Description
Succulent Japanese Classic Chicken Teriyaki delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with tender chicken glazed in a rich, caramelized sauce. Marinated in a blend of soy sauce, mirin, and sake, this traditional dish promises a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Liquid Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup mirin
- ⅓ cup sake
- ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari
- ¼ cup water
Seasoning and Thickening Agents:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Garnish and Serving (Optional):
- 1 medium scallion, thinly sliced
- White sesame seeds
- Steamed white rice
- Cooked broccoli
Instructions
- Prepare a large frying pan by heating of cooking oil over medium-high heat until the surface shimmers with warmth.
- Thoroughly pat the chicken pieces dry using paper towels and generously season with kosher salt to enhance flavor and promote even browning.
- Carefully arrange chicken in a single, uncrowded layer within the hot pan, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown exterior for approximately 4-6 minutes.
- In a separate mixing bowl, create the teriyaki sauce by combining mirin, sake, soy sauce, water, and brown sugar, whisking until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Gently remove of the prepared sauce and blend with cornstarch to create a smooth, lump-free thickening agent.
- Flip the chicken pieces to ensure even cooking, then pour the remaining sauce around the meat and allow to simmer for 5-10 minutes, creating a rich, glossy coating.
- Reincorporate the cornstarch mixture into the pan, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches a luxurious, slightly thickened consistency.
- Remove the chicken from heat and slice into appealing portions, then artfully arrange on a serving plate.
- Garnish with finely chopped scallions, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and serve alongside steamed white rice and tender broccoli florets.
Notes
- Achieve perfectly browned chicken by patting it dry and ensuring the pan is hot before adding the meat.
- Create a rich, balanced teriyaki sauce by combining sweet mirin, tangy sake, salty soy sauce, and caramelizing brown sugar.
- Thicken the sauce strategically using cornstarch mixed with a small amount of liquid to prevent lumps and create a glossy finish.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce to absorb maximum flavor and ensure tender, juicy results.
- Elevate the dish with fresh garnishes like sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve over steamed rice with roasted broccoli to transform this simple chicken recipe into a complete, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg