Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorites—Chicken Teriyaki! This dish holds a special place in my heart, and not to mention, it’s super delicious! I remember the first time I made it; my whole family gathered around the dinner table, and every bite was met with wide smiles and satisfied nods. There’s something about that sweet and savory glaze that just makes everything feel a little brighter, right?
What I love most about Chicken Teriyaki is its versatility. You can whip it up for a quick weeknight dinner or serve it at a gathering when you want to impress your friends without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, it’s all about that sticky, glossy sauce that clings to tender chicken pieces. Seriously, what’s not to love?
What’s in Chicken Teriyaki?
Let’s talk about the ingredients!
Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay moist and tender. You can use chicken breasts if you prefer, but it might be a bit less juicy.
Teriyaki Sauce: Here’s the star of the show! You can either buy a good quality sauce from the store or whip up a homemade version using soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and garlic. My go-to is the Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce – it’s sublime!
Vegetable Oil: Just a splash for cooking the chicken. I usually just use whatever I have on hand, but sesame oil adds a nice flavor if you have it!
Green Onions: Perfect for garnish, these add a fresh crunch and a pop of color. Scallions are great too!
Sesame Seeds: These are optional, but I love sprinkling them on top for a nutty flavor and a little extra texture.
Is Chicken Teriyaki Good for You?
You may be asking yourself, “Is this dish good for me?” Well, let’s break it down!
Chicken Thighs: They provide a fantastic source of protein which is essential for muscle building and repair. Plus, they contain healthy fats that can help keep you full.
Teriyaki Sauce: While it is delicious, it can be somewhat high in sugar, especially if you opt for store-bought versions. My advice? Use it sparingly, or consider making a homemade version where you can control the ingredients.
Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: These little gems pack a nutritional punch! Green onions are low in calories and high in vitamins A and C, while sesame seeds contribute healthy fats and some protein.
That said, if you’re watching your sodium intake, you might want to pick low-sodium soy sauce for the teriyaki sauce, and be cautious with portion sizes to keep it balanced.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (serves 4)
– 1 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 green onions, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
How to Make Chicken Teriyaki?
So, ready to cook? Let’s dive into this simple and satisfying recipe!
1. **Prep the Chicken:** Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken thighs and patting them dry with a paper towel.
2. **Heat the Oil:** In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. **Cook the Chicken:** Add the chicken thighs to the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. **Add the Sauce:** Once the chicken is cooked, pour in the teriyaki sauce. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, turning the chicken in the sauce until it’s well coated and heated through.
5. **Garnish and Serve:** Transfer the chicken to a plate. Drizzle with more sauce if you like, then sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with steamed rice and your favorite veggies!
Delicious Tips for Chicken Teriyaki!
– **Custom Spice:** Want to add a little heat? Throw in some red pepper flakes when you add the teriyaki sauce!
– **Everything Bowl:** Make it a meal by tossing in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
– **Make Ahead:** Marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for a few hours (or overnight!) to boost the flavor even more.
I hope you’re feeling inspired to give Chicken Teriyaki a go! Trust me, your family will be raving about it, and you might just find yourself making it weekly. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so definitely share your cooking adventures! Happy cooking!
