Quick Asian Teriyaki Chicken
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Craving a delicious easy Asian chicken recipe that’s ready in just 15 minutes? This homemade teriyaki sauce turns ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal. It will become your new weeknight favorite!
Get ready to discover the secret to making the most incredible quick teriyaki chicken in your own kitchen. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this recipe shows that takeout can’t compare to your cooking skills.
This dish is packed with protein and bursting with savory-sweet flavors. It delivers 30g of protein per serving while keeping total preparation time under 15 minutes. Whether you’re a busy professional or a home cook looking for a fast meal, this teriyaki chicken will become your go-to recipe.
Each serving comes in at just 258 calories, making it a guilt-free option for those watching their nutritional intake. The combination of tender chicken pieces and rich teriyaki sauce creates a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritionally balanced.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken
Making restaurant-quality teriyaki chicken starts with the right ingredients. I’ll show you how to make a dish that will wow your family and friends!
Selecting the Best Chicken for Teriyaki
For teriyaki chicken, you need tender meat that soaks up flavors well. The best chicken includes:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (lean and quick-cooking)
- Chicken thighs (more juicy and flavorful)
- Diced chicken cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking
Teriyaki Sauce Components
The sauce is the heart of teriyaki chicken. It has authentic, balanced flavors from these components:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Low-sodium soy sauce | 1/4 cup | Provides saltiness and depth |
| Honey | 2 Tbsp | Adds natural sweetness |
| Rice vinegar | 1 Tbsp | Brings tangy brightness |
| Fresh ginger | 2 tsp | Adds warm, spicy notes |
| Minced garlic | 2 tsp | Provides aromatic base |
Optional Garnishes and Additions
Enhance your teriyaki chicken with these garnishes:
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Steamed white rice
Pro tip: Always use fresh ingredients for the most vibrant teriyaki chicken flavors!
Quick Asian Teriyaki Chicken: Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Want to cook teriyaki chicken like a pro? This quick recipe is great for busy cooks. It’s a delicious one-pan meal ready in just 30 minutes!
First, get your ingredients ready. You’ll need 2 chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch pieces. A golden-brown sear is key for perfect teriyaki chicken.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat
- Add chicken pieces, ensuring they’re not overcrowded
- Cook for 4 minutes on the first side until golden brown
- Flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F
Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked every time!
While the chicken cooks, mix your teriyaki sauce. Use 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 3 tablespoons mirin, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
After the chicken is done, pour the sauce over it. Cook for 30-60 seconds until the sauce thickens. The cornstarch makes the sauce glossy and irresistible.
Your one-pan teriyaki chicken is now ready! Add sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a real touch.
Tips for Making Restaurant-Quality Teriyaki Sauce
Making homemade teriyaki sauce needs precision and knowledge. I aim to guide you in creating a sauce as good as those in restaurants. Achieving the right consistency is all about the cooking method and mixing the right ingredients.
To start, mix cornstarch with your liquid ingredients. This makes the sauce smooth and shiny, sticking well to chicken. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning. Aim for a consistency that coats the back of a spoon but isn’t too thick.
Storing teriyaki chicken is easy with the right steps. Cool the sauce completely before putting it in an airtight container. It will last up to 2 weeks in the fridge, letting you make batches ahead of time. If it thickens too much, reheat it with a bit of water to get the silky feel back.
Remember, the more you make teriyaki sauce, the better you’ll get. Feel free to tweak ingredients to match your taste while keeping the sauce’s classic flavor.
