Teriyaki chicken

Sweet, salty, and umami

We previously shared a teriyaki chicken with rice and vegetables as an easy one-pan meal.

But the true, traditional Japanese version was still missing. Time to change that. Chicken teriyaki is one of the most well known dishes in Japanese cooking. The word teriyaki refers to the cooking method. Teri means shine and yaki means grilling or pan frying.

That glossy coating comes from a sauce made with soy sauce and sugar that caramelizes as it cooks. In Japan, teriyaki is often prepared with fish, but over time chicken has become the most popular version worldwide. The dish is simple, but the flavors, sweet, salty, and umami, need to be well balanced.

Juicy chicken thighs

We always make this classic with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They have a bit more fat than chicken breast, which keeps the meat tender. As it cooks, the chicken stays juicy, which is exactly what you want for a dish that is cooked fairly quickly over medium high heat. You can of course use chicken breast if you prefer. Chicken teriyaki is also perfect for a weeknight. Anyone can make it, and it is on the table within 30 minutes. It does not require complicated techniques, just a short marinade.

The marinade and teriyaki sauce

For the marinade, we only need a few ingredients: a garlic clove, fresh ginger, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, maple syrup, sesame oil, and a splash of rice vinegar. Together they give the chicken a lightly sweet flavor with hints of ginger and sesame. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can soak in.

Do not discard the marinade, because it becomes the base of the teriyaki sauce. While the chicken browns in the pan, simmer the marinade until it reduces into a concentrated sauce. Thicken it with a little cornstarch so it turns glossy and develops that signature sticky coating. Then brush the chicken generously with the sauce.

How we serve chicken teriyaki

We like to serve chicken teriyaki with white rice. The rice absorbs the sauce and balances the sweet and salty flavors. Noodles are also a great option if you prefer those. When it comes to vegetables, you have plenty of choices. Think broccoli, broccolini, bok choy, or sugar snap peas. Something green and crisp pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and sticky sauce. To finish, sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a fresh touch.

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