Maple Ginger Teriyaki Chicken

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you're craving a dish that's a perfect blend of savory and sweet, this Maple Ginger Teriyaki Chicken is just the ticket. It's a simple, yet impressive meal that brings the warmth of maple syrup together with the zing of fresh ginger. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a small gathering with friends.

Ingredients for Maple Ginger Teriyaki Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are great for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender. Soy sauce forms the savory base of our marinade, while maple syrup adds a natural sweetness that's hard to resist. Rice vinegar provides a mild acidity that balances the flavors perfectly. Freshly grated ginger gives a spicy kick, and garlic adds depth. Sesame oil offers a rich, nutty aroma that's essential in Asian-inspired dishes. Finally, a touch of cornstarch helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you like your sauce thicker, let it simmer a bit longer after adding the cornstarch slurry.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce mixture for up to an hour before cooking.
  • Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning the sugars in the maple syrup.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce. For a splash of color and nutrition, serve it alongside steamed broccoli or snap peas. If you're feeling adventurous, a side of pickled vegetables adds a refreshing crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but keep an eye on them as they cook faster and can dry out more easily.
Is there a substitute for sesame oil?
If you don't have sesame oil, you can use vegetable oil, but you'll miss out on the nutty flavor.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sliced fresh chili for heat.

Maple Ginger Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by whisking together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic in a bowl. This creates a flavorful marinade that will infuse the chicken with deliciousness. Set it aside for a moment.

In a large pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs, cooking them until they're browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step is crucial for locking in the juices.

Once the chicken is nicely browned, pour the soy sauce mixture over the top. Cover the pan and let the chicken simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

While the chicken is simmering, mix the water and cornstarch in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the pan, and keep stirring until the sauce thickens to your liking.

To finish, sprinkle the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, adding a fresh touch and a bit of crunch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A unique twist on classic teriyaki with the addition of maple syrup.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights.
  • The sauce is so good, you'll want to pour it on everything!
  • Uses pantry staples, so you likely already have most of the ingredients.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp sesame oil
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 green onions, chopped
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp vegetable oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic.
2. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
3. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken. Cover and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch. Add to the pan and stir until sauce thickens.
5. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

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