Chicken Teriyaki is a popular Japanese dish featuring tender, juicy chicken glazed in a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake. The sauce caramelizes as it cooks, giving the chicken a rich, sticky coating with a perfect balance of umami and sweetness. Often served with steamed white rice and vegetables, Chicken Teriyaki is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines traditional Japanese flavors with a hint of sweetness, making it a favorite in both home-cooked meals and restaurants worldwide.

Chicken Teriyaki Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for grilling)
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)
• 2 green onions, finely sliced (optional garnish)

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
• 2 tbsp sake (or water)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced or grated

Steps:

1. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:
   • In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake (or water), sugar, garlic, and ginger.
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
   • Lower the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and add vegetable oil.
   • Place the chicken thighs skin-side down (if using skin-on) and cook for 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
   • Flip the chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
3. Glaze with Teriyaki Sauce:
   • Once the chicken is cooked, brush the teriyaki sauce generously over the chicken, flipping to coat both sides.
   • Let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 1-2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly and develop a rich glaze.
4. Serve:
   • Remove the chicken from the pan and slice it into strips.
   • Drizzle any remaining teriyaki sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish.
5. Accompaniments:
   • Serve Chicken Teriyaki with steamed white rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, serves 4):

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 23g
• Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 700mg