Craving that irresistible sweet and savory flavor of teriyaki chicken? The kind that makes your taste buds sing and leaves you wanting more? You’re not alone! Teriyaki chicken is a beloved dish worldwide, but the thought of making it at home often seems daunting. Many shy away, fearing complicated sauces and unpredictable results. But what if I told you that achieving restaurant-quality teriyaki chicken in your own kitchen is not only possible but incredibly easy? The secret? Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce. This recipe will guide you through creating a foolproof Kikkoman teriyaki sauce chicken recipe that will become a weeknight staple.
Why Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce is Your Secret Weapon
Kikkoman isn’t just any sauce; it’s a name synonymous with quality and authentic Asian flavors. For generations, Kikkoman has been crafting sauces that elevate home cooking, and their Teriyaki Sauce is no exception. What makes it so special? It eliminates the guesswork and the need for a pantry full of ingredients. Forget measuring out soy sauce, mirin, sake, ginger, and garlic individually. Kikkoman has perfectly balanced all these elements into one bottle. This means less time prepping and more time enjoying your delicious meal. The flavor profile is also spot on – a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and umami that coats the chicken in a delectable glaze. Plus, the versatility of Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce extends beyond chicken. Use it to create flavorful dishes with beef, pork, salmon, tofu, or even vegetables!
The Ultimate Kikkoman Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- About one and a half pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Half a cup Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce
- One tablespoon vegetable oil
- Optional: One teaspoon sesame oil
- Optional: One tablespoon cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons water (for a thicker sauce)
- Optional Garnish: Sesame seeds, chopped green onions
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- First, in a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces and Kikkoman Teriyaki Sauce. Ensure that the chicken is evenly coated. This marinating process is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor.
- Next, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes. For a more intense flavor, marinate for up to four hours or even overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
- When you’re ready to cook, heat the vegetable oil (and sesame oil, if using) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken.
- Carefully add the marinated chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
- Cook the chicken for about five to seven minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and nicely browned. The internal temperature should reach one hundred and sixty five degrees Fahrenheit.
- If you desire a thicker sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the chicken and cook for an additional one to two minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Perfectly Glazed Teriyaki Chicken
Marinating your chicken is crucial for flavor absorption. While thirty minutes will do, aim for at least an hour, or even better, a few hours in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more deeply the teriyaki flavor will penetrate the chicken. You can pan-fry the chicken as the recipe suggests, or you can bake it in the oven. For baked chicken, preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for fifteen to twenty minutes, or until cooked through. For a truly mouthwatering teriyaki glaze, don’t overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than searing. Searing is what creates those delicious crispy edges and intensified flavors. If the sauce isn’t thickening enough for your liking, create a slurry of cornstarch and cold water. This is a simple trick to achieve that beautiful, glossy glaze. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of one hundred and sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dry, tough chicken.
Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations
Teriyaki chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Serve it over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice. Steamed broccoli, green beans, or stir-fried vegetables make excellent and healthy side dishes. Add a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the teriyaki sauce. If you are in the mood for something a little different, try making teriyaki chicken bowls. Layer rice, teriyaki chicken, and your favorite toppings like avocado, cucumber, and pickled ginger in a bowl for a customizable and fun meal. You can create a spicy teriyaki chicken by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade. For a teriyaki chicken stir-fry, toss the cooked chicken with stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and snap peas. Teriyaki chicken is perfect for meal prepping. Cook a large batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week in salads, wraps, or with your favorite side dishes. Portion the cooked teriyaki chicken into airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Storing and Reheating Your Chicken Teriyaki
If you happen to have any leftover Kikkoman teriyaki sauce chicken, store it properly to maintain its flavor and texture. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked teriyaki chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to two to three months. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. There are several ways to reheat your chicken teriyaki. You can microwave it in thirty-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Or, you can reheat it in the oven at three hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit for about fifteen to twenty minutes. No matter which method you choose, be sure to reheat the chicken until it is heated through, ensuring that it reaches a safe internal temperature.
Ready to Cook?
So, are you ready to ditch the takeout and create your own incredibly delicious and easy Kikkoman teriyaki chicken recipe? This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to be amazed at how easily you can create restaurant-quality teriyaki chicken in your own home. Try out this Kikkoman teriyaki sauce chicken recipe, let us know in the comments! Do you have any other questions on the topic?
