Pan-Seared Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Pan-seared chicken thighs with teriyaki sauce is a quick and easy dish to cook for the family, perfect for a weeknight dinner. The chicken is juicy and tender, with a beautifully thick teriyaki sauce. The sauce is made with a combination of soy sauce, sugar, sake, and mirin, with the option to add garlic or ginger for extra flavour. The chicken thighs are scored and flattened to ensure even cooking, then pan-fried to create a crispy skin. The teriyaki sauce is then added to the pan and reduced to a thick, glossy glaze. This dish is best served with steamed rice and vegetables, such as broccoli.

How to make teriyaki sauce

Ingredients

Teriyaki sauce is made from a combination of soy sauce, sugar, mirin, ginger, and garlic. Some recipes also add red chilli flakes for spice, cornstarch for thickness, or honey as a finishing sweetener. For an authentic Japanese version, you can use sake instead of mirin, and some recipes also include sesame oil.

Method

• Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to medium and simmer.
• To make a cornstarch slurry, remove 2 tablespoons of the teriyaki sauce to a small bowl and whisk in cornstarch.
• Return the mixture to the saucepan and continue simmering until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 to 8 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature.

Storage

Store your homemade teriyaki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips

• Substitute brown sugar for white sugar, or add a teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, agave, or pineapple juice to the finished sauce for extra sweetness.
• Substitute garlic powder for fresh garlic if desired.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce, such as tamari.
• If you can't find mirin, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of dry white wine or rice vinegar and 1 teaspoon of sugar for the 2 tablespoons of mirin in the recipe.
• You can store ginger root in the freezer and grate it when needed.
• Omit the red pepper flakes if you're serving the sauce to children.

How to prepare the chicken

Ingredients

You will need boneless chicken thighs, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, garlic, pepper, salt, and cooking oil. Some recipes also include sake, mirin, ginger, and green onions.

Marinade

Combine the soy sauce, sugar, rice wine vinegar, garlic, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken to a sealable food storage bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and roll the chicken around to ensure it is fully coated. Marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes to two hours.

Cooking

Use tongs to transfer the chicken from the bag to a large nonstick skillet. Discard the remaining marinade. Cover the skillet and place it over medium heat. Cook for eight minutes, then flip the chicken over and cook for an additional five minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165˚ Fahrenheit.

Glaze

The excess teriyaki sauce will form a thick glaze in the bottom of the skillet. Push the chicken around in the pan so that it gets evenly coated in the glaze, flipping the chicken over as necessary.

Serving

Serve immediately over steamed rice or vegetables. You can also top your chicken with sesame seeds and/or sliced green onion and enjoy a Teriyaki Chicken Bowl.

How to pan-fry the chicken

First, make sure you have the right equipment. You'll need a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a large frying pan or skillet. A non-stick pan is preferable, and you'll also need some tongs for transferring the chicken.

Now, prepare your chicken thighs. If they have bones, ask your butcher to remove them, or carefully debone the thighs yourself with a sharp knife. You can use skin-on or skinless chicken thighs, but if you're using skin-on, you'll need to make slits in the skin. Cut slits across the meat every half-inch without slicing all the way through. Make deeper slits in the thicker parts of the meat and skip scoring the thinner parts. After each cut, press and flatten the meat with your fingers. This will ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking, resulting in juicier chicken.

Next, make your teriyaki sauce. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. You can adjust the ratio to suit your taste, but a basic teriyaki sauce consists of two parts soy sauce, two parts mirin, two parts sake, and one part sugar. Microwave the sauce until hot, then mix well to dissolve the sugar. You can also add other ingredients like grated ginger, grated onion, or minced garlic for additional flavour.

Once your sauce is ready, it's time to cook the chicken. Heat oil in your frying pan or skillet over medium to medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the chicken, placing the smoother side down first. This will be the presentation side. Immediately press the chicken down hard with a spatula for 5-10 seconds to create a nice sear. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes on this side.

Then, flip the chicken over and press it down again with the spatula for another 5-10 seconds. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and steam the chicken for about 3 minutes. This will help ensure it's cooked through without overcooking.

Now, it's time to add the teriyaki sauce. Increase the heat to medium and pour the sauce into the pan. Tilt the pan and frequently spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly. Continue cooking until the chicken is well coated and cooked through.

Finally, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and slice it into bite-sized pieces. You can also sear the chicken with a kitchen butane torch or under a broiler to enhance the flavour. Serve the chicken on a plate with the sauce drizzled on top, or over steamed rice with a side of vegetables. Enjoy!

How to add the teriyaki sauce

Now that you've seared your chicken, it's time to add the teriyaki sauce to the pan. This will give your chicken that delicious glossy glaze that makes teriyaki chicken so mouth-watering. The basic teriyaki sauce is made with a few simple ingredients: soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar. You can also add other ingredients like grated ginger, grated onion, or minced garlic for some extra zing.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to add the teriyaki sauce to your pan-seared chicken thighs:

• In a small bowl, combine your sauce ingredients: soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. You can adjust the ratios to suit your taste preferences. For a more authentic Japanese flavour, use Japanese soy sauce and avoid bottled teriyaki sauce.
• Heat the sauce in the microwave and stir to dissolve the sugar. You can also heat the sauce in a small saucepan on the stovetop over low heat.
• Once your chicken thighs are seared and cooked through, it's time to add the sauce. Pour the heated teriyaki sauce into the pan and tilt the pan to evenly distribute the sauce. You can also spoon the sauce over the chicken thighs to ensure they are well coated.
• Continue cooking the chicken in the sauce for a few minutes. The sauce will thicken and caramelize, creating a beautiful glossy finish on the chicken. You can also add some cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce if it's not thickening enough.
• Once the chicken is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the pan and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Drizzle the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
• Serve your chicken teriyaki with steamed rice and vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans. Enjoy your delicious, flavourful, and juicy homemade teriyaki chicken!

Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients to your taste and experiment with different additives like ginger or garlic. Enjoy creating your own delicious teriyaki chicken at home!

What to serve with the chicken

When it comes to serving your pan-seared chicken thighs with teriyaki, there are a variety of sides that will complement the dish. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

Rice

Rice is a staple side dish that goes well with teriyaki chicken. You can choose from a variety of rice types, such as white, jasmine, brown, or wild rice. For an extra touch of flavour, consider making garlic butter rice.

Steamed or Stir-fried Vegetables

Vegetables are a great way to add some colour and nutrition to your plate. Broccoli is a popular choice to pair with teriyaki chicken, and you can also try stir-frying it with sesame oil. Other options include green beans with sesame dressing or a fresh salad with a carrot ginger dressing.

Noodles

If you're looking for an alternative to rice, noodles are a great option. Try a simple ramen or soba noodle dish on the side, or get creative with your favourite type of noodle.

Garnishes

Don't forget to add some garnishes to your chicken! Sliced green onions or shallots not only add colour but also a mild onion flavour to the dish. You can also top your chicken with sesame seeds for a crunchy texture and nutty flavour.

Other Sides

For a heartier meal, consider adding some roasted potatoes or baked vegetables. You can also offer a variety of sauces on the side, such as a spicy mayo or a tangy yogurt dip.

Remember, presentation is key! Arrange your sides and garnishes on the plate to create a visually appealing dish. Enjoy your homemade teriyaki chicken feast!

Frequently asked questions