Description
A simple and flavorful Easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a homemade teriyaki sauce. Quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this dish is garnished with scallions and sesame seeds for an authentic touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons mirin
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped scallions, to taste
- Sesame seeds, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, mirin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth and well combined.
- Coat the chicken: Place the cut chicken pieces in a separate bowl. Add garlic powder, pepper, and stir to evenly coat the chicken. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of cornstarch over the chicken and stir again until all pieces are coated.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer without crowding, and cook for about 4 minutes. Flip each piece and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until well browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the cooked chicken to a plate. For the second batch, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and repeat the cooking process.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return all cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
- Serve: Serve immediately over cooked rice, garnished with chopped scallions and sesame seeds if desired for an added burst of flavor and texture.
Notes
- Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine used for cooking; if unavailable, you can substitute with additional brown sugar and a splash of sake or white wine.
- Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform pieces to promote even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet while cooking chicken to achieve a nice sear.
- Use tongs to flip chicken pieces easily and avoid breaking them.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
