This oven-baked teriyaki chicken is a flavorful and easy dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it pairs well with rice and steamed vegetables.
The recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great choice for busy cooks looking for a delicious meal.
Overview of Teriyaki Chicken
Oven-baked teriyaki chicken offers a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, making it a favorite among many. This dish features tender chicken that is marinated in a rich sauce, resulting in a beautifully caramelized finish.
Accompanied by fluffy white rice and vibrant steamed broccoli, this meal not only pleases the palate but also the eyes. The colorful presentation makes it an appealing choice for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients That Shine
The key to a successful teriyaki chicken lies in its ingredients. The primary components include boneless chicken thighs or breasts, which are perfect for absorbing the marinade’s flavors.
A blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger creates a mouthwatering marinade that enhances the chicken’s natural taste. Sesame oil and rice vinegar add depth, while garnishes of sesame seeds and chopped green onions provide a finishing touch that elevates the dish.
Marinating for Maximum Flavor
Marination is a crucial step in this recipe, allowing the chicken to soak up the delicious flavors of the teriyaki sauce. Placing the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish and covering it with the marinade ensures even coating.
For optimal flavor, refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 30 minutes, although longer marination can yield even better results. This step is essential for achieving that rich, savory taste that teriyaki is known for.
Baking to Perfection
Once marinated, the chicken is ready to be baked. Preheating the oven ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy texture.
Baking the chicken at 400°F (200°C) allows the marinade to caramelize beautifully, creating a glossy finish. The cooking time typically ranges from 25 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces.
Thickening the Sauce
For those who enjoy a richer sauce, thickening the reserved marinade is a simple yet effective step. Bringing the marinade to a boil and simmering it allows the flavors to concentrate.
Incorporating a cornstarch mixture can create a luscious sauce that clings to the chicken, enhancing each bite. This step is optional but highly recommended for a more indulgent experience.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation plays a significant role in the enjoyment of any dish. Once the chicken is baked and garnished, serve it alongside a mound of fluffy white rice and steamed broccoli.
The contrast of colors from the green vegetables and the golden chicken creates an inviting plate. Drizzling the thickened sauce over the chicken adds a glossy finish, making it even more appetizing.
Simple Baked Teriyaki Chicken
The teriyaki chicken is marinated in a homemade sauce made from soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, then baked until golden and caramelized. This recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in a baking dish. Reserve the marinade for later. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Thicken the Sauce (optional): While the chicken is baking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. If desired, stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Once the chicken is done, drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve with rice and vegetables.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 280kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 30g