Restaurant-quality chicken teriyaki breast at home: step-by-step guide

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of homemade chicken teriyaki with our easy-to-follow recipe. This classic Japanese dish is a symphony of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, perfect for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Making the Teriyaki Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, honey, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
2. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and stir to coat.
3. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has caramelized.

Serving:

1. Serve the chicken teriyaki over rice or noodles.
2. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Tips for Success

• For a crispier chicken, fry it in a shallow pool of hot oil before adding the teriyaki sauce.
• If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with sake (Japanese rice wine) or dry white wine.
• To make a vegetarian version, use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken.
• Experiment with different vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas, to add color and texture.

Variations

• Spicy Chicken Teriyaki: Add 1-2 teaspoons of Sriracha or chili paste to the teriyaki sauce.
• Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki: Stir in some chopped pineapple chunks to the sauce for a tropical twist.
• Sesame Chicken Teriyaki: After cooking, toss the chicken in a mixture of toasted sesame seeds and brown sugar.

Health Benefits of Chicken Teriyaki

• Chicken is a lean protein source, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair.
• Soy sauce is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect against chronic diseases.
• Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in digestion.

Beyond the Kitchen: The Cultural Significance of Chicken Teriyaki

Chicken teriyaki is not just a dish but also a culinary representation of Japanese cuisine. It symbolizes the harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, reflecting the Japanese philosophy of “umami.”

Ending with a Flavorful Note

Embrace the culinary delights of chicken teriyaki with our foolproof recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this dish will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. So, gather your ingredients, let your culinary journey begin, and savor the symphony of flavors that awaits you.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.

2. What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar and a pinch of molasses.

3. How can I store leftover chicken teriyaki?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.