Grilled Baked Chicken Teriyaki

This Grilled Baked Chicken Teriyaki is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Marinated in a rich homemade teriyaki sauce, the chicken is tender and flavorful, with a slight char from the grill that enhances the overall taste. Garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, it makes for a visually appealing dish that is as tasty as it looks. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this chicken teriyaki is a quick and easy option. The combination of soy sauce, honey, and ginger provides an authentic Asian flavor that pairs perfectly with rice or steamed vegetables. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C).
  2. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  3. In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch, then slowly add to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Brush chicken breasts with the teriyaki sauce, reserving some for basting.
  5. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, basting with the reserved sauce occasionally, until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
  6. Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  7. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve with steamed rice or vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Kcal: 275 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Grilled Baked Chicken Teriyaki is a delicious and versatile dish that showcases the perfect balance between savory and sweet flavors. With origins rooted in traditional Japanese cuisine, teriyaki has become a popular cooking style worldwide due to its unique combination of ingredients that results in a rich and flavorful sauce. In this recipe, the chicken is both grilled and baked, offering a dynamic texture—crispy on the outside while tender and juicy on the inside. This method ensures that the teriyaki sauce fully penetrates the meat, creating a perfect harmony of taste and texture. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight family meal or as part of a larger gathering, this dish is bound to impress.

The Art of Teriyaki Cooking

The word “teriyaki” comes from the Japanese words “teri,” meaning shine or luster, and “yaki,” meaning to grill or broil. Traditional teriyaki cooking involves grilling meat or fish with a glaze made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin (a type of rice wine). The glaze gives the meat its signature glossy appearance and a sweet-savory taste. Although the original method typically involves grilling, many modern adaptations, like this recipe, include baking or a combination of both grilling and baking to achieve maximum flavor and texture.

One of the reasons teriyaki is so beloved is due to its ability to complement a variety of meats, from chicken and beef to seafood like salmon. In this Grilled Baked Chicken Teriyaki recipe, chicken breasts are the protein of choice because they are lean, easy to prepare, and absorb the flavors of the marinade beautifully. Using chicken breasts also makes the dish healthier, as they are lower in fat and calories compared to other cuts of meat, such as thighs or wings.

Health Benefits of Chicken Teriyaki

Beyond its tantalizing flavor, this dish offers several health benefits. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and tissue repair. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, niacin, and phosphorus, which are important for maintaining healthy metabolism, brain function, and bone health. Additionally, the use of garlic and ginger in the teriyaki sauce contributes to the overall healthiness of the dish. Garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, while ginger aids in digestion and has antioxidant effects.

This recipe also provides the flexibility to adjust the ingredients based on dietary needs. For example, you can opt for low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content, or swap out the honey with a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie version. By doing so, you can enjoy the same great taste of teriyaki chicken without sacrificing your health goals.

The Grilling and Baking Process

What makes this Grilled Baked Chicken Teriyaki stand out is its dual cooking method. First, the chicken is grilled to give it a beautiful char and crisp exterior. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that complements the sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce, enhancing the overall experience. This step is crucial as it locks in the moisture of the chicken and creates a caramelized coating that’s difficult to achieve with baking alone.

After grilling, the chicken is finished in the oven to ensure it is cooked through while retaining its juiciness. Baking the chicken allows the flavors of the teriyaki glaze to further penetrate the meat, making each bite flavorful and succulent. The combination of grilling and baking results in a dish that is both tender and crispy, with the teriyaki sauce clinging to the chicken and creating an irresistible glaze.

Pairing Suggestions

Grilled Baked Chicken Teriyaki pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. One of the most popular accompaniments is steamed jasmine rice or brown rice. The simplicity of the rice allows it to absorb the teriyaki sauce, making each bite flavorful. You can also serve it with vegetables such as steamed broccoli, stir-fried bell peppers, or sautéed green beans. These veggies not only add color and texture to your plate but also increase the nutritional value of your meal.

For those looking to add more Asian-inspired elements to the dish, a light cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame oil can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken. If you want a heartier option, you could serve the chicken alongside a bowl of miso soup or a small portion of soba noodles tossed in sesame oil.

Versatility of the Recipe

Another fantastic aspect of this Grilled Baked Chicken Teriyaki recipe is its versatility. While it works perfectly as a standalone dish, you can easily modify it to suit your preferences or dietary requirements. For example, you can add a touch of spice by mixing in red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the teriyaki sauce. Alternatively, if you prefer a deeper, umami-rich flavor, you can replace the honey with brown sugar or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.

You can also turn this recipe into a meal prep staple by making a large batch and storing it in the fridge or freezer. The grilled baked chicken can be sliced and added to salads, grain bowls, or wraps, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners. The flavors hold up well even after reheating, ensuring you always have a delicious, healthy meal on hand.

Presentation Tips

The presentation of your Grilled Baked Chicken Teriyaki can be just as important as its taste. For an elegant plating, slice the chicken breasts on a bias and fan them out on a serving dish. Drizzle the remaining teriyaki sauce over the top for added shine and flavor. Sprinkling sesame seeds and chopped green onions as a garnish adds a touch of freshness and a pop of color to the dish, making it visually appealing.

If you’re serving this dish for a special occasion or dinner party, consider arranging the chicken on a bed of rice with a side of bright, sautéed vegetables. The contrast of colors from the green onions, sesame seeds, and vegetables against the glossy, dark teriyaki glaze will make the dish stand out on any table.

Conclusion:

Grilled Baked Chicken Teriyaki is a flavorful, healthy, and versatile dish that combines the best of traditional Japanese teriyaki with modern cooking techniques. Its dual grilling and baking process ensures a perfect balance between tenderness and crispiness, while the homemade teriyaki sauce adds depth and complexity to the dish. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

With its rich taste, health benefits, and ease of preparation, Grilled Baked Chicken Teriyaki is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a dish that offers endless customization options. You can modify the flavors, adjust the ingredients to suit dietary needs, and pair it with a variety of sides to create a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. So, the next time you’re looking for a dish that’s quick to make yet full of flavor, give this Grilled Baked Chicken Teriyaki recipe a try—it’s guaranteed to delight your taste buds!

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