Easy Homemade Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

BY:-modern plates

Introduction:

Homemade teriyaki chicken is a mouthwatering dish that's not only packed with flavor but also offers a healthy alternative to takeout. In this blog article, we'll guide you through the step-by-step process of making this delectable dish, complete with nutritional information, ingredient insights, and some tips to make your homemade teriyaki chicken restaurant-quality.

Why make homemade Teriyaki Chicken?

1. Quality Control: When you prepare teriyaki chicken at home, you have complete control over the quality of ingredients. You can choose high-quality chicken, organic vegetables, and other fresh ingredients, ensuring a healthier and tastier meal.
2. Customization: Homemade teriyaki chicken allows you to customize the dish to your preferences. You can adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness of the teriyaki sauce, and even tailor it to dietary restrictions or specific taste preferences.
3. Healthier Ingredients: By making your own teriyaki chicken, you can use lean cuts of chicken, reduce the amount of sugar and sodium, and include more vegetables in the dish. This results in a healthier, well-balanced meal.
4. Reduced Sodium: Many store-bought teriyaki sauces and restaurant dishes can be high in sodium. By making it at home, you can control the salt content, making it suitable for people watching their sodium intake.
5. Cost-Effective: Homemade teriyaki chicken can be more budget-friendly than eating out or ordering takeout. Buying ingredients in bulk and using them for multiple meals can save you money in the long run.
6. Educational Experience: Preparing teriyaki chicken at home is a learning opportunity. You can gain valuable cooking skills and knowledge about the ingredients you're using, which can be applied to other recipes.
7. Freshness: Homemade teriyaki chicken is fresher than takeout, which may have been sitting under heat lamps or in containers for a while. Freshly cooked chicken and vegetables provide better taste and texture.
8. Reduced Food Waste: Cooking at home often means you can control portion sizes better, which can help reduce food waste. Plus, you can use leftovers creatively in other dishes.
9. Family Bonding: Preparing meals together as a family can be a fun and bonding experience. It's a great way to involve everyone in the kitchen and share in the joy of creating a delicious meal.
10. Dietary Awareness: When making your own teriyaki chicken, you are fully aware of the ingredients used, making it easier to accommodate dietary restrictions, food allergies, and personal health goals.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1/2 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)

• 1/4 cup sake (rice wine)

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon water

• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will help the chicken absorb the teriyaki sauce more effectively.

2. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

3. Coat the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken pieces. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak in all those wonderful flavors.

4. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and cook the marinated chicken pieces until they're golden brown and cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

5. Thicken the Sauce:

• In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the remaining teriyaki sauce in the saucepan and stir until the sauce thickens.

6. Combine and Garnish:

• Pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken pieces. Toss the chicken in the sauce to ensure even coating. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve your homemade teriyaki chicken over steamed rice or with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy your restaurant-quality dish right at home!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 300

• Protein: 25g

• Carbohydrates: 20g

• Fat: 12g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 12g

• Sodium: 700mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

More Teriyaki Insights:

• Teriyaki Variations: You can customize your teriyaki chicken by adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition and flavor.

• Storage Tips: Leftover teriyaki chicken can be refrigerated for a few days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

• Health Benefits: Teriyaki chicken is a great source of lean protein, low in saturated fat, and provides essential amino acids. The addition of ginger offers anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Serving Suggestions: Pair your teriyaki chicken with a side of brown rice for a wholesome meal. You can also try it with quinoa for added variety and nutrition.

Benefits:

• Quality Control: When you make teriyaki chicken at home, you have control over the quality of ingredients, ensuring a healthier and tastier meal.

• Customization: Homemade teriyaki chicken allows you to adjust the flavor to your preferences, whether you like it sweeter, saltier, or spicier.

• Healthier Ingredients: You can use lean chicken, reduce sugar and sodium, and include more vegetables for a nutritious and well-balanced dish.

• Cost-Effective: Making teriyaki chicken at home can be more budget-friendly than dining out or ordering takeout.

• Educational Experience: Preparing teriyaki chicken at home can improve your cooking skills and knowledge of ingredients, benefiting your culinary repertoire.

• Freshness: Homemade teriyaki chicken is fresher, providing better taste and texture compared to takeout.

• Reduced Food Waste: Controlling portion sizes at home can reduce food waste, and leftovers can be creatively used in other dishes.

• Family Bonding: Cooking together as a family can be a fun and bonding experience, fostering a love for home-cooked meals.

• Dietary Awareness: Making your own teriyaki chicken allows you to cater to dietary restrictions, allergies, and personal health goals.

Tips:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Marinating the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for at least 15 minutes (or longer) helps infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh ingredients, such as garlic, ginger, and vegetables, to enhance the dish's overall quality.
3. Cut Chicken Uniformly: Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.
4. Customize the Sauce: Adjust the teriyaki sauce's ingredients to match your taste preferences, whether it's sweeter, saltier, or spicier.
5. Control the Salt: Be mindful of the soy sauce's saltiness. You can use reduced-sodium soy sauce or dilute it with water to reduce salt content.
6. Experiment with Vegetables: Add a variety of vegetables to your teriyaki chicken for added nutrition and flavor. Bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas work well.
7. Steam or Stir-Fry: Steaming or stir-frying vegetables separately before adding them to the chicken can help maintain their crispness and vibrant colors.
8. Garnish Creatively: Garnish your teriyaki chicken with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for added visual appeal and flavor.
9. Serve Over Rice or Noodles: Teriyaki chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles, providing a satisfying and balanced meal.
10. Leftovers: Store leftovers properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
11. Stir Cornstarch Thoroughly: When using cornstarch to thicken the sauce, make sure to mix it thoroughly with water to avoid lumps.
12. Experiment and Have Fun: Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients, flavors, and variations to create your unique teriyaki chicken recipe.

People also ask:

What ingredients do I need to make homemade Teriyaki Chicken?

To make homemade Teriyaki Chicken, you'll need boneless chicken pieces, soy sauce, sake or white wine, mirin (sweet rice wine), sugar, garlic, and ginger. You can also add sesame oil for extra flavor. Garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds are optional.

Can I use a substitute for mirin in Teriyaki Chicken?

Yes, if you don't have mirin, you can substitute it with a mixture of white wine or sake and a little sugar. This will mimic the sweet and slightly tangy flavor that mirin adds to the Teriyaki sauce.

How long should I marinate the chicken in Teriyaki sauce?

For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. However, you can marinate it overnight in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor. If you're in a hurry, even a quick 15-minute marinade will infuse some taste into the chicken.

Can I use Teriyaki sauce as a marinade for other meats or vegetables?

Absolutely! Teriyaki sauce works well as a marinade for various meats such as beef, pork, and salmon. You can also use it to marinate vegetables or tofu for a delicious vegetarian option. Adjust the marinating time based on the protein or vegetables you're using.

How do I prevent the Teriyaki Chicken from becoming too salty?

To control the saltiness, use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the amount of sugar accordingly. You can also dilute the sauce with a bit of water if needed. Taste the marinade before adding it to the chicken and make adjustments based on your preference. Remember, it's easier to add more salt later if needed than to fix an overly salty dish.

Conclusion:

Homemade teriyaki chicken is not only a delicious and satisfying meal, but it's also a healthier alternative to takeout. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy the wonderful flavors of teriyaki chicken while knowing exactly what goes into your dish. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or just starting, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and those of your loved ones. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor a taste of Japan right at home!

Enjoy your Homemade Teriyaki Chicken! 😋