If you love the flavors of sweet and savory Japanese cuisine, then learning how to cook teriyaki chicken breast is a must! This popular dish features tender and juicy chicken breast marinated in a delicious homemade teriyaki sauce. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a mouthwatering result.
The key to making a perfect teriyaki chicken breast lies in the balance of flavors and the cooking technique. The marinade, made from a combination of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, infuses the chicken with its signature sweet and tangy taste. The marinade also helps to tenderize the meat, resulting in a juicy and succulent texture.
Once the chicken breast has marinated and soaked up all the flavors, it’s time to cook it to perfection. You can grill the chicken for a delicious smoky flavor or pan-fry it for a crispy exterior. Either way, it’s important to monitor the cooking time to ensure that the chicken is cooked through but still tender and juicy.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a homemade Japanese meal, knowing how to cook teriyaki chicken breast will definitely impress your family and friends. So put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and get ready to create a delicious and authentic Japanese dish in the comfort of your own kitchen!
Teriyaki Chicken Breast Recipe
Teriyaki chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is easy to make at home. This recipe will guide you through the steps to create a mouthwatering teriyaki chicken breast that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the teriyaki sauce over them. Make sure the chicken is completely coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and discard the excess sauce.
- Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is grilling, pour the leftover marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil.
- In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the boiling marinade, stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it.
- Serve the teriyaki chicken breast with the thickened sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Note: Make sure to brush the grill grates with oil before grilling the chicken to prevent sticking.
Enjoy your homemade teriyaki chicken breast with steamed rice or a side of vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal!
Gather the Ingredients
Before you start cooking teriyaki chicken breast, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here is a list of what you will need:
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Chicken breast | 2 pieces |
Soy sauce | 1/2 cup |
Mirin | 1/4 cup |
Sake | 1/4 cup |
Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
Garlic | 2 cloves |
Ginger | 1 teaspoon |
Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon |
Green onions | 2 stalks |
Sesame seeds | 1 tablespoon |
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you are ready to start cooking the teriyaki chicken breast. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully to achieve the best flavor and texture.
Marinate the Chicken
The key to making delicious teriyaki chicken is marinating the meat. This step allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors of the teriyaki sauce and helps to tenderize the chicken breast.
Here is a simple and tasty teriyaki marinade recipe:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined. Place the chicken breast in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the chicken is coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
Marinating the chicken for an extended period of time allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply and produces a more flavorful dish.
When you are ready to cook the chicken, remove it from the marinade and discard the excess marinade. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before cooking to ensure a better sear and prevent any flare-ups during grilling or sautéing.
By marinating the chicken, you are taking the first step towards creating a delicious teriyaki chicken breast. This process infuses the meat with the rich flavors of the marinade and results in a tender and succulent dish.
Preheat the Grill
To cook teriyaki chicken breast, it is important to preheat your grill. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and is cooked through to the proper temperature.
Start by cleaning and oiling the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking. Then, turn on the grill and set it to medium-high heat. Allow the grill to preheat for about 10-15 minutes.
During this time, you can prepare the chicken by seasoning it with salt and pepper, or marinating it in teriyaki sauce for extra flavor. Make sure the chicken is at room temperature before placing it on the grill.
Once the grill is hot, place the chicken breast on the grill grates. Cook each side for about 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy and flavorful chicken breast.
Now your teriyaki chicken breast is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it with rice, vegetables, or your favorite side dishes for a delicious and healthy meal.
Grill the Chicken
Grilling the chicken breast is a great way to achieve a charred and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Follow these steps to grill your chicken breast to perfection:
1. Preheat the Grill
Before you start grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and the skin becomes crispy.
2. Season the Chicken
Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper, or any other preferred seasonings such as garlic powder or paprika. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken and provide a delicious outer crust.
3. Oil the Grill Grates
Using tongs and a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil, carefully oil the grill grates. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and help achieve beautiful grill marks.
4. Place the Chicken on the Grill
Once the grill is preheated and the grates are oiled, place the chicken breast onto the grill. Close the lid and allow it to cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Baste with Teriyaki Sauce
About halfway through the grilling process, begin basting the chicken breast with teriyaki sauce using a basting brush. This will add an extra layer of flavor and help create a sticky glaze on the chicken.
6. Let it Rest
Once the chicken is cooked through and has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast.
Now that your chicken breast is perfectly grilled, you can serve it with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even in a delicious teriyaki chicken bowl. Enjoy!
Baste with Teriyaki Sauce
Once the chicken breasts are cooked on one side, it’s time to baste them with teriyaki sauce to add flavor and moisture. This step will help create a delicious glaze and infuse the chicken with the savory teriyaki taste.
To baste the chicken breasts with teriyaki sauce, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
Make sure you have a homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce ready. If you don’t have any, you can easily make a simple teriyaki sauce by combining soy sauce, mirin, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan and simmering it until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 2: Baste the Chicken Breasts
Using a brush or a spoon, generously coat the top of each chicken breast with the teriyaki sauce. Make sure to cover the entire surface to ensure maximum flavor. Allow the sauce to drip down the sides of the chicken breasts.
Note: It’s important to apply the teriyaki sauce only when the chicken breasts are cooked on one side. Basting too early can cause the sauce to burn and create a bitter taste.
Pro tip: For an extra flavorful kick, you can marinate the chicken breasts in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking them. This will help the chicken absorb the flavors even more.
Once the chicken breasts are basted with teriyaki sauce, continue cooking them for a few more minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce glazes the chicken. Remove from heat and let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before serving.
Basting the chicken breasts with teriyaki sauce adds a delicious umami taste and creates a succulent, tender dish that will leave everyone wanting more.
FAQ
How do I marinate the chicken?
To marinate the chicken, you will need to combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. The cooking time may vary slightly, so make sure to adjust accordingly. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and moist, which can be a great option for teriyaki chicken.
What is the best way to cook teriyaki chicken breast?
The best way to cook teriyaki chicken breast is to grill or broil it. Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken with the remaining marinade while cooking. Alternatively, you can also cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes per side.
Can I make teriyaki chicken in the oven?
Yes, you can make teriyaki chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can also broil the chicken for the last few minutes to get a nice caramelized glaze on top.
What is teriyaki chicken?
Teriyaki chicken is a popular Japanese dish made with marinated chicken breast that is grilled or pan-fried and then glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
How long does it take to cook teriyaki chicken breast?
The cooking time for teriyaki chicken breast can vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and the cooking method. On average, it takes about 15-20 minutes to cook teriyaki chicken breast in a pan or on a grill.