Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade
Ingredients
- ¾ lb chicken thigh
or chicken breast; See Note 1
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 Tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds
- ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup mirin
see Note 2 for substitutions
- ⅓ cup sugar
see Note 3 for substitutions
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic or ginger)
(optional
Directions
- 1
Prep chicken: Flatten the chicken so it's about ¾ inch thick for even cooking. Place in a zipper bag or large bowl to marinate.
- 2
Marinade: Combine the ingredients for the marinade and mix together until the sugar dissolves. Reserve half for later use and marinate the chicken with the remaining half for at least 15 minutes to overnight in the fridge.
- 3
Grill or Pan fry: Heat your grill or pan over medium high heat and add the oil. Remove chicken from the marinade, wiping off the excess. Cook skin-side down if using skin-on chicken and flip when golden brown. During the last 3 minutes, add your desired amount of the reserved teriyaki marinade. It will reduce and thicken into a glaze as the chicken cooks. Internal temperature should register 165°F and juices should run clear.
- 4
Cut the chicken into bite sized pieces and serve over steamed rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and spoon any remaining glaze over the chicken. Enjoy!
Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade
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About this Recipe
Craving that irresistible sticky-sweet chicken teriyaki flavor without calling for takeout? This easy chicken teriyaki recipe delivers perfectly cooked, juicy chicken with an authentic glaze, all from your own kitchen.
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, yet potent marinade. By allowing the chicken to soak in a blend of low sodium soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, it develops a deep, savory-sweet taste that permeates every bite. The versatility in cooking methods—whether you choose to grill, bake, or stir-fry—ensures a perfectly caramelized exterior and tender interior every time, making it even better than your usual takeout order.
When you prepare this Easy Chicken Teriyaki, you can expect chicken that is incredibly juicy and full of balanced flavor. The marinade tenderizes the chicken, while the subsequent glazing creates that signature glossy, slightly sweet, and savory coating. With optional minced garlic or ginger adding an aromatic kick, this dish offers a satisfying umami experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you choose chicken thighs for maximum juiciness or chicken breast for a leaner option, the results are consistently delicious.
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your pantry and preferences. You can easily swap chicken thighs for chicken breast, as noted in the recipe. If mirin isn't on hand, you can use a dry white wine or sake with a pinch of sugar, or even rice vinegar with a bit more sugar to mimic its sweetness and acidity. For the sugar, brown sugar or honey can offer a slightly different but equally delicious sweetness profile. Don't forget to sprinkle with toasted white sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
Serve this delightful chicken teriyaki as the star of your weeknight dinner or for a casual gathering. It pairs beautifully with steamed white rice to soak up the extra sauce and a simple side of blanched green beans or a crisp cucumber salad for a complete meal.