Looking for a delicious and easy dinner option? Baked Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect solution! This recipe combines tender chicken thighs with a homemade teriyaki sauce that is both sweet and savory. It’s a great dish for busy weeknights or for impressing guests with minimal effort. Let’s get started on making this flavorful meal!
Baked Teriyaki Chicken is a popular dish that originated from Japanese cuisine. It involves marinating chicken in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce, then baking it to perfection. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken that pairs wonderfully with rice and steamed vegetables. This recipe will guide you through making your own teriyaki sauce from scratch, ensuring a rich and authentic taste. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps needed to create this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (you can also use chicken breasts)
– 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons water
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
– 1/4 cup water (for sauce)
– Sesame seeds, for garnish
– Sliced green onions, for garnish
instructions:
1. **Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce**:
– In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
– Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and mix the ingredients well.
– In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Add this mixture to the saucepan and stir well.
– Continue to simmer the sauce until it thickens, which should take about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. **Marinate the Chicken**:
– Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
– Pour half of the cooled teriyaki sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Reserve the other half of the sauce for later.
– Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
3. **Bake the Chicken**:
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
– Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess sauce drip off, and place the chicken in the prepared baking dish.
– Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is no longer pink inside.
4. **Glaze the Chicken**:
– During the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the chicken with some of the reserved teriyaki sauce. This will create a beautiful glaze on the chicken.
– Optionally, you can broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking to caramelize the glaze and give the chicken a slightly crispy exterior.
5. **Serve**:
– Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
– Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and drizzle with any remaining teriyaki sauce.
– Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added flavor and a nice presentation.
Tips for Perfect Baked Teriyaki Chicken:
– **Marinating Time**: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. If you have time, marinate it overnight for the best results.
– **Chicken Choice**: While chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, you can also use chicken breasts. Just be mindful of the cooking time as breasts can dry out if overcooked.
– **Serving Suggestions**: Serve the baked teriyaki chicken with steamed rice and a side of vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce, making for a perfect meal.
– **Storing and Reheating**: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Baked Teriyaki Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household. The homemade teriyaki sauce brings a perfect balance of sweetness and savory umami flavors, complementing the tender and juicy chicken. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy your delicious homemade Baked Teriyaki Chicken with family and friends, and savor every bite of this delightful dish!
