Easy Teriyaki Chicken

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? Try this Easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe! Made with tender chicken breasts, a savory homemade teriyaki sauce, and simple ingredients like garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a family favorite that pairs perfectly with rice and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

• Chicken:
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1″ pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• Optional garnish: chopped scallions and sesame seeds to taste
• Sauce:
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons mirin (see note)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until well combined.
2. Prepare the Chicken: In a separate bowl, add the chicken pieces, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Then add the cornstarch and stir again until the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the chicken in two batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each batch for about 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan for the second batch.
4. Combine and Finish: Once the second batch of chicken is cooked, return all the chicken to the skillet. Pour in the sauce and stir to coat the chicken. Let the sauce bubble for about a minute, until it thickens.
5. Serve: Serve the teriyaki chicken immediately over rice, garnished with chopped scallions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes:

• Mirin: Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine. For this recipe, the grocery store version found in the Asian foods aisle works perfectly. The Kikkoman brand is recommended.
• Ginger Tip: Fresh ginger is much easier to grate when frozen. Keep ginger in the freezer and use a Microplane grater/zester for easy grating.

This easy and flavorful teriyaki chicken is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy over a bed of rice with your favorite garnishes!