Japanese Chicken Teriyaki
Tender glazed chicken with a sweet-savory sauce that's caramelized and glossy. Served over steamed rice with sesame seeds and scallions.
- Total time
- 25 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 38g
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup mirin
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp sake
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 clove garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp scallions, sliced
- 3 cup steamed rice, for serving
Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5–2 inches. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the teriyaki glaze. Set aside on a clean plate.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sugar, sake, ginger, and garlic until the sugar dissolves completely. Set this teriyaki sauce aside.
- 3
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 1 minute. Working in batches if needed, add the chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding the pan.
- 4
Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, turning once, until the exterior is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165 °F). Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate.
- 5
Return the skillet to medium-high heat and pour in the prepared teriyaki sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce darkens slightly and becomes fragrant.
- 6
In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and turns glossy, about 1 minute.
- 7
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss gently to coat evenly in the teriyaki glaze. Cook for 1–2 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce clings to the meat.
- 8
Divide the steamed rice among serving bowls and top with the glazed chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced scallions, then serve immediately while the glaze is still warm and sticky.
Cook smarter
Get matched recipes for what’s in your fridge
CookSnap is a free iOS app that finds real recipes from the ingredients you already have. No more grocery-list aspirations.
