Teriyaki Chicken is a beloved Asian recipe around the world that combines the sweet and savory flavors of Teriyaki sauce with the delicate texture of chicken. Teriyaki sauce has its roots in Japan, where it was originally used to marinate and preserve fish. The name Teriyaki comes from the Japanese words teri, meaning shiny, and yaki, meaning grill, referring to the shiny, caramelized appearance that foods prepared with this sauce acquire.

The popularity of Teriyaki chicken has transcended the borders of Japan, quickly spreading around the world due to its versatile taste and ease of preparation. Today, Teriyaki chicken can be found in restaurants and menus around the world, adapted to various cultures and preferences.

Teriyaki Chicken takes about 30 minutes to prepare for 4 people, of which 10 minutes is for preparing the sauce. Its balanced taste and distinct aroma make Teriyaki Chicken a popular choice for both gourmets and those who prefer simple and tasty dishes.

Contents:

1. Chicken Teriyaki - how to prepare

1.1. Teriyaki Chicken Ingredients for 4 People

2. Chicken Teriyaki Sauce Recipe - how to customize it to get delicious and healthy variations

3. Chicken in Teriyaki sauce - correct marinating and cooking methods + serving suggestions

1. Chicken Teriyaki - preparation method

Whether you choose to prepare chicken breasts or legs, one thing is certain: served with Teriyaki sauce in a classic recipe or adapted to your preferences, the result will always be delicious and full of authentic flavors that will delight your taste buds. The key ingredients of Teriyaki sauce are:

• Soy sauce: It gives it a salty taste and a rich flavor called umami, specific to Asian cuisine. It also contributes to its dark color and consistency.
• Mirin: This is a sweet rice wine that adds sweetness and brightness to the sauce. It helps balance the salty taste of the soy sauce and accentuates the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Sugar: Brown sugar is usually used, which provides a more complex sweetness, balancing the salty taste and adding depth to the sauce.
• Ginger: Adds a subtle heat and a fresh, spicy flavor. Plus, it complements the sweet and salty flavors, giving the sauce an exotic touch.

The versatility of Teriyaki sauce lies in the flexibility to adjust the flavors to your own taste. If you want a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of mirin or sugar. If you prefer a saltier sauce, intensify the flavor with more soy sauce or a small amount of salt.

For a spicy note, don't be afraid to add freshly grated ginger or chili powder, and for a deeper and more complex flavor, experiment with garlic or apple cider vinegar. These ingredients can transform a simple Teriyaki sauce into a real explosion of flavors, perfect to accompany a variety of culinary dishes.

Plus, you can add other ingredients to create unique combinations. For example, a splash of orange juice can bring a special freshness, and toasted sesame seeds can add a crunchy texture. Don't limit yourself to standard recipes, but explore and create your own variations of Teriyaki sauce, adapting them to your culinary preferences.

Here's how you can prepare a classic Teriyaki chicken recipe right in your own kitchen:

• Step 1:

Start the recipe by preparing the Teriyaki sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and rice wine. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.

• Step 2:

In a small pan, heat the mixture over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 2-3 minutes.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, combine the cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons of cold water to form a paste. Add this paste to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes). Remove the pan from the heat and set the sauce aside.

• Step 3:

As for the meat, you can opt for chicken breast or legs, depending on your preference. Chicken legs are juicier and more flavorful due to their higher fat content, while chicken breast is leaner and lighter.

If you choose to prepare chicken thighs, debone them and cut them into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. If you opt for chicken breast, portion it into pieces of approximately 2-3 cm so that it cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce well.

• Step 4:

Once you have portioned the chicken, place it in the bowl with the Teriyaki sauce and mix well to coat all the chicken pieces with the sauce. Cover the bowl with cling film and leave it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time and want the flavour to be more intense, you can leave the meat to marinate for longer, up to a few hours or even overnight. Marinating for longer helps the flavours to penetrate the meat and give it a richer taste.

• Step 5:

Coat a skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until cooked through and golden brown.

• Step 6:

Reduce heat to low and pour the Teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Mix well to coat all pieces with sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce lightly caramelizes and binds to the chicken. Finally, garnish the Teriyaki chicken with finely chopped green onion leaves and sesame seeds.

1.1. Teriyaki Chicken Ingredients for 4 People

To prepare a delicious and flavorful chicken Teriyaki sauce, you must have the following ingredients in your kitchen:

• 500 g chicken meat;
• Cooking spray ;
• Salt and pepper to taste;

For the Teriyaki sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce;
• 1/4 cup water;
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar;
• 1 tablespoon mirin;
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 cloves of garlic;
• 1 small piece of ginger;

For decoration:

• sesame seeds;
• green onion.

2. Chicken Teriyaki Sauce Recipe - how to customize it to get delicious and healthy variations

There are a few changes you can make to the classic recipe to make chicken with Teriyaki sauce healthier without compromising on taste:

1. Choose another method of preparing chicken:

• In the oven:

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the pieces in a single layer to allow for even cooking.

Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. You can brush the Teriyaki sauce on the chicken for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to prevent it from burning.

• On the grill:

Prepare the grill with charcoal or wood. Make sure it is well cleaned and, if desired, lightly oil it to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Place the chicken pieces on the grill, then cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, turning them periodically to avoid burning. The charcoal grill gives the chicken a distinct flavor and caramelizes it nicely.

Apply the Teriyaki sauce during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, using a brush to spread it evenly over the chicken. This allows the sauce to caramelize and add a delicious glaze, without burning.

• Steam:

Preheat the airfryer according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually 180°C. Grease the airfryer basket with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Place the chicken pieces in the airfryer basket, taking care not to overlap them to allow the hot air to circulate evenly. Cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through. The airfryer will give the chicken a crispy texture without using too much oil.

Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the Teriyaki sauce over it. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken pieces with the sauce. If you wish, you can put the chicken back in the airfryer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize slightly.

2. Prepare Teriyaki sauce using nutritious ingredients:

Classic Teriyaki sauce is delicious, but if you want to boost its nutritional value, there are a few simple adjustments you can make. Here are some suggestions:

• Replace brown sugar with a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or even pureed fruit. These add sweetness without significantly increasing the glycemic index.
• To thicken the sauce, replace the cornstarch with chickpea flour or hydrated chia seeds. These alternatives are rich in fiber and protein.
• Replace traditional soy sauce with a low-sodium version. This offers the same umami flavor but with less sodium and is found in most supermarkets, in the sauces or Asian products section.

In addition to the changes you can make to the Teriyaki sauce, you can also add a few additional ingredients to make it healthier and more nutritious:

• Vegetables: Grate some fresh ginger and add it to the sauce for an extra dose of antioxidants. You can also add a small, finely chopped onion for a rich flavor and fiber boost.
• Apple cider vinegar: Replace some of the soy sauce with apple cider vinegar to add acidity and probiotics beneficial for digestion.
• Spices: Use more spices like black pepper, chili flakes, or turmeric to add flavor and anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Chicken in Teriyaki sauce - correct marinating and cooking methods + suitable side dishes

To achieve tender and well-glazed Teriyaki Chicken, it is important to follow some correct marinating and cooking methods. To achieve a more intense flavor and more tender meat, it is essential to marinate the chicken for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply. If you have time, it is ideal to leave the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator overnight.

Next, make sure all the chicken pieces are completely covered in the Teriyaki sauce. Use a bowl with a lid or a resealable bag to keep the meat evenly coated. If marinating in a bowl, turn the chicken pieces occasionally to make sure all sides are well coated with the sauce.

Pour the Teriyaki sauce over the chicken at the end of cooking, after the meat is fully cooked, to avoid burning the sauce. Let it simmer gently to thicken and caramelize, so that it sticks nicely to the meat. After cooking, the chicken in Teriyaki sauce can be accompanied by various side dishes for balanced and tasty meals.

For starters, you can enjoy Teriyaki Chicken with Rice in a simple and delicious recipe. Choose between white rice or brown rice, depending on your preferences and nutritional goals. Top it off with calorie-free sauces to enhance the flavor without adding extra calories.

Chicken Teriyaki with Vegetables is another option with rich flavor and excellent nutritional values. You can choose to grill, bake or sauté various vegetables. Mushrooms are rich in vitamin D and minerals, while red pepper is an excellent source of vitamin C, and carrots contain beta-carotene. Broccoli and cauliflower are also rich in fiber and vitamins, providing an extra nutrient boost to your meal.

Also, preparing a stir fry with vegetables is a quick and healthy option to complement the Teriyaki chicken. This is an Asian dish, which consists of cooking vegetables in a deep frying pan or wok, at high temperatures, with a little oil. The process involves adding finely chopped vegetables, such as mushrooms, red peppers, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower, and sautéing them until they are tender but still crispy.

Stir frying preserves the textures and flavors of vegetables while maintaining their nutritional value. Plus, you can add additional spices, such as garlic or freshly grated ginger to enhance the flavor. This cooking method is not only time-efficient, but it also helps maintain a balanced meal full of vitamins and minerals.

Additionally, Teriyaki Chicken Noodles are a tasty and satisfying choice. Opt for complementing Teriyaki Chicken with noodles by adding calorie-free sauces to enhance the taste without compromising nutritional value. Alternatively, you can opt for Teriyaki Chicken with rice noodles or protein pasta , on which you can add sesame for a crispy texture and extra nutrients. Complete your meal with other protein foods to have a balanced and satisfying diet, such as bars that provide adequate protein intake.

In conclusion, Teriyaki Chicken is a versatile and delicious recipe, easy to customize to suit your preferences. Through various preparation methods and ingredient combinations, you can create a multitude of healthy and tasty variations, perfect for any occasion.

Photo source: Shutterstock.