Better-Than-Takeout Teriyaki Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
224 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
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Cuisine
Asian
Better-Than-Takeout Teriyaki Chicken
Description
The recipe starts with diced boneless skinless chicken breast sautéed in olive oil until cooked through. Garlic and ground or freshly grated ginger are then cooked briefly to release their aroma. A sauce is made in the same skillet by combining soy sauce, chicken broth, toasted sesame oil, honey, light brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch for thickening. This sauce simmers and thickens while whisked constantly, coating the chicken in a shiny, flavorful glaze that balances sweet, salty, and slightly tangy notes.
Serving this teriyaki chicken with steamed rice or vegetables makes a complete meal. Optional green onions and toasted sesame seeds add color and fresh, nutty contrast. The recipe allows for substitutions like using chicken thighs for juicier meat and emphasizes toasted sesame oil for authentic flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast diced into bite-sized pieces, boneless skinless
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 ½ to 2 teaspoons ground ginger or to taste (or about 2 heaping teaspoons freshly grated ginger)
- ¼ cup soy sauce reduced sodium
- ¼ cup chicken broth reduced sodium
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil toasted
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar sometimes called 'rice wine vinegar' but they're the same thing
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- green onions optional for garnishing to taste
- sesame seeds optional for garnishing to taste
- salt if desired and to taste
- black pepper if desired and to taste
Instructions
- To a large skillet, add the olive oil, chicken, and saute over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and done. Stir and flip frequently to ensure even cooking. Tip - Want to use boneless skinless chicken thighs? That's fine, they'll likely need an extra 1-2 minutes to cook through.
- When the chicken is done, remove it using a slotted spoon and set it on plate momentarily.
- To the same skillet (don't wipe it out), add the garlic, ginger, and if necessary add a bit more oil if your skillet is dry, and saute for about 1 minute; stir constantly so garlic doesn't burn.
- Add the soy sauce, broth, sesame oil, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, whisk to combine, and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, whisking nearly constantly, until sauce thickens slightly. Tips - Sesame oil adds quintessential Asian flavor and so don't skip it. Toasted (vs. non-toasted) sesame oil is the most common way it's sold and what you want. Cornstarch is also essential because it helps the sauce thicken and can't be skipped or your teriyaki sauce will be thinner and won't cling to the chicken.
- Add the chicken into the teriyaki sauce, stir to combine and coat evenly, and optionally garnish with green onions and/or sesame seeds, as desired. If you think it needs salt (or pepper), add it, to taste. Depending on the brand of soy sauce and broth you use, and your personal preference for salt, you may or may not need to add salt. Serve immediately.
- Storage - Extra chicken will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat leftover in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or as needed.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 224 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 224kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 73mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 518mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 483mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 0.2g | 1% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 34IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 15mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.