Savor the essence of Japan with our Homemade Chicken Teriyaki! This easy-to-make dish brings a delightful mix of sweet and savory in a luscious Teriyaki glaze. Perfect for any meal, it's a versatile favorite that pairs beautifully with various types of rice. Dive into a dish that's as flavorful as it is simple to prepare.
In a mixing bowl, add the chicken thigh pieces along with all the ingredients listed under the marination section.
Thoroughly mix everything to ensure the chicken is well-coated. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken.
Fry the Chicken
Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the marinated chicken pieces in the pan, spacing them out to avoid overcrowding. This ensures even cooking and a perfect sear.
Fry the chicken for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side. The chicken should turn a rich, golden brown color, indicating it's cooked just right.
Once the chicken pieces are golden brown on both sides and cooked through, gently remove them from the pan. Set them aside for later use.
Prepare Teriyaki Sauce
Using the same pan with the remaining oil, add ginger, garlic, and dry red chili. Sauté these ingredients until they become aromatic. This step is crucial for infusing the oil with flavors, forming the foundation of your sauce.
To the aromatic base, pour in the soy sauce, rice wine, chili flakes, ground black pepper, brown sugar, honey, salt, and water. Stir everything thoroughly, ensuring the ingredients are well combined. This mix brings together the savory, sweet, and spicy elements of the sauce.
Bring the sauce to a boil and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (dilute the specified amount of cornstarch in water mentioned in the ingredients).
Continue cooking while stirring, until the sauce achieves a glossy and thick consistency. The cornstarch slurry is key to thickening the sauce, giving it that classic Teriyaki glaze.
Prepare Teriyaki Chicken
Add the fried chicken thighs into the sauce in the pan, ensuring they're well coated. Mix gently to ensure even coverage. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes. This step allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce and become infused with its rich taste.
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the Teriyaki Chicken as a garnish to add a nutty flavor and enhance the visual appeal. Then, remove the pan from the heat. Your delicious Teriyaki Chicken is ready to be savored.
Serve
Savor the Teriyaki Chicken with simple sides or explore our Serving Suggestions section for more pairing ideas. From classic rice to refreshing salads, find the perfect accompaniments to enhance your meal!
Notes
Here are some helpful tips to make the perfect Teriyaki Chicken:
Marination and Cooking Techniques:
Marinating Time: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 10 minutes, or longer if time allows. This helps the chicken absorb the flavors more fully.
Consistent Cut Sizes: Ensure your chicken pieces are uniformly cut. This promotes even cooking and ensures each bite is equally tender and flavorful.
Sauce Thickness: Adjust the thickness of your Teriyaki sauce to your preference. If you like it thicker, simmer longer; for a thinner sauce, reduce the simmering time.
Balancing Flavors: Taste your Teriyaki sauce as you cook. Adjust with a little more honey for sweetness or a splash of Tamari sauce for a deeper umami flavor.
Non-stick Pan: Use a non-stick pan for frying the chicken to prevent sticking and ensure a smooth, even glaze of the sauce.
Resting the Chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain its juices, making it more tender and delicious.
Versatile Cooking Methods for Teriyaki Chicken:
Grilling Option: Instead of stir-frying, consider grilling the chicken (thighs or breasts), basting it with the sauce for added flavor. Alternatively, fry the chicken in oil and glaze with Teriyaki sauce just before serving for a rich taste.
Baking for Health: For a healthier version, bake chicken breasts, drumsticks, or thighs. Coat them in Teriyaki marinade and cook until done. Basting with sauce intermittently during baking enhances the flavor.
Chicken Wings Variation: Create a Japanese-inspired party dish by glazing fried or oven-baked chicken wings in sticky Teriyaki Sauce for a delightful twist.