teriyaki Recipes that cater to a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Whether you're looking for a sweet, savory, or even a unique twist on the classic, these recipes will ensure you have a flavorful and satisfying meal every time.

Recipe 1: Classic Chicken Teriyaki

Here’s how to make a timeless version of Chicken Teriyaki that captures the essence of this popular Japanese dish:

• Ingredients:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce
• ¹⁄₄ cup mirin
• 2 tablespoons sake or dry sherry
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• Sliced green onions, for garnish

Steps:

1. Mix soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and ginger in a small bowl to create the marinade.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring it's well coated, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off, then place in the pan.
4. Cook the chicken until nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
5. Reduce the remaining marinade in the pan until it thickens slightly to use as a glaze.
6. Slice the chicken and serve drizzled with the thickened sauce and garnished with green onions.

🔔 Note: Sake can be replaced with an equal amount of dry white wine or apple cider vinegar for an alcohol-free option.

Recipe 2: Honey Garlic Chicken Teriyaki

This variation adds sweetness and depth to the traditional Chicken Teriyaki:

• Ingredients:
• 4 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
• ¹⁄₃ cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• ¹⁄₃ cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Steps:

1. Combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, and orange juice in a saucepan. Simmer until thickened to create the teriyaki sauce.
2. Marinate chicken in half of the sauce for 30 minutes.
3. In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken, cook until browned on both sides.
4. Pour remaining sauce over chicken, simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and sauce is syrupy.
5. Serve, garnished with sesame seeds.

Recipe 3: Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Stir-Fry

For a tropical twist, this recipe incorporates pineapple for a refreshing taste:

• Ingredients:
• 4 chicken breasts, cubed
• ¹⁄₂ cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Cilantro, for garnish

Steps:

1. Marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a wok or large frying pan, heat oil. Add garlic and onion, sauté until translucent.
3. Add the marinated chicken, cook until it starts to brown.
4. Increase heat, add bell peppers and pineapple, stir-fry until peppers are crisp-tender.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro.

Recipe 4: Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Perfect for BBQs or when you want to enjoy Chicken Teriyaki outdoors:

• Ingredients:
• 1 lb chicken, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ¹⁄₃ cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Vegetables for skewers (bell peppers, onions, zucchini)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Marinate chicken in teriyaki sauce, oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers.
4. Grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve hot, optionally with extra teriyaki sauce for dipping.

Recipe 5: Spicy Chili Chicken Teriyaki

For those who enjoy a kick, this recipe brings heat to the classic dish:

• Ingredients:
• 4 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
• ¹⁄₃ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Red chili flakes, to taste

Steps:

1. Combine soy sauce, honey, Sriracha, ginger, and garlic for the marinade.
2. Marinate chicken for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Heat oil in a pan, add marinated chicken, and cook until browned on both sides.
4. Add any remaining marinade to the pan, reduce until thickened.
5. Serve, sprinkled with red chili flakes for extra heat.

To round off, these recipes offer a versatile palette of flavors, ensuring that Chicken Teriyaki remains a favorite for both its simplicity and its satisfying taste. Each variation provides a unique way to enjoy this classic Japanese dish, with options for everyone from the spice enthusiasts to those seeking a healthier, sweeter take. With these easy recipes at your fingertips, making Chicken Teriyaki can be a delightful culinary adventure at home.

Can I make Teriyaki Sauce from Scratch?

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Absolutely, making Teriyaki sauce from scratch is simple. Combine soy sauce, mirin, sugar or honey, sake or a substitute, and some minced garlic and ginger. Simmer this mixture until it thickens to your desired consistency.

What can I use instead of sake?

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You can use dry white wine, apple cider vinegar, or even rice vinegar as a substitute for sake to give your teriyaki sauce a similar flavor profile.

How do I know when chicken is properly cooked?

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Chicken is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check, or ensure the juices run clear and no pink remains in the center of the chicken.