Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
This Teriyaki Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce. The chicken is pan-seared to perfection, creating a glossy, flavorful coating that pairs beautifully with steamed rice for a satisfying meal with authentic Japanese flavors.
- Author: nova
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (including marinating time, minimum 20 minutes)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Halal
Teriyaki Sauce Marinade
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp Japanese cooking wine (sake)
- 2 tbsp water
Chicken
- 4 chicken thigh fillets, skinless and boneless (about 5oz/150g each)
- 4 tbsp Teriyaki Sauce Marinade
- 1 tbsp oil
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce Marinade: Combine 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, 2 tbsp sake, and 2 tbsp water in a small saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce reduces by half, about 5 minutes, forming a light syrup consistency. Watch carefully to avoid over-thickening. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before using.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place 4 chicken thigh fillets in a bowl, add 4 tbsp of the prepared teriyaki marinade, and mix well to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 20 minutes or preferably overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade liquid. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick pan over medium to medium-high heat. Place chicken fillets in the pan and cook the first side for about 3 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning. If the surface cooks too quickly, reduce the heat and add 2-4 tbsp water to the pan to slow searing while cooking the inside properly.
- Finish Cooking: Flip the chicken and cook the other side thoroughly. Just before the chicken is done, add 2 tbsp water to the pan and swirl it with the marinade released from the chicken to form a glossy, dark teriyaki sauce. Move the chicken around to coat it evenly with the sauce.
- Optional Extra Sauce: If desired, add equal parts teriyaki sauce and water to the pan and simmer until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency for additional serving sauce.
- Serve: Serve the teriyaki chicken hot, accompanied by steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Controlling heat is important to avoid burning the sugar in the sauce.
- Add water if the pan gets too hot to slow cooking and prevent burning while ensuring the chicken cooks completely.
- This recipe uses skinless, boneless chicken thighs for juiciness and quick cooking.
- Serve with steamed rice or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Keywords: Teriyaki Chicken, Japanese Chicken Recipe, Pan-Seared Chicken, Homemade Teriyaki Sauce, Easy Weeknight Dinner