Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade

Craving Restaurant-Style Teriyaki at Home? Make it Easy!

This recipe delivers the sweet, savory goodness of teriyaki chicken without the fuss. With a simple marinade and quick cooking method, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• For the Marinade:
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
• For the Chicken:
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
  • Green onions, sliced for garnish (optional)

Cooking Guide:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): While the chicken rests, remove all but about 1 tablespoon of oil from the pan. Add the leftover marinade to the pan and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Serve: Serve the chicken with the thickened sauce spooned over it. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.

Tips:

• Want it crispier? After marinating, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking to achieve a crispier exterior.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steamed instead of seared chicken.
• Use leftover marinade: Reserve some of the marinade before adding the chicken and use it as a dipping sauce for the cooked chicken.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.