Sticky Sweet Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Better Than Takeout
Recipe Introduction: Sticky & Sweet Teriyaki Chicken
Ever find yourself craving that perfect takeout teriyaki? Honestly, same! But what if I told you that teriyaki chicken thighs at home is way easier and tastier? This Japanese inspired dish is about to become your new weeknight staple.
Quick Hook
Craving easy deliciousness? This teriyaki chicken thighs recipe nails that classic sticky, sweet, and savory teriyaki glaze every time. Get ready for flavour.
Brief Overview
Teriyaki is a Japanese cooking technique where foods are broiled or grilled with a glaze of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
This easy teriyaki chicken recipe brings that deliciousness to your kitchen. It is beginner friendly, taking only about 35- 60 minutes from start to finish.
This recipe will yield four generous servings. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Main Benefits
This dish isn't just about flavour; it's packed with protein! It is amazing for building a balanced and healthy meal.
Teriyaki chicken bowls are fantastic served with rice and your favourite veggies. What makes this sticky chicken recipe special? The homemade teriyaki sauce ! You can say goodbye to that sodium laden takeout sauce.
Ready to find out the ingredients that you need?
Ingredients & Equipment For The Best Teriyaki Chicken Thighs EVER!
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. To nail this amazing teriyaki chicken thighs recipe, you'll need a few things.
Don't worry, it’s nothing too fancy! I promise this is an easy teriyaki chicken recipe.
Main Ingredient Breakdown
Here's what you need to build your Japanese inspired dish .
- Chicken Thighs: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 600g / 1.3 lbs ). Look for thighs that are plump and evenly sized. This helps them cook at the same rate.
- Vegetable Oil: 1 tbsp ( 15 ml ). Any neutral oil will work here.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp ( 1g ) for seasoning the chicken.
Sauce Ingredients: The Secret to a Perfect Teriyaki Glaze
This homemade teriyaki sauce will make your teriyaki chicken thighs unforgettable.
- Soy Sauce: 1/2 cup ( 120 ml ). Low sodium is your friend here. Trust me, it'll save you from a salty overload.
- Mirin: 1/4 cup ( 60 ml ). It's a Japanese sweet rice wine.
- Sake: 1/4 cup ( 60 ml ). Don't have sake? Dry sherry works a treat.
- Sugar: 2 tbsp ( 30 g ).
- Honey: 1 tbsp ( 15 ml ) for that lovely teriyaki glaze .
- Fresh Ginger: 1 tbsp grated ( 15g ).
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced ( 6g ).
- Cornstarch: 1 tsp ( 3g ).
- Water: 2 tsp ( 10 ml ). Mix with the cornstarch to make a slurry.
Seasoning Notes: It’s all about that balance. Ginger and garlic are the heroes here.
Spice combinations: soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. The honey and sugar add sweetness.
Equipment You'll Need
Nothing crazy here, I promise.
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: Essential for searing and simmering the chicken thighs recipe .
- Small Bowl: For mixing the cornstarch slurry.
- Whisk: This to mix up that delicious homemade teriyaki sauce .
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Get those measurements on point.
Look, this sticky chicken recipe is a winner! With these ingredients and tools, you're golden. Get ready for a quick chicken dinner of amazing teriyaki chicken bowl with tender chicken thigh marinade .
This is going to become one of your go-to dinner recipes chicken thighs . You know?
Sticky & Sweet Teriyaki Chicken Thighs (Better Than Takeout!)
Honestly, who doesn't love teriyaki chicken bowl ? This easy teriyaki chicken recipe is so good, it kicks takeout to the curb.
Forget greasy, overpriced dishes. You're about to make the best teriyaki chicken thighs you've ever tasted! We are talking a genuine Japanese inspired dish .
This chicken thighs recipe is a game changer.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
First, gather your ingredients. It's all about having everything ready. Dice ginger and mince garlic. Trust me, prepping saves so much time.
Measure out your liquids, too. Getting this organised lets you cook stress free. A good chicken thigh marinade makes all the difference, I mean.
..it just does, innit?!
step-by-step to Teriyaki Perfection
- Trim and pat the chicken dry. Season with pepper.
- Whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, honey, ginger, and garlic. That's your homemade teriyaki sauce sorted!
- Mix cornstarch and water until smooth in a separate bowl.
- Sear chicken in a hot pan with oil 3- 4 minutes per side. Make sure to brown the chicken.
- Pour the teriyaki glaze over the chicken. Simmer.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry. Simmer 5- 7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Chicken must reach 165° F / 74° C .
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately. This is the best dinner recipes chicken thighs dish, EVER!
Pro Tips for Teriyaki Triumph
Don't overcrowd the pan. It's a common mistake. The chicken will steam, not sear. For a glossier finish, brush with extra sauce.
If you are in a rush, this is a quick chicken dinner sorted!
Also, using low-sodium soy sauce lets you control the salt. And hey, for that extra flavour kick, marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes.
Get ready for the most amazing, sticky chicken recipe ever!
Recipe Notes for the Best Teriyaki Chicken Thighs!
Okay, so you're about to embark on making these incredible teriyaki chicken thighs . Honestly, this chicken thighs recipe is so easy, you'll be wondering why you ever bothered with takeout.
I’ve tweaked this recipe loads, and these are the things I’ve learned! Here are some essential notes to make your easy teriyaki chicken a total success.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Teriyaki Game
Presentation is key, right? For a super simple but elegant look, plate your sticky chicken recipe over fluffy rice. I love using a shallow bowl.
It looks fancy but is dead easy. Sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top. If you’re feeling fancy, a little side of pickled ginger adds a great kick.
For sides, steamed broccoli or some stir fried veggies work a treat. Think about a crisp, refreshing Japanese beer or even a light white wine to wash it all down.
This Japanese inspired dish deserves a little finesse! If you are in hurry you can prepare a teriyaki chicken bowl , its quick and easy, really.
Storage Tips: Making the Most of Your Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your cooked teriyaki chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. If you want to freeze the chicken, let it cool completely first.
Then, pop it in a freezer safe container for up to 2-3 months. When reheating from frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight for best results.
This quick chicken dinner is perfect for meal prepping!
Variations: Switching It Up!
Fancy a little something different? For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Want to spice it up? A pinch of red pepper flakes in the homemade teriyaki sauce adds a nice kick.
My mate Sarah loves to add a dash of sriracha. It's so good! For a honey garlic version, add a little extra honey and some minced garlic to the teriyaki glaze .
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Each serving of these teriyaki chicken thighs packs a punch of protein to keep you going, around 30g! Calories are about 350, with roughly 15g of fat and 20g of carbohydrates.
Don’t forget, the sodium content can vary depending on the soy sauce you use, so opt for low-sodium if you're watching your salt intake.
And you know, dinner recipes chicken thighs are always a good choice because they are relatively lean and super tasty.
Honestly, that's all there is to it. Making easy teriyaki chicken is a breeze! Have a go, and let me know how it turns out. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for this teriyaki recipe?
You absolutely can! Keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to dry out faster than thighs, so reduce the cooking time and make sure to baste them frequently with the teriyaki sauce.
Chicken thighs have a higher fat content and are much more forgiving, ensuring juicier, more flavourful teriyaki chicken thighs, but if you are conscious about the fat content of your meal this may not be the ideal choice.
How do I make sure my teriyaki sauce isn't too salty?
Using low-sodium soy sauce is a game changer! You can always add a pinch of salt to taste at the end, but you can't easily take it away. Also, remember that the sauce will reduce and intensify as it cooks, so err on the side of caution when adding salt, or even substitute with something like honey to add extra sweetness.
A little goes a long way like adding a pinch of salt to your chocolate chip cookies, it enhances the other flavors.
My teriyaki sauce isn't thickening up. What am I doing wrong?
Make sure your cornstarch slurry is properly mixed and doesn't have any lumps. Also, ensure that the sauce is at a simmer it needs a bit of heat to activate the thickening power of the cornstarch.
If it's still not thickening after a few minutes, you can mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a teaspoon of cold water and add it to the sauce. But do be careful, thickening it too much will alter the flavour.
Can I marinate the teriyaki chicken thighs overnight?
Yes, you definitely can, and it's actually recommended for maximum flavor! Marinating the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, allows the flavours to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more delicious and tender result.
Just be sure to store the chicken in the refrigerator while it's marinating food safety first, always!
How long will leftover teriyaki chicken thighs last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, your leftover teriyaki chicken thighs will be good in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to let them cool down completely before refrigerating. Reheat them gently in a skillet or microwave they're great for lunch the next day, maybe in a rice bowl or a quick wrap!
I'm gluten-free. Can I still enjoy these teriyaki chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the regular soy sauce for tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative. Double check all your other ingredients (like mirin and sake, though sherry can be a suitable substitute) to ensure they're gluten-free as well.
With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy this delicious dish without any worries. You will soon see why teriyaki chicken thighs are so popular!
Sticky Sweet Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Better Than
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 0g |
