How To Cook Chicken Teriyaki Like A Pro In Just 5 Simple Steps!

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, mastering the art of cooking chicken teriyaki is an essential skill that will elevate your meals to a whole new level. Follow our comprehensive guide and discover the secrets to creating a delectable chicken teriyaki dish that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients for a Perfect Chicken Teriyaki

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions: A Step-by-Step Journey

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• In a large bowl, combine the chicken with the soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, honey, water, cornstarch, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
• Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

2. Create the Teriyaki Sauce

• In a small saucepan, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, honey, and water.
• Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

3. Cook the Chicken

• Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
• Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

4. Finish the Teriyaki Sauce

• Add the chicken back to the pan with the teriyaki sauce.
• Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
• Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has caramelized.

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the chicken teriyaki over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.
• Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or other toppings of your choice.

Tips for a Terrific Chicken Teriyaki

• Use high-quality chicken. The quality of the chicken will greatly impact the flavor of your dish. Opt for organic, free-range chicken for the best results.
• Marinate the chicken. Marinating the chicken allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
• Don’t overcook the chicken. Chicken teriyaki should be cooked until just cooked through to prevent it from becoming dry and tough.
• Adjust the sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter teriyaki sauce, add more honey or brown sugar.
• Experiment with different flavors. Add a dash of Sriracha for a spicy kick or a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing twist.

Variations on the Classic

• Chicken Teriyaki with Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers, to the pan while cooking the chicken.
• Chicken Teriyaki Stir-Fry: Cook the chicken teriyaki in a wok with your favorite stir-fry vegetables.
• Chicken Teriyaki Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill or roast them for a fun and flavorful appetizer.

The Perfect Pairing: Chicken Teriyaki and Sides

• Rice: Serve chicken teriyaki over fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Noodles: Soba or udon noodles make a great accompaniment to chicken teriyaki.
• Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, stir-fried asparagus, or steamed edamame provide a healthy and flavorful side dish.

What People Want to Know

1. Can I use a different type of sweetener besides brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup, agave nectar, or honey for brown sugar.

2. What can I do if I don’t have mirin?

If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute dry sherry or white wine.

3. Can I make chicken teriyaki ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight and cook it the next day. You can also cook the chicken teriyaki and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

4. How do I thicken the teriyaki sauce?

If your teriyaki sauce is too thin, you can add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to thicken it.

5. What are some creative ways to use leftover chicken teriyaki?

You can use leftover chicken teriyaki in sandwiches, salads, or wraps. You can also add it to rice bowls or noodles.