Easy Teriyaki Chicken with Sesame Seeds

Teriyaki chicken has long been a beloved staple in households around the world, and for good reason. The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and salty flavors, combined with the satisfying crunch of toasted sesame seeds, makes this dish an absolute delight. In this comprehensive recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create an easy, mouthwatering teriyaki chicken dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

✨ What Makes This Recipe Special

This teriyaki chicken recipe stands out for its exceptional flavor and simplicity. The secret lies in the homemade teriyaki sauce, which infuses the chicken with a deep, rich umami taste that you simply can’t find in store-bought sauces. By searing the chicken to perfection and then simmering it in the flavorful sauce, you’ll end up with a dish that’s tender, juicy, and bursting with the essence of teriyaki. And the addition of toasted sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and nutty aroma that truly elevates the overall experience.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

The beauty of this Easy Teriyaki Chicken with Sesame Seeds is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of savory soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, and aromatic ginger creates the Japanese-inspired flavor profile that has made teriyaki recipes perennially popular.

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken (reserving the marinade) and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
4. Step 4: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the toasted sesame seeds. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.

Timing Overview

Compared to traditional teriyaki dishes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this Easy Teriyaki Chicken with Sesame Seeds saves you 25-35% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

These teriyaki chicken dishes provide approximately 56% of your daily protein requirements and 38% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🥬 Make It Even Healthier

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Easy Teriyaki Chicken with Sesame Seeds.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

For a casual gathering, serve the teriyaki chicken on a platter with extra sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and lettuce leaves for a DIY wrap or lettuce cup experience.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these common pitfalls will ensure your Easy Teriyaki Chicken with Sesame Seeds turns out perfectly every time.

🥡 Keep It Fresh

These teriyaki chicken dishes retain their quality remarkably well:

❓ FAQs

Can I make the teriyaki chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! The teriyaki chicken can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Simply marinate the chicken, cook it, and store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Can I substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, as chicken breasts tend to cook faster than thighs. Be sure to monitor the chicken closely to avoid overcooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Be sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

What can I do if the sauce is too thin?

If the sauce is not thickening to your liking, you can make an additional cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Stir this into the simmering sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the desired consistency is reached.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! This teriyaki chicken recipe is very versatile and can easily accommodate additional vegetables. Consider adding sliced bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli florets during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to incorporate more nutrients and textures.

🎉 Final Thoughts

These Easy Teriyaki Chicken with Sesame Seeds represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing main course for a gathering, they’re sure to impress with their juicy chicken, savory-sweet sauce, and delightful crunch of toasted sesame seeds.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this teriyaki chicken dish demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to embark on a delicious culinary journey with this irresistible recipe.

Easy Teriyaki Chicken with Sesame Seeds

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.6/5

⏱️ Timing Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Total Time: 55-65 minutes

🥘 Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

📝 Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator.
2. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Set aside.
3. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken (reserving the marinade) and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
4. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the toasted sesame seeds. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories: 336

Protein: 28g

Carbohydrates: 18g

Fat: 17g

Fiber: 1g

Sodium: 960mg

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