Chicken teriyaki
Embark on a journey to Japan with our recipe for this delicious chicken teriyaki. It is easy to imagine the chicken thigh fillets, shiny with that perfect, glossy teriyaki sauce sheen. Served with jasmine rice and topped with fresh spring onions, it is a recipe perfectly suited both for those familiar with Japanese cuisine or anyone exploring it for the first time.
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Ingredients
|
Carrots
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2 |
|---|---|
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Broccoli
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250 g |
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Garlic cloves
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3 |
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Chicken thigh fillets
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450 g |
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Salt
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1 tsp |
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Butter and rapeseed oil
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2 tbsp |
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Teriyaki sauce
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100 ml |
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Japanese soya sauce
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2 tbsp |
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Sambal oelek
|
2 tsp |
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Cream
|
250 ml |
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Jasmine rice
|
200 g |
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Spring onions
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Select the ideal chicken cut
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for teriyaki. They tend to keep moist and juicy during cooking better than most other types of chicken. But if you prefer chicken breasts, simply take a few extra steps to prepare them. Slice the breasts into thinner pieces or pound them to about 1 cm thickness. This way, you make sure the chicken cooks evenly, while preventing the meat from drying out or the glaze from burning and overcooking.
Get tender and juicy chicken
The secret to succulent chicken lies in the cooking method. Start by searing the chicken thighs over high heat to create a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture. Once the chicken is browned, reduce the heat and cook gently to preserve its juiciness and allow the flavours to develop fully. For accuracy, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 72 °C. This ensures your teriyaki chicken is tasty and perfectly cooked.
Try a homemade teriyaki sauce
Homemade teriyaki sauce brings authentic flavour, often offering a balance of sweetness and umami that is hard to match with store-bought versions. To make the sauce, simmer a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and honey after cooking the chicken. This thickens it naturally into a syrupy consistency. Add a little cornflour with liquid from the pan to create a smooth paste, then stir it into the sauce for an even glossier finish. The result is a silky coating that clings to the chicken. Making it from scratch allows you to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences.
FAQ: Questions about chicken teriyaki
Curious about teriyaki chicken? Whether you are making it for the first time or looking for ways to refine your recipe, these answers to the most frequently asked questions will help you along the way.
What is chicken teriyaki?
Teriyaki chicken is a Japanese dish that uses the “teriyaki” cooking method—grilling or pan-frying meat or fish with a glaze made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. It is a staple in Japanese cuisine, though variations outside Japan often incorporate additional ingredients like garlic or honey to suit local tastes.
How should I store leftover chicken teriyaki?
You should store leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For extended storage, freeze the chicken in individual portions using freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Let the chicken cool completely before freezing, and store the chicken and rice separately to keep the rice from becoming soggy. When reheating, thaw frozen portions in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the microwave or on the hob, adding a splash of water to maintain the sauce’s consistency and prevent the chicken from drying out. Ensure it is heated thoroughly throughout before serving.
What can I serve with chicken teriyaki?
Serve chicken teriyaki with jasmine rice, accompanied by tender carrots and crisp broccoli. These ingredients add sweetness and crunch that complements the teriyaki glaze. Steamed pak choi or green beans are also great for those who want more greens on the plate.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
1605 Kcal
| Fibre | 13.7 gram fibers |
| Protein | 118.4 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 177.5 gram |
| Fat | 45.5 gram |
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Try our Japanese-inspired chicken teriyaki
There is something about teriyaki chicken that brings people together. Maybe it is the tender chicken thighs coated in a sticky, classic Japanese sauce. Or maybe it is the fresh, colourful vegetables and fluffy jasmine rice on the side. Either way, our recipe for chicken teriyaki strives to feel special without being complicated, so everyone can enjoy it.
Try it for a cosy family dinner or when catching up with friends. This is the kind of food that keeps everyone at the table, sharing stories, laughs, and maybe even going back for seconds. No fuss, just great food and good company.
Looking for more ways to enjoy Asian-inspired flavours? Switch things up with a quick fried rice with chicken, or savour the bold spices of panang curry with chicken. If you are craving something comforting, our gochujang pasta never disappoints.
Juicy chicken with a savoury-sweet twist
Chicken thighs have a tender, juicy texture that beautifully absorbs the teriyaki sauce. The sauce is a careful blend of savoury soy and sweet honey, adding a delicate caramel-like depth to each bite.
This pairing is known for its rich glaze, which clings to the chicken, enhancing its natural juiciness and bold taste. The result is delicious aromas of umami, giving the chicken its famous irresistible taste.
Fresh carrots and broccoli for added crunch
Carrots and broccoli play an important role in complementing the chicken and sauce. With their subtle sweetness, the carrots soften slightly as they cook but still retain a light crunch. This crunch is wonderful opposite the tender chicken.
Broccoli offers a firm, crisp texture and a hint of earthiness that is simply superb with the rich sauce. These vegetables round out the meal and bring a well-suited freshness.
Serve with fluffy jasmine rice
People choose jasmine rice for teriyaki chicken for a reason. Its soft, slightly sticky texture excellently absorbs the rich teriyaki sauce. Jasmine rice also has a delicate, floral aroma that brings a little nuance to the meal. This subtle fragrance complements the savoury-sweet flavours of the teriyaki sauce and chicken. Fluffy jasmine rice is an absolute must for a saucy meal like this.
Add your own style
Our recipe for teriyaki chicken is delicious as it is, but why not make it your own? It is like adding the final brushstrokes to a masterpiece, where small changes can have a stunning impact.
Sesame seeds are often used in Japanese cooking, so sprinkle some on top for a light crunch and a subtle nutty aroma. For a zesty twist, add a squeeze of fresh lime just before serving. The tangy citrus cuts through the richness of the sauce and adds a refreshing brightness. Love a bit of spice? Drop a pinch of crushed red chilli flakes in there, or drizzle some sriracha on top. The heat balances the sauce's sweetness, giving it a bold, exciting edge.
Marinating your chicken ahead of time is another way to elevate this recipe. Whether it is 30 minutes before cooking or overnight, it allows the chicken to fully absorb the sauce. The result is juicier, more flavourful chicken that is sure to impress.
