Teriyaki Chicken
Tender, caramelized Japanese chicken coated in a glossy teriyaki sauce with sweet and savory notes of soy sauce, mirin, and ginger.

About 430 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)600 g
- Soy sauce80 ml
- Mirin60 ml
- Cooking sake (or water)40 ml
- Brown sugar35 g
- Fresh ginger (finely grated)15 g
- Garlic (finely chopped)1 clove
- Neutral oil1 tablespoon
- Cornstarch (optional, to thicken the sauce)1 teaspoon
- Water (to dilute the cornstarch)1 tablespoon
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)2 teaspoon
- Scallions (thinly sliced)2
Preparation
Prepare the sauce
Mix the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic in a bowl until the sugar has dissolved.
Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then cut it into even pieces measuring 3 to 4 cm.
Sear the chicken
Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the chicken and brown it for 8 to 10 minutes, turning it regularly.
Add the sauce
Pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.
Reduce the sauce
Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring until the sauce becomes glossy and evenly coats the chicken pieces.
Thicken if needed
If the sauce is still too thin, mix the cornstarch with the water, pour it into the skillet, and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
Serve
Divide the teriyaki chicken among serving plates and sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions.
Tips & tricks
- Use boneless chicken thighs for more tender and juicy meat.
- Pat the chicken dry before cooking to achieve a nice golden color.
- Reduce the sauce over medium heat without burning it to achieve a glossy, coating consistency.
- Add the chicken to the sauce only at the end of cooking to keep it tender.
Variations
- Replace the chicken with salmon, firm tofu, or thinly sliced beef.
- Add stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots.
- Add a touch of chili or sriracha for a spicy version.
- Replace part of the sugar with honey for a richer flavor.
Storage
Store cooled teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with 1 tablespoon of water. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition facts(per serving)
| Calories | 430 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 39 g |
| Carbs | 24 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 18 g |
What to serve with this recipe?
- Japanese rice
- Steamed broccoli
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Cucumber salad
- Miso soup
Frequently asked questions
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