Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with Chef John's Chicken Teriyaki recipe. This tasty dish combines tender chicken, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and brown sugar to create a delicious glaze. Serve it over steamed rice for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup sake
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
Directions
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Mix well.
- Place the chicken thighs in a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Press out any excess air and seal the bag. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later.
- Brush the grill with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred.
- While the chicken is grilling, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the boiling marinade, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Slice the chicken into thin strips.
- Pour the thickened sauce over the sliced chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired. Serve the chicken teriyaki over steamed rice and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Teriyaki is a Japanese cooking technique where meat or fish is marinated in a soy sauce-based sauce and then grilled or broiled.
The word 'teriyaki' is derived from the Japanese word 'teri,' which means glaze or shine, and 'yaki,' which means grilled or broiled.
Chicken thighs are used in this recipe because they are more flavorful and tender compared to chicken breasts.