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Authentic Chicken Teriyaki Recipe

Authentic Chicken Teriyaki Recipe


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4.5 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Homemade classic chicken teriyaki delivers authentic Japanese flavors with tender, glazed chicken and a perfectly balanced sauce. Savory marinade and quick cooking technique ensure delicious results you can easily recreate at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • ⅓ cup mirin
  • ⅓ cup sake
  • ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tbsps packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 medium scallion, thinly sliced
  • white sesame seeds
  • steamed white rice
  • cooked broccoli

Instructions

  1. Sear Chicken: Heat cooking oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Pat chicken dry and season with kosher salt, then place in a single layer. Cook for 4-6 minutes until golden-brown, developing a rich exterior.
  2. Craft Teriyaki Sauce: Whisk mirin, sake, soy sauce, water, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl until sugar dissolves completely. Blend a portion of the sauce with cornstarch to create a smooth thickening agent.
  3. Simmer and Glaze: Flip chicken pieces and pour remaining sauce around the meat. Allow to simmer for 5-10 minutes, then reincorporate the cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, slightly thickened glaze.
  4. Plate and Garnish: Remove chicken from heat, slice into appealing portions, and arrange on a serving plate. Sprinkle with finely chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve alongside steamed white rice and tender broccoli florets.

Notes

  • Dry Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure chicken is completely dry before cooking to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • Control Pan Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to create ideal caramelization without burning the chicken or sauce.
  • Sauce Consistency Matters: Whisk cornstarch mixture carefully to avoid lumps and ensure smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to chicken.
  • Avoid Overcrowding Pan: Space chicken pieces separately to guarantee even cooking and proper browning, preventing soggy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg