Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! These teriyaki chicken strips are the perfect solution for busy weeknights. This easy recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken strips coated in a rich and glossy teriyaki sauce – a delicious and healthy meal the whole family will love. Perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or even a tasty appetizer, these homemade chicken strips are guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Optional: Sesame seeds for garnish, chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper. This creates your delicious teriyaki sauce.
Marinate & Cook:
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Add the chicken strips to the bowl and toss to coat evenly in the teriyaki marinade. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (longer is better for maximum flavor!).
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add the marinated chicken strips to the hot skillet in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. You may need to cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
Sauce it Up:
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour any remaining marinade from the bowl into the skillet. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly (about 1-2 minutes). This will create a beautiful glossy coating for your chicken.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve the teriyaki chicken strips immediately over rice, quinoa, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and result in steamed, rather than seared, chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet teriyaki sauce, reduce the amount of honey or brown sugar. Conversely, add more for a sweeter taste.
- Marinate longer for more flavor: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, will result in incredibly tender and flavorful chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
Variations:
- Spicy Teriyaki: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Honey Garlic Teriyaki: Increase the amount of honey and add an extra clove of minced garlic for a sweeter and garlicky flavor profile.
- Vegetable Teriyaki: Add your favorite vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This teriyaki chicken strips recipe is a quick, easy, and healthy meal that's perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying dish! It's a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Making homemade cooking simple and enjoyable is our goal!