Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade

This Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that creates the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking for a quick lunch option, this recipe checks all the boxes. The chicken is marinated to perfection, ensuring each bite is juicy and full of flavor. Plus, it can be grilled, baked, or stir-fried, making it incredibly versatile. You’ll find that this easy chicken teriyaki is not just better than takeout; it’s also simple enough for weeknight meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Flavor Bomb: The marinated chicken absorbs all the savory goodness from the teriyaki sauce, creating an irresistible taste.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer grilling, baking, or stir-frying, this recipe adapts easily to your cooking style.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with low sodium soy sauce and fresh ingredients, it’s a healthier option compared to restaurant versions.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this dish, making it perfect for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Zipper bag or large bowl
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Grill or oven (for cooking)
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Zipper bag or large bowl: Ideal for marinating chicken evenly without mess.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk or spoon: Helps dissolve sugar quickly in the marinade for better flavor integration.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• ¾ lb chicken thigh (or chicken breast; See Note 1)
• 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 Tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds

For the Marinade

• ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
• ⅓ cup mirin (see Note 2 for substitutions)
• ⅓ cup sugar (see Note 3 for substitutions)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic or ginger (optional)

How to Make Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Flatten the chicken so it’s about ¾ inch thick for even cooking.
2. Place in a zipper bag or large bowl to marinate.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

1. Combine the marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl.
2. Mix until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Reserve half of the marinade for later use.
4. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and seal it in the bag or cover the bowl.
5. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for more flavor).

Enjoy your homemade Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade

Serving Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Whether you want a light meal or something more filling, there are plenty of options to consider.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed white or brown rice pairs perfectly with teriyaki chicken, soaking up the savory sauce for a complete meal.

Over a Salad

• Create a refreshing salad by placing sliced teriyaki chicken on a bed of mixed greens, topped with sesame dressing for added flavor.

In a Wrap

• Wrap pieces of chicken in lettuce leaves or tortillas along with fresh vegetables for a tasty and healthy option.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Serve your chicken alongside colorful stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.

As Part of a Bento Box

• Include teriyaki chicken in a bento box with rice, pickled vegetables, and fruit for a fun and portable lunch idea.

How to Perfect Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade

To make your Easy Chicken Teriyaki even better, consider these simple tips. They will elevate your dish and ensure maximum flavor.

• Marinate Longer: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it becomes. Aim for at least 30 minutes but overnight is best.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the taste of your marinade. Always opt for fresh over powdered.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to alter the sugar amounts in your marinade based on your taste preference; less sugar results in a less sweet glaze.
• Preheat Cooking Surface: Whether grilling or baking, ensure your cooking surface is hot before adding the chicken. This helps achieve that perfect sear.
• Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture and keeps it juicy.
• Garnish Wisely: Top your finished dish with green onions or additional sesame seeds for an appealing presentation and extra flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade

Pairing side dishes with Easy Chicken Teriyaki can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vegetable Fried Rice: A savory blend of rice stir-fried with mixed vegetables adds texture and flavor.
2. Edamame: Steamed edamame pods provide protein and are great as finger food alongside your main dish.
3. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers comfort and complements the flavors of teriyaki chicken well.
4. Cucumber Salad: A crisp cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar refreshes the palate between bites of rich teriyaki.
5. Sautéed Bok Choy: Lightly sautéed bok choy adds greens to your plate while maintaining simplicity in flavor.
6. Japanese Pickles (Tsukemono): These tart pickles balance out the sweetness of teriyaki sauce nicely.
7. Noodles: Soba or udon noodles tossed in soy sauce make for an excellent alternative side to rice.
8. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Slightly sweet roasted sweet potatoes offer a hearty complement to the dish’s savory elements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the marinade time – Many people underestimate the importance of marinating. Allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors for at least 15 minutes will enhance taste.
• Using regular soy sauce – Regular soy sauce can be too salty. Opt for low sodium soy sauce to keep the dish balanced and flavorful.
• Not flattening the chicken – If you skip flattening, the chicken may cook unevenly. Aim for about ¾ inch thickness for even cooking.
• Ignoring the reserve marinade – Using the same marinade that touched raw chicken can lead to food safety issues. Always reserve half before marinating.
• Overcooking the chicken – Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Keep an eye on cooking times and use a meat thermometer if necessary.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade

• You can freeze cooked teriyaki chicken for up to 2 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat chicken for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until hot, stirring in between.
• Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth, and stir-fry until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade.

Can I use other meats besides chicken?

You can substitute chicken with pork or tofu for a delicious twist on this recipe.

What can I serve with Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or noodles for a complete meal.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate your chicken from at least 15 minutes up to overnight in the fridge.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute for regular soy sauce.

Final Thoughts

Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different proteins and sides, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try today!