Easy Teriyaki Chicken
If you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner that packs a ton of flavor, look no further than this Easy Teriyaki Chicken. Juicy chicken thighs are coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s sweet, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you serve it over rice, with veggies, or on its own, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious meal!
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to an amazing Easy Teriyaki Chicken lies in the balance of flavors and the cooking technique. Chicken thighs are chosen for their tenderness and rich flavor, which helps the chicken remain juicy throughout the cooking process. The homemade teriyaki sauce, made with low-sodium soy sauce and a hint of honey, provides the perfect blend of sweetness and umami. The cornstarch thickens the sauce, ensuring it clings beautifully to every piece of chicken. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also adjustable to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredient List
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4-5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon pineapple juice (optional)
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with ½ cup cold water
Gear Up: What to Grab
- Large skillet or wok: For cooking the chicken and sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the chicken and sauce.
- Mixing bowl: To combine the cornstarch and water.
Easy Teriyaki Chicken — Do This Next
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cubing the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed chicken thighs. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the water, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice (if using), light brown sugar, minced garlic, and ground ginger in a mixing bowl.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Stir well to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to bubble for a few minutes.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and is glossy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skillet from heat. Serve your Easy Teriyaki Chicken over steamed rice or alongside sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. Don’t forget to drizzle some of the extra sauce over the top for a burst of flavor!
Dietary Swaps & Alternatives
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.
- Agave syrup can be substituted for honey for a vegan version.
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a leaner alternative.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
This Easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe is highly adaptable. Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your taste. If you love a spicy kick, consider adding a splash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce. For the best flavor, let the sauce simmer long enough to meld all the ingredients together. Trust us, it’s worth the wait!
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze your Easy Teriyaki Chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts are a great alternative, but they may require slightly less cooking time. Be sure to check that they are cooked through.
Is it necessary to use pineapple juice in the sauce?
No, the pineapple juice is optional. It adds a nice fruity note, but the teriyaki sauce will still be delicious without it.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just reheat and combine when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with Easy Teriyaki Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve it in lettuce wraps for a lighter option!
Time to Try It
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to gather your ingredients and make this Easy Teriyaki Chicken. It’s a simple, flavorful dish that can be whipped up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a leisurely weekend dinner. Get ready to impress your family or guests with this tasty homemade meal that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. Happy cooking!
Easy Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by cubing the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed chicken thighs. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
- While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the water, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, pineapple juice (if using), light brown sugar, minced garlic, and ground ginger in a mixing bowl.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Stir well to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to bubble for a few minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and is glossy.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Serve your Easy Teriyaki Chicken over steamed rice or alongside sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. Don’t forget to drizzle some of the extra sauce over the top for a burst of flavor!
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.
- Agave syrup can be substituted for honey for a vegan version.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition.
