Asian-inspired Teriyaki Chicken

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you’re craving a dish that’s sweet, savory, and packed with flavor, this Asian-inspired Teriyaki Chicken is your ticket to a delightful meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe brings together the rich umami of soy sauce and the sweetness of brown sugar and honey for a taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients for Asian-inspired Teriyaki Chicken

The star of the show is the chicken thighs, which stay juicy and tender. The soy sauce provides that deep umami base, while mirin adds a subtle sweetness. Brown sugar and honey bring in additional layers of sweetness, balancing the flavors beautifully. Garlic and ginger give the dish its aromatic and slightly spicy kick. Sesame oil introduces a toasty note, and vegetable oil is perfect for frying without overpowering the other flavors. A touch of cornstarch thickens our sauce to a silky finish. Sesame seeds and green onions are used for garnishing, adding a fresh crunch and a pop of color.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge.
  • To get an even sear, don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
  • If you like it spicy, add some red pepper flakes to the marinade.

Serving Suggestions

This Teriyaki Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa. For a touch of freshness, add a side of lightly sautéed broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad. If you're feeling adventurous, try serving it in lettuce wraps for a fun and tasty twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but keep in mind that chicken breasts might be slightly less juicy, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
What can I use instead of mirin?
You can substitute mirin with a mixture of rice vinegar and sugar if needed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.

Asian-inspired Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

First, let's make the teriyaki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Give it a good stir until everything's well mixed. Now, take your chicken thighs and marinate them in this sauce for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with all those delicious flavors.

While the chicken is marinating, heat up the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with a paper towel. Make sure to reserve the marinade for later. Place the chicken in the pan and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. This will not only cook the chicken through but also create a nice caramelized crust.

Next, pour the reserved marinade into the pan with the chicken. Bring it to a simmer, and then mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl. Add this mixture to the pan, stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Turn off the heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes the chicken easier to slice.

Finally, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving. These add a delightful crunch and a fresh burst of flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
  • Flavor-packed: A perfect balance of sweet and savory.
  • Family-friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.
  • Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of sides.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken thighs
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup mirin
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp honey
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger to make the teriyaki sauce.
2. Marinate the chicken thighs in the sauce for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry; reserve marinade.
5. Cook chicken in the pan until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.
6. Pour reserved marinade into the pan and bring to a simmer.
7. Mix cornstarch with water and add to the sauce, stirring until thickened.
8. Turn off heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
9. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

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