Experience the delightful fusion of sweet and savory with this grilled teriyaki chicken recipe. Perfect for a family dinner or a summer barbecue, this dish combines the rich flavors of soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey to create a mouthwatering glaze that perfectly complements the juicy chicken breasts. The addition of garlic and ginger adds a zesty kick, making each bite a burst of flavor. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, this recipe is a must-try for any grilling enthusiast.
When preparing this recipe, you might find that some ingredients are not staples in every kitchen. Rice vinegar is a key component that adds a subtle tanginess to the marinade, and it can usually be found in the international aisle of most supermarkets. Sesame oil is another essential ingredient that imparts a rich, nutty flavor to the dish; it is often located near other oils or in the Asian foods section. Make sure to check these areas when shopping for ingredients.
Ingredients For Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the main protein component of the dish.
Soy sauce: A salty, umami-rich sauce that forms the base of the marinade.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and depth to the marinade.
Honey: Provides a natural sweetness and helps to thicken the sauce.
Rice vinegar: Adds acidity and a mild tang to balance the flavors.
Garlic: Minced to infuse the marinade with aromatic flavor.
Ginger: Grated to add a spicy, warm note to the dish.
Sesame oil: A fragrant oil that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Cornstarch: Mixed with water to thicken the marinade into a sauce.
Grilling Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure the chicken breasts absorb maximum flavor, consider scoring them lightly with a knife before marinating. This allows the teriyaki marinade to penetrate deeper into the meat. Additionally, when grilling, resist the urge to move the chicken too frequently. Let it develop a nice char on one side before flipping, which enhances the smoky flavor and creates a beautiful grill mark presentation.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicy, making them a great alternative to chicken breasts in grilled dishes.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar taste, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar sweetness and can add a slight caramel flavor, making it a good substitute for brown sugar.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and viscosity, making it a suitable alternative to honey.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a mild acidity similar to rice vinegar, making it a good substitute in marinades.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, though it is more concentrated, so use less.
grated ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can replace fresh ginger, but it is more potent, so use a smaller amount.
sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a substitute for sesame oil, though it lacks the nutty flavor, it still provides a good base for cooking.
cornstarch mixed with water - Substitute with arrowroot powder mixed with water: Arrowroot powder is a similar thickening agent to cornstarch and works well in sauces.
Alternative Recipes to Try
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the grilled teriyaki chicken to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.
For short-term storage, place the chicken breasts in an airtight container. If you have any leftover thickened sauce, store it separately in a small container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents the chicken from becoming overly saturated.
Store the container in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to 3-4 days. This is perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
For longer storage, wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain moisture and prevents freezer burn.
Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date to keep track of freshness.
Freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and flavor.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan to keep it moist.
If you have extra thickened sauce, warm it gently on the stove and drizzle it over the reheated chicken for an extra burst of flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the grilled teriyaki chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method ensures the chicken remains juicy and the teriyaki sauce stays flavorful.
For a quick reheat, use a microwave. Slice the chicken into smaller pieces to ensure even heating. Place it on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check and stir halfway through to avoid drying out.
If you prefer a stovetop method, slice the chicken and place it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking and cover with a lid. Stir occasionally and heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
For a crispy exterior, use an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken inside, and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method revives the grilled texture while keeping the inside tender.
To retain the teriyaki sauce's rich flavor, reheat the sauce separately in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature, then drizzle over the reheated chicken before serving.
Essential Tools for Perfect Grilling
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the marinade ingredients and marinate the chicken.
Grill: A cooking appliance used to cook the chicken breasts over medium-high heat, giving them a smoky flavor.
Small saucepan: Used to heat the marinade and thicken it with the cornstarch mixture.
Tongs: Handy for flipping the chicken on the grill to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Basting brush: Used to apply the thickened sauce over the grilled chicken before serving.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and rice vinegar.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
Knife: Needed for mincing the garlic and grating the ginger.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for preparing the garlic and ginger.
Whisk: Useful for mixing the cornstarch with water to ensure a smooth consistency before adding it to the marinade.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Marinate in advance: Prepare the marinade the night before and let the chicken soak overnight for deeper flavor and less prep time on cooking day.
Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked without guessing by using a thermometer, saving time and avoiding overcooking.
Preheat the grill: Start preheating your grill while the chicken marinates to streamline the cooking process.
Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze extra grilled chicken for quick meals later, reducing future prep time.
Thicken sauce quickly: Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to the sauce for faster thickening.
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken Breasts boneless, skinless
- ½ cup Soy Sauce
- ¼ cup Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup Honey
- 2 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoon water
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Add chicken breasts to the bowl and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
- In a small saucepan, bring the marinade to a boil. Add cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened.
- Brush the thickened sauce over the grilled chicken before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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