Unlock the Secrets of Homemade Chicken Teriyaki Using Store-Bought Sauce: A Quick & Easy Guide

Craving the sweet and savory flavors of chicken teriyaki but short on time? Fear not, because you can now enjoy this delectable dish with the convenience of store-bought sauce. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step tutorial on how to make chicken teriyaki with store-bought sauce, ensuring a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before you embark on this culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup store-bought teriyaki sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Preparing the Chicken

1. Slice the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat the oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Reduce heat: Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the remaining teriyaki marinade.
4. Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Finishing Touches

1. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate and drizzle with the thickened teriyaki sauce.
2. Garnish: For a touch of freshness and color, garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds.

Variations

• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a bit of heat.
• Sweet: Add an additional tablespoon of brown sugar to the marinade for a sweeter flavor.
• Chicken drumsticks: If you prefer, you can use chicken drumsticks instead of breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality teriyaki sauce: The quality of the teriyaki sauce will significantly impact the flavor of the dish. Choose a sauce with a good balance of sweet and savory flavors.
• Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will become tough and dry. Cook it just until it is cooked through and the juices run clear.
• Serve immediately: Chicken teriyaki is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Serve it immediately with your favorite sides.

Suggested Sides

• Steamed rice
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Noodles
• Salad

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
A: Yes, you can substitute honey for brown sugar in the marinade. Use the same amount of honey as brown sugar.

Q: How can I make my chicken teriyaki gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free teriyaki sauce and soy sauce. You can also use tamari sauce as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

Q: Can I freeze chicken teriyaki?
A: Yes, you can freeze chicken teriyaki for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing it in an airtight container.