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Quick Chicken Teriyaki Recipe 20-Minute Easy Homemade Dinner

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A fast and flavorful chicken teriyaki recipe that delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1 to 1.5 inch pieces
  • ⅓ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • ¼ cup water or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon cold water (for slurry)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and cut into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water or chicken broth. Set aside.
  3. Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil.
  4. Add chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding; cook 4-5 minutes without moving to get a golden crust.
  5. Flip chicken and cook another 3-4 minutes until nearly cooked through.
  6. Pour teriyaki sauce over chicken, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 2 minutes.
  7. Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry; slowly add to pan while stirring and cook 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  8. Remove from heat, drizzle toasted sesame oil over chicken, and toss to coat.
  9. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
  10. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or with sautéed vegetables.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing. Pat chicken dry before cooking for better crust. Whisk sauce ingredients well to avoid clumps. Use cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce smoothly. Adjust sweetness and saltiness to taste. Rest chicken a few minutes before serving for juicier texture. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken teriyaki, quick dinner, easy recipe, homemade teriyaki sauce, weeknight meal, healthy chicken, Asian cuisine