Best Ever Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Thigh Better Than Take Out. Step-by-step instructions to make Teriyaki Chicken using deep-fried and breaded chicken thigh swimming in homemade teriyaki sauce.

You may also use these sauce recipes: Homemade Tzatziki Sauce, Peanut Sauce, Orange Chicken Sauce, and Recipe for General Tso Sauce.

Teriyaki Chicken Thigh

When I choose chicken meat, I always go for chicken thigh because it’s juicier and it always comes out more flavorful compared to the other chicken parts. Although this part is unhealthy compared to chicken breast, I still go for chicken thighs anytime.

Last week, I made Homemade Teriyaki Sauce using only simple ingredients, and today, I made this Teriyaki Chicken Thigh using the leftover deep-fried chicken I had for the Orange Chicken post. I usually make a massive batch of deep-fried chicken in case a craving for breaded and deep-fried chicken kicks in. I place the leftovers in a container and freeze them.

I made a massive batch of the Teriyaki sauce as well, knowing that I would use it for that pre-prepared breaded chicken.

Since I am on a budget, I prepare and cook huge batches of food to use later. It does save my sanity and save time. Plus, save money too.

There are a lot of ways to cook chicken thighs. In fact, if you look back at the blog, I have made Chicken Satay, Boneless Chicken Thigh in Cilantro Marinade, and Garlic Butter Chicken Oven Bake. And now this teriyaki chicken thigh !! 

So Let’s Make this!

Prepare the  Chicken

• Slice the Chicken: I prefer to slice the chicken thigh into bite-sized pieces.
• Marinate the Chicken: when I say marinate, I mean to coat the thigh with salt, pepper, onion, garlic powder, baking soda and let it sit in the fridge covered overnight.
• Make the Batter: After marinating the chicken, add in the egg, cornstarch, and baking soda.
• Coat the chicken with the batter: Mix the chicken gently and ensure all the chicken slices are coated with the batter.
• Heat the oil: The oil must be boiling when frying the chicken. Use chopsticks to test the heat of the oil. Put the chopsticks in the middle of the oil; if it bubbles, it is hot enough. Another way is to drop a batter in the oil and look for the bubbling crude.
• Fry the chicken: When the oil is ready, fry the chicken, ensuring there is enough distance between the meat. This ensures that the heart doesn’t stick to each other during frying.
• Fry until slightly yellow: Fry the chicken until it is slightly yellow, and let it drain in a paper towel. When the chicken is fried, refry again for the second time. Make sure not to burn it.

Make the Teriyaki Sauce

How to make the Sauce – I have a whole post about it here 🙂

• In a small size cup, mix the cornstarch and water. Mix until there are no lumps and set aside.
• Place the saucepan on the stovetop and set the fire to low. Add the sugar, water, soy sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, and pineapple. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and bubbly. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until thick.
• Remove mixture from heat and let cool. Transfer to a container and store in the fridge for next use. Use lavishly.

Ingredients for the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

• Cornstarch and water for slurry
• Soy sauce
• Water as extender
• Brown Sugar
• Garlic Powder
• Ground Ginger
• Pineapple Juice

 

Ingredients for Chicken Thigh  Breading

• Egg -this is the binder for the coating to stick to the chicken.
• Corn Starch- gives the crisp to the chicken as it fries.
• Baking soda adds crispiness to the chicken, too, so you need to add this.

Chicken Marinade Ingredients

This is not a chicken marinade per se, but a simple coating using simple ingredients you probably have.

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Ground pepper
• Sesame oil
• Baking soda
• All-purpose flour
• Egg
• Oil for frying

How to Store and Reheat

Store the pre-fried chicken in a container and store in the fridge. You can freeze it too, and simply thaw and add into the teriyaki sauce.

Common Questions

What is Chicken Teriyaki Made Of?

Regarding delectable and savory dishes, chicken teriyaki ranks high on the list. But what exactly is this mouthwatering dish made of? This article will explore the key ingredients to create the perfect chicken teriyaki, its health aspects, where you can purchase teriyaki sauce, and how to thicken this delectable sauce.

Ingredients of Chicken Teriyaki

Chicken teriyaki is a classic Japanese dish that combines the juiciness of chicken with the bold flavors of teriyaki sauce. The essential ingredients include:

Chicken

Chicken teriyaki, as the name suggests, features chicken as its primary protein. It can be made with chicken thighs, breasts, or both. The choice of chicken cut depends on your personal preference. Many people opt for boneless and skinless cuts for a leaner and healthier option.

Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is the soul of this dish. It’s a delightful blend of soy sauce, pineapple juice and sugar. The soy sauce provides a savory umami flavor, while the pineapple juice gives out a hint of sourness to it. Sugar sweetens and balances the sour flavor.

Optional Ingredients

While the above ingredients are the core of chicken teriyaki, you can customize it with additional elements like ginger, garlic, or sesame seeds for added flavor. These ingredients can elevate the dish to new heights, enhancing its taste and aroma.

Is Chicken Teriyaki Healthy to Eat?

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s discuss the health aspect of chicken teriyaki. Chicken teriyaki can be a healthy choice when prepared thoughtfully.

Lean Protein

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein. It’s low in saturated fat, making it a heart-healthy option. By using skinless chicken cuts, you reduce the overall fat content.

Balanced Sauce

Teriyaki sauce, while flavorful, can be high in sodium and sugar. To make your chicken teriyaki healthier, consider using reduced-sodium soy sauce and less sugar in the sauce. You can also incorporate more mirin and sake for sweetness, reducing the need for sugar.

Portion Control

Like any dish, portion control is essential. Enjoying chicken teriyaki in moderation, along with a balanced diet rich in vegetables and whole grains, is an intelligent way to savor its deliciousness while maintaining a healthy diet.

Where Can You Buy Teriyaki Sauce?

You’re in luck if you’re looking to make chicken teriyaki at home but don’t have the time to prepare teriyaki sauce from scratch. Teriyaki sauce is readily available in most grocery stores and supermarkets. You can find it in the Asian foods section or with the condiments. Popular brands like Kikkoman and Soy Vay offer a range of teriyaki sauce options, including low-sodium and gluten-free varieties.

How Do You Thicken Teriyaki Sauce?

Sometimes, you might find that your teriyaki sauce is too thin. If that’s the case, here’s a simple way to thicken it:

Cornstarch Slurry

• Mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a small bowl with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry.
• Add to Sauce
• While your teriyaki sauce is simmering, gradually add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously.
• Simmer the sauce while stirring until it thickens to your desired consistency.

This quick fix will help you achieve the perfect thickness for your teriyaki sauce.

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FOR MORE CHEAP AND BUDGET-FRIENDLY MEALS:

• 1. Chicken Leg Oven Bake
  2. Budget-Friendly Meal Plan # 1
  3. Homemade chicken Gyros 
  4. Honey Garlic Chicken
  5. Velveeta Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese