Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

What Is Teriyaki Chicken?

Let’s talk about Teriyaki Chicken—a dish so iconic that it’s become a global ambassador of Japanese cuisine. The word “teriyaki” is a combination of two Japanese words: “teri” (照り), meaning “shine” or “glaze,” and “yaki” (焼き), which refers to cooking methods like grilling, broiling, or pan-frying. This cooking style dates back to the Edo period (1603–1868) in Japan, where people began experimenting with soy sauce-based glazes to enhance the flavor of fish and meat.

Over time, teriyaki evolved from a technique used mainly for fish into a versatile flavor profile that now stars in dishes like chicken, beef, and even vegetables. What makes it special is its balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. This irresistible combination gained international fame in the mid-20th century, as Japanese cuisine began to spread globally. Today, it’s one of the most loved and recognized Japanese dishes worldwide.

The beauty of teriyaki chicken lies in its simplicity. Even if you’re a complete beginner, you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with your cooking skills. Plus, you can easily customize it—swap chicken breasts for thighs, add your favorite veggies, or even experiment with tofu for a vegetarian twist.

Teriyaki chicken is more than just a meal—it’s a sensory experience. As the chicken sizzles in the pan, it gets beautifully coated in a glossy, caramelized glaze that’s impossible to resist. Serve it alongside fluffy white rice and steamed vegetables.

What’s even better? This dish is quick and easy to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties. And don’t forget the leftovers! It tastes just as good (if not better) the next day, whether reheated or transformed into a lunchbox bento.

So, if you’ve been searching for “how to make teriyaki chicken” or “teriyaki chicken recipe,” you’ve come to the right place. Ready to give it a try?

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Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Cuisine: Asian, Japanese Courses: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch Recipe Keys: Chicken D Delicious Healthy High Protein Quick Meals Tasty

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 40 mins

Servings: 2

Description

Learn how to make teriyaki chicken with this simple, step-by-step guide. Perfectly tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 tsp Sugar

• 1 tbsp Japanese vinegar (Rice vinegar preferred)

• 3 tbsp Sesame oil

• 1 tsp Ginger

• 1 tbsp Sake (Substitute: dry white wine)

• 3 tbsp Soy sauce

• 250 grams Chicken Boneless

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

   Combine ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, sake, sugar, and 1 tbsp sesame oil in a bowl. Stir until sugar dissolves.

2. Marinate the Chicken

   Add chicken pieces to the marinade, coating evenly. Cover and let sit for 20 minutes.

3. Heat the Pan

   In a wok or skillet, heat 2 tbsp sesame oil over medium-high heat.

4. Cook the Chicken

   Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry slightly. Sauté in the hot pan until golden brown on both sides.

5. Add the Sauce

   Pour reserved marinade over the chicken. Reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

6. Serve and Enjoy

   Plate the chicken over rice or with steamed veggies. Drizzle with sauce and garnish with sesame seeds (optional).
   

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