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teriyaki chicken recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

This teriyaki chicken recipe features tender chicken coated in a savory-sweet sauce, paired perfectly with rice and vegetables for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Jessica Harmon

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces (¾-inch)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger finely minced
  • ⅓ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
  • Rice and steamed broccoli for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

  • Sprinkle the chicken pieces with sea salt and a touch of freshly ground black pepper, ensuring an even coating.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in the olive oil.
  • Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Make the Teriyaki Sauce

  • Using the same skillet (do not clean it; the leftover bits add flavor), pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, light brown sugar, and toasted sesame oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring the mixture until well combined.
  • Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until no lumps remain. Gradually drizzle this slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously.
  • Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. For a thinner sauce, stir in a bit more water in small increments until it reaches the preferred texture.

Combine and Serve

  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it gently in the glossy, thickened teriyaki sauce.
  • Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for another 2 minutes, ensuring it absorbs all the rich flavors.
  • Serve the teriyaki chicken hot over fluffy steamed rice and tender broccoli. For a finishing touch, sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the top. Enjoy your meal!