Ingredients
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
Chicken
- 2 to 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh garlic
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and rice vinegar. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is simmering and the sugar has fully dissolved.
- Reserve sauce for serving: Measure out 1/2 cup of the hot sauce mixture and transfer it to a container to refrigerate for later use.
- Cool the sauce: Cool the remaining sauce to room temperature. To speed up cooling, pour the sauce into a separate container and either refrigerate it briefly or stir until cooled.
- Blend aromatics into sauce: Pour the cooled sauce into a blender and add the grated ginger and minced garlic. Blend until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour the blended teriyaki sauce over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 12 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the used marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or less if using chicken breasts. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). During the last 1-2 minutes, brush the chicken with some of the reserved sauce to add extra flavor and moisture.
- Rest and serve: Tent the grilled chicken with foil and let it rest for 5-7 minutes to lock in juices. Slice the chicken thinly and serve with the remaining reserved teriyaki sauce on the side.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish and keep sodium levels moderate.
- Marinate chicken thighs for longer periods (up to 12 hours) to maximize flavor absorption.
- Make sure the grill is properly preheated to achieve a nice caramelized exterior without overcooking.
- Discard the marinade that the raw chicken sat in to avoid any risk of cross-contamination.
- For a lighter option, boneless skinless chicken breasts can also be used but watch grilling time to prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese