Description
Chicken Teriyaki is a quick and easy Japanese-inspired dish featuring tender boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts coated in a luscious sweet and savory glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe balances aromatic garlic and ginger with soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and a natural gelling agent for a glossy finish. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions, it offers comforting bold flavors adaptable to many variations and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (natural)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
For Cooking & Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by trimming any excess fat from the chicken thighs or breasts, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry with paper towels to help the sauce stick better during cooking.
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce (natural), brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and a pinch of your natural gelling agent to create a glossy, rich sauce full of depth and sweetness.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a little sesame oil. Add the chicken pieces, cooking until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes depending on size.
- Combine and Thicken: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Lower the heat and simmer for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats every juicy piece beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete, cozy meal.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs to keep the meat tender and juicy.
- Simmer the sauce gently to ensure perfect thickening and rich flavor.
- Always use fresh ginger and garlic for the most authentic taste.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more brown sugar if desired.
- Let the chicken rest off the heat for a minute before serving to let the flavors settle.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Chicken Teriyaki, Easy Teriyaki Sauce, Japanese Chicken Recipe, Quick Dinner, Gluten-Free Teriyaki