The Teriyaki Chicken with Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe is an absolute weeknight winner that delivers vibrant flavors with every bite. Picture juicy, tender chicken thighs enveloped in a glossy, sweet-savory teriyaki glaze that you whipped up yourself—no store-bought shortcuts here! This recipe captures the essence of traditional Japanese cooking with a silky sauce built from simple pantry staples like soy sauce, mirin, and sake. It’s straightforward enough for kitchen beginners but impressive enough to share with guests. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your culinary lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing the Teriyaki Chicken with Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe. Each item plays a vital role in balancing flavor, texture, and that irresistible sheen on the chicken.
- 4 tbsp Teriyaki Sauce Marinade: This is your flavor base, infusing the chicken with a sweet and umami-rich punch.
- 4 chicken thigh fillets (skinless and boneless, about 5oz/150g each): Thighs stay juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up the marinade.
- 1 tbsp oil: Helps sear the chicken evenly while keeping it moist and flavorful.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds savory depth and saltiness to the homemade teriyaki sauce.
- 2 tbsp mirin: Brings subtle sweetness and a hint of acidity that brightens the sauce.
- 2 tbsp Japanese cooking wine (sake): Enhances the aroma and gives the sauce complexity.
- 2 tbsp water: Balances the sauce consistency so it’s perfect for glazing.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken with Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
Begin by mixing soy sauce, mirin, sake, and water together in a small bowl. This blend is the heart of your homemade teriyaki sauce. The mirin’s sweetness and sake’s aromatic touch marry perfectly with the saltiness of soy to create a balanced sauce that you’ll want to drizzle over everything.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Thighs
Next, coat the chicken thighs with 4 tablespoons of your teriyaki marinade and let them rest for at least 10 minutes. This step lets the flavors seep into the meat, ensuring each bite is infused with that iconic teriyaki goodness.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through. This searing step locks in the juices and creates a savory crust that contrasts with the tender interior.
Step 4: Glaze with Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, pour your homemade teriyaki sauce into the pan and simmer it gently for 2-3 minutes. This will thicken the sauce slightly and allow the chicken to soak up even more flavor, resulting in a deliciously sticky glaze that clings to every bite.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken with Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds over the glazed chicken to add a pop of color and an extra crunch that complements the sticky sauce beautifully. A few thinly sliced red chili peppers can also add a subtle heat if you like things a bit spicy.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed white rice or fluffy jasmine rice, which soaks up all the delicious sauce left on your plate. For a fresher balance, serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad or lightly sautéed garlic bok choy to introduce some healthy green veggies to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress friends by serving your Teriyaki Chicken with Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe as part of a bento box with pickled vegetables and tamagoyaki. Alternatively, slice the chicken thinly and place it over a bed of noodles or leafy greens for a lighter take that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover teriyaki chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce well-coated on the chicken to prevent it from drying out and maintain that wonderful flavor profile.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked teriyaki chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. This is a fantastic option if you want to prep meals ahead of time without sacrificing quality.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat to keep it moist and avoid drying it out. You can add a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to refresh that beautiful glaze. Microwaving is okay for convenience but may result in uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs offer more juiciness and richness, skinless chicken breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook them since breasts dry out faster.
Is mirin essential in the teriyaki sauce?
Mirin adds sweetness and a slight acidity that’s key for authentic flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with a mix of rice vinegar and sugar, although the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, the homemade teriyaki sauce can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It actually benefits from sitting as the flavors meld together nicely.
How thick should the teriyaki sauce be?
Ideally, the sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and cling to the chicken without being syrupy. A gentle simmer will help reduce it to the perfect consistency.
What are good substitutes for sake?
If you don’t have sake, dry sherry or a light white wine can be used as substitutes, although the flavor will differ slightly from traditional sake.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a flavorful, comforting dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, this Teriyaki Chicken with Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe hits every mark. It’s a dish you’ll want to cook again and again—each time delivering tender chicken slathered in a sauce so good you’ll want to lick the plate clean. Time to gather your ingredients and get cooking; trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Teriyaki Chicken with Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
This Teriyaki Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken thigh fillets cooked to perfection with a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce. Combining savory soy sauce, sweet mirin, fragrant sake, and a touch of water, this quick and easy dish is perfect for a delicious weeknight meal with a Japanese twist.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 chicken thigh fillets, skinless and boneless (about 5 oz / 150 g each)
- 4 tbsp teriyaki sauce marinade
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp Japanese cooking wine (sake)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Coat the chicken thigh fillets evenly with 4 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce marinade and let them sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the sauce and cook the chicken: In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons mirin, 2 tablespoons sake, and 2 tablespoons water to create the homemade teriyaki sauce. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Simmer with sauce: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and glaze the chicken beautifully.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes, drizzled with any remaining sauce from the pan.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes if time allows.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs yield juicier results.
- Adjust the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce by adding a little sugar or honey if desired.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
