Sweet & Savory Japanese Teriyaki Chicken
This authentic Japanese teriyaki chicken delivers restaurant-quality results with simple pantry ingredients. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a sweet-savory sauce, then stir-fried to perfection with a glossy glaze that'll have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect over steamed rice for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
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Servings: 4
Calories: 385kcal
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Sauce and Marinade:
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into thin pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine water, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Whisk until well mixed.
- Reserve half of the sauce mixture. Marinate chicken pieces in the remaining half of the sauce for 2-3 hours, turning once halfway through.
- Add cornstarch to the reserved sauce mixture and whisk to combine. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
- Drain the marinade from the chicken, reserving 2 tablespoons of the used marinade. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry until almost cooked through.
- Add the reserved 2 tablespoons of marinade to the pan and continue stir-frying until chicken is fully cooked and glossed with the sauce.
- Serve immediately over hot steamed rice with the cooled teriyaki sauce on the side.
Notes
For less sweetness, reduce brown sugar to 1/2 cup instead of 3/4 cup
Cut chicken against the grain into uniform thin pieces for even cooking and tender results
The recipe can be made ahead - marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor
Substitute honey for brown sugar for a different flavor profile
Double the sauce recipe if you prefer extra sauce for serving
Chicken can be grilled instead of stir-fried for a smokier flavor
Store leftover cooked chicken in refrigerator for up to 3 days
Nutrition
Calories: 385kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 1205mg | Potassium: 425mg | Sugar: 36g