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Close-up of delicious and glossy Teriyaki Chicken, perfect as a featured image for a food blog post.

Best Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality teriyaki chicken at home. It focuses on the balance of sweet and savory flavors and achieving a perfect glossy glaze through understanding the science of cooking, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup mirin or dry sherry + 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup sake or dry white wine
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water slurry
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Chopped green onions, for garnish
  • Steamed broccoli, for serving optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Medium bowl
  • whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Grater
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. Cook in batches if necessary.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
  5. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
  6. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has slightly reduced.
  7. Stir the cornstarch slurry and slowly pour it into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly.
  8. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
  9. Serve immediately over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve with steamed broccoli.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use high-quality soy sauce, mirin, and sake. Adjust the amount of sugar and soy sauce to your liking. Taste and adjust as you go. Boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs, but cook time will vary. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.