Description

This Mouthwatering Chicken Teriyaki recipe features tender chicken marinated and cooked in a savory-sweet homemade teriyaki sauce. Juicy chicken thighs are infused with flavors from soy sauce, mirin, garlic or ginger, and sugar, then pan-cooked to a perfect golden brown and finished with a rich, thickened teriyaki glaze topped with nutty toasted sesame seeds. It’s an easy, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal that brings restaurant-quality taste home.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

¾ lb chicken thigh (or chicken breast; thighs offer more flavor and juiciness)
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)

Teriyaki Sauce

⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup mirin
⅓ cup sugar
1 teaspoon minced garlic or ginger (optional)
1 Tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and cover with the teriyaki marinade made from low sodium soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and optional minced garlic or ginger. Let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes to fully infuse the flavors.
Heat the Pan: Warm a pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Wait until the oil shimmers and is hot enough for cooking.
Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is golden brown all over.
Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix the low sodium soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and optional minced garlic or ginger thoroughly to create the teriyaki sauce.
Glaze the Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken in the pan. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken nicely.
Serve: Transfer the glazed chicken to serving plates and sprinkle with toasted white sesame seeds for a nutty crunch and elegant finish. Serve hot.

Notes

Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
Marinating for longer than 30 minutes enhances the flavor even more.
Use low sodium soy sauce to maintain a balanced salt level in the dish.
Mirin adds sweetness but can be substituted with a mixture of rice vinegar and sugar if unavailable.
Toasted sesame seeds add flavor and texture, but can be omitted if desired.
Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.