Teriyaki Chicken
Up your chicken game with this easy, homemade teriyaki chicken! Juicy, flavorful, and coated in a sticky sweet-savory sauce. So simple and delicious!
Ready to elevate your chicken dinner to gourmet levels? Let’s dive into making homemade teriyaki chicken that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Forget about takeout; this easy teriyaki chicken recipe is not only incredibly flavorful but also perfect for any night of the week. We’re talking about juicy chicken thighs or breasts coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory teriyaki sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking—your new favorite chicken dish is just a few simple steps away!
Teriyaki Chicken Marinade Recipe
While you can pick up a bottle of teriyaki sauce at the store, do you really know what goes into it? In just 10 minutes, you can make your own delicious sauce with ingredients you likely have in your pantry.
- Step 1: Combine all of the ingredients for the homemade teriyaki sauce in a saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Prepare a slurry by mixing cornstarch and water, then add it to the simmering sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce starts to thicken, which should take an additional 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Divide the sauce in half: one portion is for marinating the chicken, and the other is for serving.
What is in Teriyaki Sauce
- Coconut Aminos or Soy Sauce: I prefer coconut aminos over soy sauce due to its lower sodium content and easier digestibility.
- I prefer Coconut Aminos to Soy Sauce due to the lower sodium content and because its easier to digest.
- Light Brown Sugar or Dark Brown Sugar:
- Light Brown Sugar: Offers a mild, delicate flavor with subtle caramel and toffee notes. It’s less intense compared to dark brown sugar.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Provides a stronger, more pronounced molasses flavor with deeper caramel undertones, creating a richer taste.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty depth and aroma to the sauce.
- Rice Vinegar: Provides a tangy acidity that balances the sweetness.
- Maple Syrup: Use real maple syrup for an authentic flavor boost (avoid imitation syrup).
- Fresh Ginger: Adds a zesty kick that complements the sweetness.
- Minced Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic flavor.
With this homemade teriyaki sauce recipe, you’ll have a versatile marinade that not only pairs perfectly with chicken but can also enhance veggies, tofu, and seafood. Enjoy this tasty, healthier alternative to takeout that your whole family will love!
More Chicken Recipes
- One Pan Roasted Tarragon Chicken & Wild Rice
- Roasted Chicken With Chickpea Stuffing
- Mediterranean Chicken with Potato Wedges
- One-Pan Tequila Lime Chicken and Cilantro Rice
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Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
- ½ cup Coconut Aminos
- 3 tbsp Light Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tsp Fresh Minced Ginger
- 3 Cloves Minced Garlic
- 2 tsp Cornstarch
- ¼ cup Water
- 3¼ pounds Chicken Breast (about 3-4)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup Coconut Aminos, 3 tbsp Light Brown Sugar, 1 tsp Sesame Oil, 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar, 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, 2 tsp Fresh Minced Ginger and 3 Cloves Minced Garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Make a cornstarch slurry by combining 2 tsp Cornstarch and 1/4 cup Water with a whisk. Add to the sauce and stir until combined. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce begins to thicken. Remove from heat. It will thicken more as it cools. Divide sauce in 2 parts.
- Dry the raw chicken and place in a shallow dish. Cover with half of the Teriyaki Sauce and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or overnight.
- Preheat the grill to 400℉. Remove chicken from marinade and place directly on grill grates. Grill until the chicken reaches 165℉, read with an instant-read thermometer.
- Slice chicken against the grain into 1 inch slices. Baste chicken with remaining teriyaki sauce and serve with leftover sauce.
