Description
This easy Chicken Teriyaki recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, combining simple pantry ingredients with a natural gelling agent to create a sticky, glossy sauce that balances sweet, savory, and umami flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a flavorful, satisfying meal that pairs well with rice, salad, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- Chicken thighs or breasts, 1 lb (450 g)
Teriyaki Sauce
- Soy sauce (natural), 1/3 cup
- Brown sugar, 2 tablespoons
- Garlic, 2 cloves minced
- Fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon grated
- Apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), 1 tablespoon
- Water, 1/4 cup
- Natural gelling agent, 1 teaspoon
Garnishes
- Sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon toasted
- Green onions, 2 sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Combine soy sauce (natural), brown sugar, garlic, ginger, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), water, and the natural gelling agent in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar and natural gelling agent are fully dissolved to create a smooth teriyaki sauce base.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Cook the chicken thighs or breasts until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Simmer the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the prepared teriyaki sauce and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently and allow it to cook until it thickens and becomes glossy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss and coat each piece generously with the sticky teriyaki sauce, letting the flavors combine for 1-2 minutes on low heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the chicken to a plate and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh, nutty finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and juiciness.
- Always use fresh garlic and ginger to maximize flavor.
- Do not skip the natural gelling agent for the signature sauce thickness.
- Toast sesame seeds before garnishing to enhance nuttiness.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce’s fresh shine and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chicken teriyaki, quick dinner, gluten free, easy recipe, sticky teriyaki sauce
