This dish has been around for centuries, and for good reason - it's just plain delicious. But what exactly is teriyaki chicken, and what makes it so special? Let's dive in and find out.
What is teriyaki chicken?
Teriyaki chicken is a dish consisting of chicken that has been marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sake or mirin, and sugar, then grilled or broiled until the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
Why is it special?
Teriyaki chicken is special because of its unique combination of flavors. The salty, umami taste of soy sauce, the sweetness of sugar, and the slight tanginess of sake or mirin all come together to create a taste sensation that's hard to beat.
What are the ingredients?
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup sake or mirin
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
How do you make it step-by-step?
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake or mirin, sugar, garlic, and ginger until the sugar has dissolved.
- Place chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over it, making sure the chicken is well coated. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, and pat it dry with paper towels. Reserve the marinade.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should be at least 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Once the marinade is boiling, whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and brush the teriyaki sauce over it. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
- Serve the teriyaki chicken hot, with steamed rice and vegetables on the side.
How long does it take to make?
Well, my friends, teriyaki chicken isn't exactly a 5-minute meal, but it's definitely worth the effort. From start to finish, this dish should take you about 1 hour to make, including marinating time.
Tips to make it the best:
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful end result.
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before cooking to get a nice sear on the outside.
- Don't skip the marinating step - it's essential for getting that sweet and savory flavor just right.
- If you're grilling the chicken, brush some of the marinade on it as it cooks for extra flavor.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of color and texture.
Food pairings:
- Steamed rice: A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with teriyaki chicken.
- Stir-fried vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas are great options.
- Edamame: A tasty and protein-packed appetizer or side dish.
- Soba noodles: Cook up some soba noodles and toss them with a little soy sauce and sesame oil for a delicious and filling meal.
Nutritional information:
- In a 4 oz serving of teriyaki chicken, you can expect to get around 250 calories, 7g fat, 24g protein, and 21g carbohydrates.
- The sodium content can vary depending on the recipe, but it's usually on the higher side due to the soy sauce used in the marinade.
- Teriyaki chicken is a great source of protein and can be a satisfying and healthy addition to your diet in moderation.
So, there you have it, everything you need to know about teriyaki chicken. Get cooking and enjoy the deliciousness!