Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is a deliciously simple dish that highlights the sweet and savory flavors of traditional Japanese cuisine. This dish features chicken thighs or breasts that are marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, which infuses them with a rich blend of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and a hint of sugar. Once marinated, the chicken is grilled to perfection, creating a slightly charred exterior while remaining juicy and tender inside. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is fantastic on its own or served over steamed rice with a side of grilled vegetables, making it a versatile main course suited for a casual family dinner or a festive outdoor barbecue.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless
- For the Teriyaki Marinade:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon sake (Japanese rice wine)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
- Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, sliced green onions
Directions:
- Prepare the Teriyaki Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, mirin, sake, sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the teriyaki marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
- Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it is thoroughly cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. Slice if desired, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve warm, ideally with steamed rice and grilled vegetables.
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is not only flavorful but also relatively quick and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for both weeknight meals and special occasions. The key to its deliciousness lies in the balance of the teriyaki marinade and the grilling technique, which together create a dish that’s sure to satisfy any appetite.
