Homemade Teriyaki Chicken

Welcome to a culinary journey where simplicity meets flavor! Today, we’re diving into a classic dish that marries American convenience with Japanese flair – Teriyaki Chicken.

This recipe isn’t just about creating a meal; it’s about experiencing the joy of cooking something utterly delicious in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Imagine the aroma of a savory, sweet sauce enveloping tender chicken pieces, all ready to be served with your choice of rice, cauliflower rice, or even wrapped in crisp lettuce!

There’s something genuinely satisfying about making your teriyaki sauce. It’s a journey of transforming basic ingredients into a rich, glossy sauce that’s leagues ahead of any store-bought variety.

Homemade sauce means you control the flavors and the quality of ingredients – no preservatives, just pure, unadulterated taste. Plus, the process is surprisingly simple and rewarding, giving you a sauce that’s perfectly balanced in sweetness and umami.

Ingredients:

Let’s unveil the ingredients that make this dish a star:

Chicken/Broccoli:

1 ¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts: The protein hero of our dish, chicken breast is lean and absorbs flavors beautifully.
Salt/Pepper: For seasoning our chicken to perfection.
1-2 tablespoons peanut oil: This oil adds a subtle nutty flavor, but olive oil works great too for a lighter taste.
3 cups broccoli florets: Not only does broccoli add a pop of color, but it also brings a delightful crunch and loads of nutrients.

Sauce:

3/4 cup chicken broth: This forms the base of our sauce, adding depth and richness.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: The thickening agent that gives our sauce that lovely consistency.
1/4 cup soy sauce: It’s all about that umami kick!
3 tablespoons mirin: This sweet rice wine is key to authentic teriyaki flavor, but feel free to substitute with sake, sherry, or dry white wine.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: For a touch of tanginess.
2 tablespoons honey & 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar: These sweeteners balance the savory elements.
1 teaspoon hot sauce: Just enough to add complexity without overwhelming heat.
½ teaspoon ground ginger & ¼ teaspoon toasted sesame oil: These spices add warmth and an Asian flair.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Because what’s a great sauce without garlic?

Garnish:

Green onions, Toasted sesame seeds, Red pepper flakes: These not only add a burst of flavor but also make your dish visually appealing.

For Serving (Optional):

3 cups cooked rice: The perfect canvas for your teriyaki masterpiece.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a dish that’s not just food, but an experience. Stay tuned as we dive into the heart of this recipe – the cooking process, where these ingredients come to life!

A Step-by-Step Cooking Guide:

Preparing the Sauce: Begin your culinary adventure by creating the soul of the dish – the teriyaki sauce. In a bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of chicken broth with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. This step is crucial for avoiding lumps in your sauce. Ensure the broth is cool to prevent premature thickening. Next, stir in the soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, hot sauce, ground ginger, sesame oil, and minced garlic. This blend of ingredients will create a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Once mixed, set this aromatic concoction aside, letting the flavors meld together.
Cooking the Chicken and Broccoli: Now, let’s focus on the main ingredients. Cut 1 ¼ lbs. of chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes and season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough, add the chicken pieces. Sauté them until they’re golden and cooked through, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate. In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and stir-fry them until they’re vibrant and tender-crisp, about 3 minutes. This step not only cooks the broccoli but also infuses it with the flavors left by the chicken.
Combining and Thickening the Sauce: Return your attention to the teriyaki sauce. Pour it into the skillet and bring it to a boil. As it heats, gently scrape the bottom of the skillet with a silicone spatula to incorporate the flavorful browned bits into the sauce. This technique, known as deglazing, is a chef’s secret to maximizing flavor. Watch as the sauce transforms, thickening into a rich, glossy glaze. Once it reaches the desired consistency, reduce the heat to a simmer.
Final Assembly: It’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked chicken and broccoli back into the skillet. Toss them gently in the sauce, ensuring each piece is beautifully coated. Let the mixture heat through for about a minute, allowing the flavors to meld.

This detailed guide ensures that each step of the cooking process is executed with care, resulting in a dish that’s not just delicious but also a visual treat.

The key to great cooking is not just following the steps but understanding how each ingredient and technique contributes to the final dish.

Customization and Additions:

Variety is the Spice of Life: Feel free to add julienned carrots, celery, water chestnuts, spinach, or kale to introduce new textures and flavors.

Sodium Control: For those watching their sodium intake, opt for low sodium soy sauce and reduced sodium broth.

Serving Suggestions: This dish is versatile. Serve it over traditional rice, switch it up with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or tuck it into lettuce wraps for a fresh, crunchy twist.

Serving Suggestions:

Plating Perfection: Once your Teriyaki Chicken is ready, it’s time to think about presentation. If you’re going for a classic feel, serve it over a bed of fluffy, white rice.

For a healthier twist, cauliflower rice makes an excellent low-carb alternative. And for those who love a bit of crunch, lettuce wraps are not only healthy but also add a refreshing element to the dish.

Garnishing for Flavor and Flair: Sprinkle chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a pinch of red pepper flakes over your dish.

These garnishes not only add a burst of color but also enhance the flavors with their unique textures and tastes.

Nutrition:

Balanced Nutrition: Each serving of this Teriyaki Chicken is a harmony of protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients. The chicken provides high-quality protein, while the broccoli offers fiber, vitamin C, and iron.

Calorie Count: A serving without rice stands at approximately 318 calories, making it a wholesome and balanced option for those mindful of their calorie intake.

This is what you can expect from per serving:

Calories: 318 kcal
Carbohydrates: 29 g
Protein: 34 g
Fat: 8 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 17 g
Vitamin A: 471 IU
Vitamin C: 64 mg
Calcium: 55 mg
Iron: 1 mg

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes. The optional 3 cups of rice are not included in this nutritional breakdown. If rice is included, the calorie count per serving would increase to approximately 467 kcal.

Storage and Reheating:

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This ensures your Teriyaki Chicken stays fresh and delicious for your next meal.

Freezing for Later: If you’ve cooked in bulk or want to save some for later, this dish freezes well too. Pack it in freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 3 months. The sauce may thicken upon reheating, but a little water or broth can bring it back to its original consistency.

Reheating Tips: When reheating, do so gently over the stove or in a microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. This will help retain the flavors and textures of the dish.

Creating this Teriyaki Chicken at home is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about enjoying the process of cooking and the satisfaction of eating something made with your own hands.

This dish, with its rich flavors and simple preparation, is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a special occasion, or even as a delightful meal prep option for the week.

Happy cooking!