Wild Eats & Treats!

Teriyaki Chicken Recipe: A Delicious and Healthy Dish

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs (approximately 680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
• 2 tablespoons sake
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

• Optional Garnishes:

• Sesame seeds
• Thinly sliced green onions

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.

2. Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved and interconnected flavors begin to strengthen.

3. Thicken the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Slowly mix in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the sauce. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down if using skin-on pieces. Let them sear without moving for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.

3. Flip and Cook: Flip the chicken thighs and continue to cook for another 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. Coat with Sauce: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Turn the chicken pieces so that they are coated evenly with the sauce.

5. Simmer in Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to soak up the flavors. Stir occasionally, ensuring the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom of the skillet.

Step 3: Serve

1. Plate Your Dish: Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a serving plate.

2. Garnish: If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chicken for an added layer of flavor and presentation.

Recipe Summary

This homemade Teriyaki Chicken dish combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce that’s perfect for any mealtime. The rich glaze enhances the natural flavors of the chicken, making each bite simply irresistible. This recipe serves four and fits perfectly into a balanced diet, featuring approximately 350 calories per serving. The preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend meal. Enjoy your flavorful and nutritious Teriyaki Chicken alongside steamed rice and your favorite side of vegetables for a complete meal.