Teriyaki chicken is one of my favourite go-to dishes when I feel lazy about cooking. It’s incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavour. Even when it’s cold, it still tastes delicious, making it perfect for summer picnics or meals on the go.
What is Teriyaki Chicken?
Teriyaki chicken is a classic Japanese dish featuring tender chicken glazed in a glossy, savoury-sweet teriyaki sauce. The name “teriyaki” refers to a cooking technique used in Japanese cuisine where foods are broiled or grilled with a glaze of soy sauce, mirin, cooking wine, and sugar. This sauce is celebrated for its rich, savoury, and slightly sweet flavour, making it a versatile staple in Japanese cooking.
Why is Teriyaki Chicken So Popular?
- Simplicity:
Teriyaki chicken is easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
- Versatility:
It can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it suitable for various occasions, from quick weeknight dinners to elaborate picnic spreads.
- Flavour:
The rich, umami-packed teriyaki sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and savoury notes.
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
One of the reasons I rarely order teriyaki chicken at restaurants is because making the sauce at home is so simple—and I know I can make it even more delicious! Just follow my steps, and you won’t be disappointed! Use equal parts soy sauce, mirin, and sake. This is the basic formula for making teriyaki blend. You can add sugar, garlic, or ginger to create your own flavour.
Beyond Chicken: Versatile Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce is not just for chicken! Its rich and versatile flavour makes it perfect for various other dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Teriyaki Salmon:
Glaze salmon fillets with teriyaki sauce and bake or grill for a deliciously moist and flavourful meal.
- Teriyaki Aubergine:
Grill or roast aubergine slices and cook in teriyaki sauce for a delightful vegetarian option.
- Teriyaki Mushrooms:
For a vegetarian twist, saute mushrooms in teriyaki sauce and pan-fry until aromatic.
Easy, Delicious Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 skin-on boneless chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper to season
- Plain flour
- Sesame seeds for garnish
TO PAIR
- Cooked rice
- Shredded egg
- Chopped spring onion
TERIYAKI SAUCE
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp mirin
- 3 tbsp sake or cooking wine
- 2 tbsp honey or sugar
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper for 15-30 minutes.
- Lightly dust the skin side of the chicken with flour, shaking off any excess.
- Mix the soy sauce, mirin, and sake to prepare the basic teriyaki sauce. (You can add sugar, garlic, or ginger to create your own flavour.)
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat and place the chicken thighs skin-side down.
- Cook until the skin becomes brown and crispy, then flip the chicken over and continue frying until nearly cooked through. Use kitchen paper to wipe off excess oil from the pan.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce into the pan and add honey. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat thoroughly while cooking.
- Cook until the liquid reduces and thickens.
- Slice the teriyaki chicken and serve over rice. Plate with shredded egg and chopped spring onion, or any side dish you prefer. Garnish with sesame seeds and enjoy!
Sandy says
have tried it today and our family all love it!