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teriyaki chicken recipe easy

Stovetop Teriyaki Chicken

A quick and easy recipe for teriyaki chicken that combines sweet and savory flavors in a glossy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like avocado or vegetable oil)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or substitute more brown sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
Garnish
  • Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry and season them lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Cooking
  1. Add the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary) and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Pour in the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, and rice vinegar. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Carefully return the seared chicken (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet. Stir to coat in the sauce, then let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Give the cornstarch slurry a final stir and slowly drizzle it into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully and coats the chicken.
  6. Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

For best results, avoid overcrowding the pan while searing chicken. Variations include protein swaps with salmon, tofu, or beef, and adjustments can be made for sauce thickness, spiciness, and additional flavors like pineapple.