Teriyaki chicken is a popular Japanese dish that is loved by many around the world. The marinade used in this recipe gives the chicken a delicious sweet and savory flavor that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress your family and friends.

To make marinated teriyaki chicken, you will need a few simple ingredients including boneless chicken thighs, soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. These ingredients can be easily found in most grocery stores or Asian markets. The marinade is made by combining these ingredients together, creating a flavorful sauce that will infuse the chicken with an irresistible taste.

Before marinating the chicken, it is important to trim any excess fat off the thighs and pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help the marinade to better penetrate the meat and ensure a more flavorful and tender result. Once the chicken is prepared, place it in a ziplock bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the chicken is fully coated and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, though overnight is preferred for maximum flavor.

After marinating, the chicken can be cooked in various ways including grilling, baking, or pan-frying. Whichever method you choose, make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Serve the marinated teriyaki chicken with steamed rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

So why not try making marinated teriyaki chicken at home? It’s a simple and delicious dish that will transport you to the streets of Japan. So grab your apron and get cooking!

Preparing the chicken

Before you can marinate the chicken, it’s important to prepare it properly. Follow these steps to ensure a flavorful and tasty dish:

1. Clean the chicken

Start by rinsing the chicken under cold water to remove any impurities. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove the excess moisture.

2. Trim the chicken

Trim any excess fat or skin from the chicken pieces using a sharp knife. This will help the marinade to penetrate the meat more effectively and result in a juicier chicken.

3. Score the chicken

Make shallow cuts on the surface of the chicken using a knife. This will allow the marinade to soak into the meat and infuse it with flavor.

4. Pound the chicken

If the chicken pieces are thick, you can use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to lightly pound them. This will help to even out the thickness and ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.

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Once you have prepared the chicken, you can proceed with marinating it in teriyaki sauce for a delicious and savory meal.

Choosing the chicken

When making marinated teriyaki chicken, it’s important to choose the right type of chicken. The best option is boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. These cuts of chicken are versatile and will soak up the marinade flavors nicely.

You can buy pre-cut chicken breasts or thighs from your local grocery store, or you can save money by buying whole chicken breasts or thighs and cutting them into your desired size.

It’s important to ensure that the chicken you choose is fresh and of good quality. Look for chicken that has a pinkish color and does not have a strong odor. Avoid chicken that looks grayish or slimy, as it may be spoiled.

If you have the option, choose organic chicken or chicken that is free-range. These chickens are raised without antibiotics and hormones, which can affect both the flavor and the quality of the meat.

Chicken cut Recommended serving size
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts 4-6 ounces per person
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs 6-8 ounces per person

If you’re not sure what size to choose, it’s better to go with larger pieces of chicken as they are easier to cook without drying out. You can always cut them into smaller pieces after cooking if needed.

Cleaning the chicken

To start preparing your marinated teriyaki chicken, you will first need to clean the chicken thoroughly. Cleaning the chicken is an important step to ensure that it is safe to consume and free from any impurities. Follow these steps to properly clean the chicken:

  1. Remove the chicken from its packaging and place it on a clean and sanitized cutting board.
  2. Rinse the chicken under cold running water to remove any excess blood or debris.
  3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any remaining moisture.
  4. Inspect the chicken for any remaining feathers or pin feathers, and use a pair of clean kitchen tweezers to pluck them out.
  5. Check for any visible fat deposits or excess skin, and trim them off with a sharp knife.
  6. If desired, you can also remove the skin from the chicken for a healthier option. Carefully pull the skin away from the flesh, starting from one end and working your way towards the other.
  7. Once the chicken is properly cleaned, you can proceed to marinate and cook it according to your recipe.
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By properly cleaning the chicken before cooking, you can ensure that it is safe and ready to be marinated. This step is essential for maintaining good hygiene and preventing any potential contamination.

Making the marinade

To make the marinade for the teriyaki chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed together.

Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

This marinade will infuse the chicken with a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors, creating a tender and flavorful dish. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more intense the flavors will be.

Gathering the ingredients

Before you begin cooking your marinated teriyaki chicken, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken

Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs for this recipe. You’ll need about 1.5 pounds of chicken, which is approximately 4-6 pieces, depending on the size.

Teriyaki sauce

Prepare or buy your favorite teriyaki sauce. You can find pre-made teriyaki sauce at most grocery stores, or you can make your own using soy sauce, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and mirin.

Marinade ingredients

In addition to teriyaki sauce, you’ll need a few other ingredients to make the marinade. These include soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch.

Garnish (optional)

If desired, you can gather optional garnishes, such as sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, to add flavor and visual appeal to your dish.

Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, you’ll be ready to move on to the next step of preparing and cooking your marinated teriyaki chicken.

Mixing the marinade

To make the delicious teriyaki marinade for your chicken, you will need a few simple ingredients: soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Follow these easy steps to prepare the marinade:

Ingredients:

Quantity Ingredient
1/2 cup Soy sauce
1/4 cup Mirin
2 tablespoons Brown sugar
2 cloves Garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Fresh ginger (grated)

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
  2. Whisk the ingredients together until the brown sugar is completely dissolved.
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That’s it! You have successfully mixed the teriyaki marinade for your chicken. Now it’s time to marinate the chicken and let it soak up all the delicious flavors before cooking.

Marinating the chicken

To give your teriyaki chicken a flavorful and tender taste, marinating the chicken is an essential step. Follow these instructions to marinate your chicken:

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (900 grams) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) of soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) of mirin
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) of sake
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) of honey
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of grated ginger

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is completely coated.
  4. Cover the dish or seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be.

Remember to turn the chicken occasionally while marinating to ensure that all sides are evenly coated in the marinade. Once the chicken has marinated for the desired time, it is ready to be cooked.

FAQ

How long do I need to marinate the chicken?

It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, though you can marinate it for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavors will be.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs. However, keep in mind that chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender, so the end result will be slightly different.

What can I serve with marinated teriyaki chicken?

Marinated teriyaki chicken goes well with steamed rice and vegetables. You can also serve it with noodles or in a stir-fry.

Can I grill the marinated teriyaki chicken instead of baking it?

Yes, you can grill the marinated teriyaki chicken instead of baking it. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Basting with the marinade while grilling will help enhance the flavor.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can marinate it for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be. Make sure to refrigerate the chicken while marinating.