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Classic Chicken Teriyaki Recipe

Classic Chicken Teriyaki Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Savor Japan’s beloved classic chicken teriyaki, a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors that dances on your palate. Succulent chicken glazed with a rich teriyaki sauce promises a culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sake
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons oil, for frying
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice chicken breasts or thighs into uniform pieces, ensuring even cooking. Generously season with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavors.
  2. Create teriyaki sauce by whisking soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar in a small bowl until sugar completely dissolves, creating a glossy, balanced mixture.
  3. Preheat a frying pan over medium heat with a thin layer of oil. Carefully place chicken pieces into the pan, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust on each side.
  4. Once chicken is nearly cooked and has a rich caramel color, slowly pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the meat. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce gently simmer.
  5. Continuously rotate chicken pieces to ensure complete sauce coverage, allowing the liquid to gradually reduce and transform into a luxurious, sticky glaze. Cook until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Remove chicken from pan and arrange on a serving plate. Drizzle remaining caramelized sauce over the top for extra flavor intensity.
  7. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions. Accompany with steamed rice and roasted vegetables for a complete, harmonious meal.

Notes

  • Slice chicken uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Control pan heat carefully to prevent burning the teriyaki sauce, which can turn bitter and ruin the delicate flavor profile.
  • Experiment with protein alternatives like tofu, salmon, or tempeh for vegetarian or seafood-friendly variations that maintain the classic teriyaki essence.
  • Let chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain moisture and allow the teriyaki glaze to settle, creating a more intensely flavored and succulent result.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 304
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg