Introduction to Easy Teriyaki Chicken
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner recipe, easy teriyaki chicken is undeniably a weeknight favorite. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a sweet and savory marinade, delivering the perfect blend of flavors that your taste buds will love. Plus, it all comes together in under an hour!
One of the best things about teriyaki chicken is its versatility. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or serving it over rice or noodles for a complete meal. It’s a fantastic option for busy professionals or families on the go, giving you the satisfaction of a home-cooked dinner without the fuss.
The marinade is incredibly simple, using ingredients you probably already have on hand, such as soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. If you do find yourself without some of these staples, check out this guide on pantry essentials to stock up your kitchen efficiently!
Finally, the budget-friendly aspect of this dish makes it even more appealing, with a total cost of just $6.34 for five servings! It’s an affordable option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it a go-to for any weeknight dinner rotation.
Ingredients for Easy Teriyaki Chicken
Essential ingredients for a tasty teriyaki marinade
To achieve that perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory flavors in your easy teriyaki chicken, you'll need a few key ingredients:
- Soy sauce: The backbone of your marinade, adding a rich umami flavor.
- Brown sugar: This will introduce sweetness and depth to contrast with the soy sauce.
- Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger not only enhance flavor but also bring warmth and spice.
- Cooking oil: A little oil helps the marinade stick and keeps the chicken juicy during cooking.
These ingredients combine beautifully to create a flavorful glaze during cooking.
Chicken options: thighs or breasts?
When it comes to the chicken, you have choices! While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my go-to (they’re tender and cook beautifully), you can also use chicken breasts. Just remember to fillet them thinly or pound them to maintain even cooking. No matter your choice, marinating is key for juicy, flavorful meat. Curious about more chicken cooking tips? Check out this guide for some awesome techniques!
Preparing Easy Teriyaki Chicken
Making easy teriyaki chicken at home is simpler than you might think! With just a handful of ingredients and a few straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Let’s dive in!
Prepare the marinade
The first step to a flavorful teriyaki chicken is the marinade. Gather your ingredients, which include soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and a splash of water. In a mixing bowl, combine:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoon cooking oil, divided
Stir these ingredients until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well combined. This marinade will infuse your chicken with salty, sweet, and savory flavors that are simply irresistible. For more tips on marinades, check out this guide on how to marinate meat effectively.
Marinate the chicken
Next up, it’s time to marinate your chicken. Take 1.75 lbs. of boneless, skinless chicken thighs and place them in a shallow dish. Pour that delicious marinade over the chicken, ensuring it gets a good coating. Turn the pieces a couple of times to make sure every inch is covered. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a day for even deeper flavor. This is a great time to prep your side dishes, like steamed veggies or rice!
Cooking the chicken in a skillet
When the chicken is marinated to perfection, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon of cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken, discarding any leftover marinade to avoid burning. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it is fully cooked through, and you can see that lovely glaze forming in the pan. The easy teriyaki chicken should resemble a delicious, glossy masterpiece.
Resting and slicing
After cooking, it's important to let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes on a cutting board. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy bite. Once rested, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, taking care not to cut across the grain for maximum tenderness.
Plating the dish
Finally, it’s time to present your work of art! Arrange the sliced teriyaki chicken on a plate, and consider adding some steamed vegetables and a scoop of fluffy rice or quinoa. Drizzle a bit of extra teriyaki sauce on top, and garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for that finishing touch. This dish not only looks incredible but is sure to impress your friends and family! Enjoy your homemade easy teriyaki chicken — you’ve earned it!
Variations on Easy Teriyaki Chicken
Ready to switch up your easy teriyaki chicken game? Here are two mouthwatering variations that will keep your taste buds dancing!
Teriyaki Chicken Tacos
Transform your teriyaki chicken into a fun taco night! Shred the cooked chicken and load it into warm tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Drizzle with a bit of extra teriyaki sauce for that delightful sweet and savory kick. It's a playful twist that makes for a fantastic dinner option.
Teriyaki Chicken with Veggies
For a heartier meal, try serving your teriyaki chicken alongside a mix of stir-fried vegetables. Some great options include bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. Toss them in the same skillet after the chicken is done, adding a splash of soy sauce to incorporate those lovely flavors. This not only adds color to your plate but also amps up the nutrition!
Cooking Tips and Notes for Easy Teriyaki Chicken
Importance of Marination Time
Marinating your chicken is crucial for infusing flavor and achieving tender, juicy meat. Even a 30-minute soak can work wonders, but if you have a bit more time, letting it sit longer—up to 24 hours—will deepen the savory and sweet notes of your easy teriyaki chicken. Just remember to turn the chicken occasionally for even coverage.
Cooking Tips for Tender Chicken
To ensure your chicken remains tender, cook it over medium heat and avoid crowding the skillet, as this can lead to uneven cooking. For chicken breasts, consider filleting them thinner to help with quick, uniform cooking. Always allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes post-cooking, which helps keep it juicy.
For more cooking tips, check out Serious Eats, where culinary techniques are broken down in an engaging way!
Serving suggestions for Easy Teriyaki Chicken
Best sides to complement teriyaki chicken
When considering the perfect sides for your easy teriyaki chicken, think about balance and flavor. Here are some delightful pairings:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic choice, its subtle flavor complements the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Colorful options like bell peppers, bok choy, or broccoli add crunch and nutrition.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side, with a light vinaigrette, to offset the richness of the chicken.
- Edamame: Lightly salted and rich in protein, they make for a great textured contrast.
Creative serving ideas
Elevate your easy teriyaki chicken with these fun serving ideas:
- Teriyaki Chicken Bowls: Layer rice, veggies, and sliced chicken in a bowl for a satisfying meal.
- Lettuce Wraps: Transform it into a low-carb option by wrapping it in crisp lettuce leaves.
- Tacos: Use small tortillas, adding teriyaki chicken with some avocado for a fusion twist.
- Skewers: Grill marinated chicken on skewers for a vibrant barbecue dish.
These suggestions not only enhance the meal but also create a delightful dining experience!
Time details for Easy Teriyaki Chicken
Preparation time
This delightful recipe for easy teriyaki chicken requires just 10 minutes of preparation. In this short time, you’ll mix the marinade and get the chicken ready for a flavor-packed dinner.
Cooking time
The actual cooking session takes about 15 minutes. This means you'll be only minutes away from a savory meal!
Total time
From start to finish, including marinating, your total time investment is 55 minutes. This makes it perfect for busy evenings when you crave something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
If you're ever in need of a quick meal solution, teriyaki chicken is a fantastic choice!
Nutritional Information for Easy Teriyaki Chicken
Calories per serving
Each serving of Easy Teriyaki Chicken packs in approximately 274 calories. This makes it a hearty yet manageable option for dinner, perfect for those mindful of their calorie intake.
Protein content
If you're looking to boost your protein intake, this dish won't disappoint! You’ll find about 32 grams of protein per serving, thanks to the use of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. It's ideal for supporting muscle growth and keeping you full.
Sodium levels
Be cautious with sodium, as the dish contains around 792 mg per serving, primarily from soy sauce. If you're watching your sodium intake, consider using low-sodium soy sauce or adjusting the marinade recipe to keep it tasty yet healthier!
For more insights on healthy eating, check out resources from the American Heart Association. Eating balanced and delicious meals like this teriyaki chicken can really support a healthy lifestyle!
FAQs about Easy Teriyaki Chicken
How can I make teriyaki chicken gluten-free?
To prepare easy teriyaki chicken gluten-free, simply swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Both of these alternatives offer a similar savory flavor without the gluten, making it a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions. Always double-check labels for any hidden gluten ingredients, as not all brands are created equal.
Can I use a different protein in this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe is delicious with chicken thighs, you can easily substitute other proteins. Try using beef, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just remember to adjust the cooking times, as they can vary depending on the protein you choose. For instance, chicken tends to cook faster than beef, so keep an eye on it!
How to store and reheat leftovers?
To keep your easy teriyaki chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When it’s time to reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or use the microwave for quick convenience. If the sauce seems a bit thickened, add a splash of water to help it regain that lovely glaze. Enjoy your meal again!
Conclusion on Easy Teriyaki Chicken
In summary, this easy teriyaki chicken recipe is not just quick to prepare but also packed with delightful flavors. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, it’s both satisfying and wallet-friendly. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious meal that’s sure to impress family and friends! For more ideas on chicken dishes, check out these chicken recipes.
Easy Teriyaki Chicken
Equipment
- large skillet
Ingredients
- ¼ cup soy sauce $0.24
- 3 tablespoon brown sugar $0.12
- 1 tablespoon water $0.00
- 1 clove garlic, minced $0.08
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger $0.10
- 2 tablespoon cooking oil, divided $0.08
- 1.75 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs $5.72
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade first. Stir together the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, garlic, ginger, and 1 tablespoon of the cooking oil in a bowl.
- Place the chicken in a shallow bowl or dish, then pour the marinade over top. Turn the chicken a couple of times to make sure it's well coated. Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to one day (refrigerated), turning the chicken occasionally as it marinates.
- When ready to cook the chicken, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken, discarding the remaining used marinade.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through and the liquid in the skillet has reduced to a light coating of glaze on the chicken.
- Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
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