What To Know
- Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over the chicken and cook until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
- To reheat, microwave the chicken teriyaki until warmed through, or heat it in a skillet over medium heat.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of restaurant-style chicken teriyaki with our comprehensive guide. Follow our step-by-step instructions and uncover the secrets to creating this iconic dish at home, leaving your taste buds craving for more.
The Perfect Chicken
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for tender and juicy results.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
The Savory Teriyaki Sauce
- Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, sake (or dry white wine), and cornstarch in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
- The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken without being too runny.
Pan-Frying the Chicken
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
- Pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over the chicken and cook until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
Grilling the Chicken
- Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the marinated chicken pieces until browned on all sides.
- Baste the chicken with the teriyaki sauce throughout the grilling process.
- Grill until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is caramelized.
Baking the Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the marinated chicken pieces in a baking dish.
- Pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over the chicken.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
Steaming the Chicken
- Fill a steamer with water and bring it to a boil.
- Place the marinated chicken pieces in a steamer basket and steam for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Drizzle the thickened teriyaki sauce over the steamed chicken and serve.
Finishing Touches
- Serve the chicken teriyaki over steamed rice or noodles.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and shredded carrots for a vibrant presentation.
- Enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of restaurant-quality chicken teriyaki from the comfort of your own home.
How to Achieve the Perfect Glaze
- For a shiny glaze, reduce the teriyaki sauce until it thickens and becomes syrupy.
- Brush the glaze over the cooked chicken before serving to create a glossy finish.
Tips for Tender and Juicy Chicken
- Use fresh, high-quality chicken thighs for the best results.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Cook the chicken over medium heat to prevent it from drying out.
- Do not overcook the chicken, as it will become tough and chewy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chicken teriyaki with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables.
- Accompany the dish with a side of pickled ginger or wasabi for a traditional Japanese experience.
- Garnish the chicken teriyaki with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or basil, for a pop of color and flavor.
Alternatives to Teriyaki Sauce
- If you don’t have teriyaki sauce, you can make your own with soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, and sake.
- Alternatively, you can use hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, or honey as a substitute.
Tips for Storing and Reheating
- Store leftover chicken teriyaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, microwave the chicken teriyaki until warmed through, or heat it in a skillet over medium heat.
Information You Need to Know
Q: What is the secret to making restaurant-quality chicken teriyaki?
A: The key is to use high-quality ingredients, marinate the chicken properly, and cook it over medium heat to prevent it from drying out.
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but chicken breasts tend to be drier than thighs. Be sure to cook them over medium-low heat and remove them from the heat just before they are cooked through.
Q: How can I make my chicken teriyaki more flavorful?
A: Add a splash of sake or dry white wine to the teriyaki sauce for extra umami. You can also add a teaspoon of grated ginger or garlic for a boost of flavor.
