3-Ingredient Teriyaki Chicken
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Want a quick and tasty meal? Try this 3-ingredient teriyaki chicken recipe. You only need chicken, brown sugar, and soy sauce. This simple dish takes just 30 minutes to make and serves two people.
You’ll love how easy it is to cook. Just chop the chicken, cook it in a pan, then make a quick sauce. The result is juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze. Add some green onions and sesame seeds on top if you like. It’s perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple teriyaki chicken:
- 2 cups chopped chicken breast
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
That’s it! Just three main ingredients for the basic recipe.
If you want to add some optional toppings, you can include:
- Green onions (sliced)
- Sesame seeds
You might already have most of these items in your kitchen. The chicken provides protein, while the brown sugar and soy sauce create that classic sweet and savory teriyaki flavor.
Remember to chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces before cooking. This helps it cook faster and more evenly.
For the best results, use light brown sugar. It dissolves easily and gives the sauce a rich color and taste.
Low-sodium soy sauce works well if you’re watching your salt intake. Regular soy sauce is fine too – just adjust to your taste preferences.
Instructions
You’ll love how easy this teriyaki chicken is to make! Start by cutting up your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle them with a bit of salt.
Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 12 minutes. Turn the pieces every few minutes so they brown evenly. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked through.
Take the chicken out and set it aside. Now, pour the soy sauce and brown sugar into the pan. Keep the heat at medium.
Stir the sauce constantly for 5 minutes. You’ll see it start to bubble and thicken up. This is when the magic happens!
Put the chicken back in the pan. Toss it around to coat each piece with the yummy sauce.
If you want, sprinkle some chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. Your 3-ingredient teriyaki chicken is ready to enjoy!
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can switch up this simple teriyaki chicken recipe in many tasty ways. Try these easy swaps and additions:
Protein options:
- Tofu cubes
- Shrimp
- Sliced beef
- Pork chunks
Sweetener substitutes:
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Coconut sugar
Soy sauce alternatives:
- Coconut aminos
- Tamari (gluten-free)
- Low-sodium soy sauce
Add some veggies to make it a complete meal:
- Broccoli florets
- Sliced bell peppers
- Snow peas
- Carrots
Spice it up with:
- Minced garlic
- Grated ginger
- Red pepper flakes
For extra flavor, try mixing in:
- Pineapple chunks
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
Serve your teriyaki chicken over:
- Steamed rice
- Cauliflower rice
- Noodles
- Quinoa
These easy changes let you create new versions of this dish. Play around with different combos to find your favorite!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Here are some handy tips to make your teriyaki chicken even better:
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
• Add a splash of mirin (sweet rice wine) to the sauce for a more authentic taste.
To store leftovers:
- Let the chicken cool completely
- Place in an airtight container
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
You can also freeze teriyaki chicken. Put it in a freezer bag and squeeze out the air. It will last for about 3 months.
When reheating, add a bit of water to the sauce to thin it out. Warm in the microwave or on the stove until hot.
For a quick meal prep idea, make a big batch on Sunday. Portion it out with rice and veggies for easy lunches all week.
Remember to always check that chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) before eating.