Introduction
Grilled teriyaki chicken thighs are a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of a homemade teriyaki sauce with tender, juicy chicken. This recipe is perfect for a weekend barbecue or a weeknight dinner, offering a taste of Japan that’s easily achievable in your own kitchen. The marinade not only imparts delicious flavors but also helps keep the chicken moist during grilling.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup mirin
– 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon sake (optional)
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (for thickening)
Garnish:
– Toasted sesame seeds
– Chopped green onions
Prep Time
2 hours (plus marinating time)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Directions
Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, mirin, honey (or brown sugar), sake (if using), grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Stir the mixture and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water) to the saucepan. Continue to cook until the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool.
Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the cooled teriyaki sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Grill each side for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). While grilling, baste the chicken occasionally with the remaining teriyaki sauce for added flavor and moisture.
Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve the grilled teriyaki chicken over steamed rice and alongside your choice of vegetables. Enjoy this savory and satisfying dish that is sure to impress family and friends alike!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, mirin, honey (or brown sugar), sake (if using), grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Stir the mixture and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water) to the saucepan. Continue to cook until the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool.
Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the cooled teriyaki sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Grill each side for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). While grilling, baste the chicken occasionally with the remaining teriyaki sauce for added flavor and moisture.
Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve the grilled teriyaki chicken over steamed rice and alongside your choice of vegetables.
Notes
Marination Time:
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if possible. The longer the chicken sits in the sauce, the more flavorful it will be.
Grilling Tips:
Make sure to monitor the chicken while grilling to prevent it from burning. Adjust the heat as necessary.
Serving Suggestions:
The grilled teriyaki chicken pairs well with steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, as well as white or brown rice.
Storage:
Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Teriyaki Sauce
In this technique, you’ll combine soy sauce, mirin, honey (or brown sugar), sake (if desired), grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a saucepan. Simmer for about 5 minutes and then thicken with a cornstarch slurry.
Marinating the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish and coat them with the cooled teriyaki sauce. Seal or cover and let it refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Grilling the Chicken
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill each side for about 5-7 minutes, basting with the remaining teriyaki sauce to enhance flavor and moisture until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Serving the Dish
Once cooked, let the chicken rest briefly before garnishing with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over steamed rice with vegetables for a complete meal.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they may require less cooking time and might be drier than thighs.
What can I serve with teriyaki chicken?
Teriyaki chicken pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Is mirin necessary for the teriyaki sauce?
Mirin adds a sweet depth to the sauce, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute it with an equivalent amount of sugar or omit it completely.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least 2 hours is recommended, but you can marinate it overnight for even better flavor penetration.
Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Conclusion
The grilled teriyaki chicken thighs, marinated in a homemade sauce featuring soy sauce, mirin, and ginger, bring an authentic taste of Japan to your table. This dish not only highlights the flavors of the marinade but also offers a delightful juiciness and tenderness thanks to the chicken thighs. Serve it with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal that is sure to impress.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Teriyaki Salmon
Swap chicken thighs for salmon fillets, marinating them in the same teriyaki sauce, and then grill or bake for a flavorful seafood dish.
Stir-Fried Teriyaki Vegetables
Use the teriyaki sauce to stir-fry a mix of your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots for a vibrant side dish.
Teriyaki Chicken Bowls
Serve the grilled teriyaki chicken over a bed of quinoa or rice, topped with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce for a nutritious bowl.
Teriyaki Chicken Tacos
Shred the grilled teriyaki chicken and serve it in taco shells with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a unique twist.
Teriyaki Chicken Salad
Slice the grilled teriyaki chicken and toss it into a fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a sesame dressing for a light meal.
Teriyaki Meatballs
Mix ground chicken or turkey with teriyaki sauce, form into meatballs, and bake or pan-fry for a delicious appetizer or main dish.
