Ingredients
Now that we’re all on the same page about what teriyaki chicken is, let’s go over the essential ingredients. Don’t fret—they’re simple and easy to find at your local grocery store.
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breast is perfect for this dish because it cooks quickly and stays tender. If you prefer thighs, they work too, but breasts are traditionally used for a leaner result.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- Salt and pepper: To season the chicken and bring out its natural flavors.
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- Soy sauce: This is the base of the sauce, providing the savory depth.
- Brown sugar: Adds the sweetness that balances out the salty soy sauce.
- Honey: For an extra layer of sweetness and a slight tang.
- Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger add bold, aromatic flavors to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: A dash of vinegar adds a bit of tang to balance the sweetness.
- Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce and give it that signature glossy texture.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Breast: Step by Step
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this delicious teriyaki chicken breast from scratch.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by prepping your chicken breasts. You can either leave them whole or slice them into thinner pieces for faster cooking. If you’re leaving them whole, make sure they’re about an inch thick so they cook evenly. You can also pound them gently using a meat mallet for uniform thickness.
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning helps enhance the flavor of the chicken while it absorbs all the goodness from the teriyaki sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t clean the pan—leave those tasty brown bits because they’ll add flavor to your sauce!
Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In the same skillet, add the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Stir everything together, scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavors.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely, and the sauce begins to thicken slightly. If you want a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and slowly whisk it into the sauce. Continue to simmer until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and pour the teriyaki sauce over them. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s well-coated on all sides. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Once the sauce has thickened and is nicely glazed over the chicken, you’re ready to serve!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Your teriyaki chicken breast is now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or even over a bed of noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal.
Conclusion: A Meal Worth Savoring
Teriyaki chicken breast is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together the best of sweet and savory ingredients. Whether you’re cooking it for a weeknight meal or a weekend treat, this recipe delivers every time. With its juicy chicken and rich, glossy sauce, it’s the kind of dish that will quickly become a family favorite. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something flavorful and satisfying, give this teriyaki chicken breast recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
