Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade

If you’re looking for a quick and delightful dinner that will please everyone at the table, you’ve come to the right place! This Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade is one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights and special family gatherings alike. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and gives you that satisfying takeout taste right in your own kitchen. Plus, who doesn’t love a dish that can be grilled, baked, or stir-fried?

I cherish this recipe not just because of its deliciousness but also for how it brings everyone together. The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce coats the chicken beautifully, making it a favorite among kids and adults. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up something special on a Friday night, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this tasty meal on the table in no time!
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Grill, bake, or stir fry—this recipe adapts easily to your cooking preference.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The sweet and savory notes of teriyaki appeal to all ages, making it perfect for family dinners.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Marinate the chicken ahead of time for even more flavor and ease when you’re ready to cook.
• Better Than Takeout: Enjoy restaurant-quality teriyaki chicken at home without any fuss!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it easy to whip up this delicious meal anytime. Let’s take a look at what you need:

For the Chicken

• ¾ lb chicken thigh (or chicken breast; See Note 1)
• 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 Tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds

For the Marinade

• ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup mirin (see Note 2 for substitutions)
• ⅓ cup sugar (see Note 3 for substitutions)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic or ginger (optional)

Variations

This Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade is wonderfully flexible! Here are some tasty variations you might try:

• Swap the protein: Use tofu or beef instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Add veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or snap peas during cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes to give your teriyaki an extra kick.
• Try different sauces: Experiment with other sauces like hoisin or sweet chili sauce for unique twists.

How to Make Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Flattening the chicken helps ensure it cooks evenly. Aim for about ¾ inch thickness so every bite is juicy! Place the flattened chicken in a zipper bag or large bowl where it can soak up all those delicious flavors from the marinade.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

Combine all marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Remember to set aside half of this mixture—it will be used later as your glaze!

Step 3: Marinate

Now comes the magic! Pour half of your marinade over the chicken and make sure it’s well-coated. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes—longer if you have time! This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Cook Your Chicken

Choose your preferred cooking method: grilling, baking, or stir-frying. Cook until golden brown and juicy—about 8 minutes should do it! Glazing with reserved marinade during cooking adds an extra layer of flavor.

And there you have it! Enjoy your homemade Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade

Making the perfect Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade is all about those little details that elevate your dish to restaurant-quality. Here are some tips to ensure your teriyaki chicken turns out delicious every time!

• Choose the right chicken: Opting for chicken thighs instead of breasts can lead to juicier, more flavorful results due to their higher fat content.
• Marinate longer for flavor: Letting the chicken marinate for several hours or overnight allows the flavors to penetrate deeper, making each bite incredibly tasty.
• Reserve marinade wisely: Saving half of your marinade before adding it to the chicken ensures you have a fresh sauce to drizzle on top at the end, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
• High heat cooking method: Whether grilling or stir-frying, using high heat will give your chicken a beautiful caramelization, resulting in that sought-after glaze we all love in teriyaki dishes.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re stir-frying, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This helps achieve that lovely sear and prevents steaming, keeping your chicken tender and juicy.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade

Presenting your Easy Chicken Teriyaki is just as important as cooking it! A beautifully plated dish not only looks appetizing but also makes mealtime feel special. Here’s how you can serve it up beautifully.

Garnishes

• Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the teriyaki sauce perfectly.
• Chopped green onions: Freshly chopped green onions provide a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that brightens up the dish.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice: The classic companion to teriyaki chicken, jasmine rice is fluffy and fragrant, soaking up all those delicious flavors from the sauce.
• Stir-fried vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas tossed in a bit of soy sauce adds both nutrition and vibrant colors to your meal.
• Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar balances out the richness of the teriyaki chicken with its crisp texture and tangy taste.
• Miso soup: A light miso soup provides warmth and complements the umami flavors in your teriyaki dish, making it perfect for a complete dining experience.

Now you’re ready to whip up this delightful meal! Enjoy every juicy bite of your homemade Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the chicken ahead of time, making it easy to whip up a delicious dinner on busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover chicken teriyaki in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If you have extra marinade that hasn’t touched raw chicken, you can keep it for additional flavoring.

Freezing

• Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking!

Reheating

• For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or reserved marinade if needed to prevent drying out.
• Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you!

Can I use different cuts of chicken for Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with both chicken thighs and breasts. Thighs tend to be juicier, but either option will turn out delicious.

How long should I marinate the chicken for Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade?

For optimal flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 15 minutes. If time allows, marinating overnight will give you even better results!

Can I substitute mirin in this Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade recipe?

Yes! If you don’t have mirin on hand, you can use a combination of rice vinegar and sugar or simply use additional low sodium soy sauce as an alternative.

Is there a low-sugar option for the marinade?

Certainly! You can replace regular sugar with honey, agave syrup, or a sugar substitute suitable for cooking. Adjust according to your taste preference!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade as much as I do! It’s such a delightful blend of flavors that elevates your weeknight dinner into something special. Whether you’re serving it over rice or alongside veggies, it’s bound to impress. So go ahead, give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!