Chicken in Teriyaki Sauce

History of Chicken in Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki is a popular Japanese cooking technique and sauce, combining soy sauce, sake (or mirin), and sugar, which gives it its distinct sweet and savory flavor profile. The word teriyaki comes from “teri” (meaning “gloss” or “shine” in Japanese, referring to the shiny appearance of the cooked food) and “yaki” (meaning “grilling” or “broiling”). While the technique has been used for centuries in Japan, it became widely known outside of Japan in the 20th century.

The traditional method of preparing teriyaki involves grilling or broiling meat, often fish like salmon, with the sauce. Chicken in Teriyaki Sauce, specifically, became popular as Japanese cuisine spread worldwide, particularly in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s. The versatile, flavorful sauce works wonderfully with chicken, making it a popular dish in both Japanese restaurants and home kitchens.

Making Chicken in Teriyaki Sauce

Ingredients

For 2 servings:

  • For the Chicken:
    • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (or 4 small pieces)
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for searing)
    • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • For Teriyaki Sauce:
    • 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
    • 2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese rice wine)
    • 2 tablespoons sake (or substitute with dry white wine)
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey (for sweetness)
    • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Steps

  1. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:
    • In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar (or honey), grated ginger, and minced garlic.
    • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar and combine the ingredients.
    • Once the sauce begins to simmer, lower the heat and allow it to cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
    • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry and add it to the sauce, stirring until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Set the sauce aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken:
    • Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper.
    • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
    • Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan. Sear the chicken on both sides for about 4-5 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
  3. Glaze the Chicken:
    • When the chicken is almost done, pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the pan. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, occasionally spooning the sauce over the chicken to glaze it. This will allow the sauce to caramelize slightly and coat the chicken.
  4. Serve:
    • Once the chicken is fully cooked and glazed with the teriyaki sauce, remove it from the pan and slice it (if desired) into strips or serve whole.
    • Drizzle any remaining teriyaki sauce from the pan over the chicken and serve.
  5. Garnish and Enjoy:
    • Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or cilantro for extra flavor and visual appeal.
    • This dish is often served with steamed rice and vegetables like broccoli or stir-fried greens to balance out the flavors.

Tips and Variations:

  • Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: Instead of pan-searing, you can grill the chicken. Marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before grilling. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat, basting it with the sauce as it cooks.
  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant. Marinate them in the teriyaki sauce before grilling or pan-searing for a flavorful alternative.
  • Adjusting the Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter or more savory flavor, adjust the amount of sugar or soy sauce in the recipe. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy kick.
  • Marinate for Extra Flavor: For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Rice: Serve the chicken with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even fried rice.
  • Vegetables: Pair the dish with sautéed bok choy, steamed broccoli, or stir-fried vegetables to make it a complete meal.
  • Noodles: You can also serve the chicken over a bed of soba noodles or ramen for a more filling dish.

This dish combines the rich, savory flavors of teriyaki sauce with the tenderness of chicken, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion. The balance of sweet and salty notes in the sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy or tender chicken, offering a taste of Japanese-inspired comfort food.