Grilled teriyaki chicken is like a delicious hug on a plate, wrapping you in irresistible flavors and aromas. Just imagine succulent pieces of chicken marinated in a sweet-and-savory teriyaki sauce, kissed by the grill’s flames, leaving you with that mouthwatering charred goodness. It’s the kind of dish that makes your taste buds dance and your heart sing – perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners.
Let me take you back to those lazy summer afternoons when my friends and I would gather around the grill, spatula in hand and laughter in the air. We’d fire up the barbecue and whip up some grilled teriyaki chicken that would have everyone begging for seconds. The smell wafting through the air was pure bliss, and I couldn’t help but feel like a culinary rockstar every time I served it. Whether it’s a weekend cookout or an impromptu weeknight dinner, this dish promises an explosion of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This grilled teriyaki chicken is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings
- Its flavor profile balances sweet and savory notes beautifully, tantalizing your taste buds with every bite
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing, turning any dinner plate into a work of art
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with rice, veggies, or even on a salad!
Ingredients for grilled teriyaki chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
For the Sauce:
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and caramelization when grilling.
Honey: Optional but enhances that rich flavor profile.
Rice Vinegar: A splash balances out the sweetness and adds tang.
Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way for nutty richness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make grilled teriyaki chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Marinade
Start by mixing together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (if using), rice vinegar, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl. Whisk until combined; you’ll want it to be smooth like butter on warm toast.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or container. Pour half of your marinade over them and seal tightly. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes – longer if you can stand it because marination is key!
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
While your chicken gets cozy in its marinade bath (not literally), preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This means about 375-400°F (190-200°C). If you’re using charcoal, get those coals nice and hot!
Step 4: Grill Time
Remove the chicken from the marinade (discarding any remaining marinade) and place them on the grill grates. Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C). Flip them halfway through cooking so they don’t feel left out. For more inspiration, check out this main dishes recipes recipe.
Step 5: Glaze It Up
During the last minute of grilling, brush some reserved marinade onto each piece of chicken for extra flavor—because who doesn’t love layers?
Step 6: Serve It Up
Once cooked through and beautifully charred, transfer the grilled teriyaki chicken to a serving platter. Drizzle with additional sauce if desired before serving—the finishing touch that makes it Instagram-worthy!
Now go ahead and serve this glorious creation with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies – whatever floats your boat!
Enjoying grilled teriyaki chicken isn’t just about eating; it’s about creating memories filled with laughter and joy around the dinner table. So gather your loved ones – they’ll be talking about this meal long after it’s gone!
You Must Know
- This grilled teriyaki chicken recipe offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken to let those flavors mingle like old friends at a barbecue. While the chicken bathes in teriyaki goodness, prepare your grill and get those coals glowing or preheat your gas grill. Grill until juicy perfection, flipping halfway through.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or veggies if you’re feeling adventurous! Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or some chopped green onions as a finishing touch. Experiment with different marinades for a personal spin on this delicious dish. For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, pop them in the microwave or give them a quick sear on the grill to restore that juicy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To keep your grilled teriyaki chicken flavorful and tender, always marinate for at least 30 minutes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavors, especially when it comes to garlic and ginger
- Don’t rush the grilling process; patience is key to achieving that perfect char
Sometimes I whip up grilled teriyaki chicken for family gatherings, and it never fails to impress! My cousin even declared it “the best chicken ever”—which is high praise coming from someone who usually sticks to pizza.
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for grilled teriyaki chicken?
To prepare grilled teriyaki chicken, you will need boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Optional ingredients include green onions and sesame seeds for garnish. These components blend to create a delicious marinade that enhances the flavor of the chicken. The quality of your ingredients can significantly impact the final taste of the dish.
How long should I marinate grilled teriyaki chicken?
Marinating grilled teriyaki chicken is crucial for flavor infusion. Ideally, you should let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. However, for the best results, aim for 2 to 4 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeply into the meat. If you’re short on time, even a shorter marination period can still yield tasty results.
What sides pair well with grilled teriyaki chicken?
Grilled teriyaki chicken pairs excellently with various sides. Consider serving it with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to complement the savory flavors. Grilled vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini also work well. For a fresh touch, a simple cucumber salad or edamame can provide a crunchy contrast. These options enhance your meal while keeping it balanced and flavorful.
Can I use other meats for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute other meats in your grilled teriyaki chicken recipe. Pork chops or tenderloin are fantastic alternatives that absorb the marinade well. Additionally, salmon or shrimp can be excellent choices if you prefer seafood. Just be mindful of cooking times since different proteins may require varying durations on the grill.
Conclusion for grilled teriyaki chicken:
Grilled teriyaki chicken is not only delicious but also easy to prepare at home. By using a simple marinade of soy sauce and spices, you can create mouth-watering flavors that will impress your family and friends. Remember to marinate your chicken adequately for optimal taste and tenderness. Pair it with sides like rice and vegetables for a complete meal experience that everyone will love! Enjoy this delightful dish at your next gathering or weeknight dinner!
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Grilled teriyaki chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines juicy, marinated chicken with a rich, sweet-and-savory glaze. Ideal for summer barbecues or cozy dinners, this recipe is simple yet delivers bold flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. The tender chicken, kissed by the grill, is perfect served over rice or alongside fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Place the chicken in a resealable bag and pour half of the marinade over it. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for best results).
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F / 190-200°C).
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard remaining marinade. Grill each side for 6-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Brush reserved marinade on chicken during the last minute of grilling.
- Serve on a platter with extra sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
