Mall Style Teriyaki Chicken Recipe – Easy at Home

If you’re looking to bring the comforting flavors of mall-style teriyaki chicken to your kitchen, you’ve come to the right place. You can easily marinate chicken thighs in a rich teriyaki sauce, infusing them with the perfect balance of sweetness and savory notes. Searing the chicken will give it that coveted caramelized finish, but there’s more to this dish than just the basic steps. Let’s investigate some key tips and techniques that can enhance your homemade version and guarantee it rivals your favorite food court dish.

Key Takeaways

• Use juicy chicken thighs marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce for authentic flavor, combining soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sugar.
• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor absorption; longer for deeper taste.
• Cook the marinated chicken on a hot griddle or cast iron pan to achieve a nice sear and maximize juiciness.
• Incorporate fresh vegetables, like broccoli or bell peppers, during the cooking process for added nutrition and color.
• Glaze the chicken with additional teriyaki sauce towards the end for a sweet and tangy finish, mimicking mall-style offerings.

History

The history of teriyaki chicken reveals a fascinating journey through cultures and time. Teriyaki sauce, originally from Japan, traveled and evolved considerably in places like Hawaii and Seattle.

Here’s a brief timeline to illustrate its development:

• Pre-Seattle Influence:

• By the 1960s, teriyaki sauce was popular in Hawaii, particularly with grilled meats over rice.

• You might find teriyaki beef on menus at establishments like Canlis and Windsor Hotel in the 1950s.

• The Enmanji Buddhist Temple served teriyaki chicken in California as early as 1954.

• In 1957, Bush Gardens in Seattle introduced teriyaki steak, incorporating soy sauce and mirin.

• Seattle’s Teriyaki Phenomenon:

• In 1976, Toshihiro Kasahara opened Toshi’s Teriyaki Restaurant, steering teriyaki chicken into the fast-food spotlight.

• He swapped sweet rice wine for sugar, embracing a Hawaiian influence.

• Cultural Impact:

• Seattle’s teriyaki scene flourished due to the influx of Asian immigrants, blending flavors and techniques. This growth mirrors the increasing number of teriyaki restaurants that surged from 19 in 1984 to 519 in Washington state today.

• Teriyaki, often enriched with pineapple juice in Seattle, reflects a unique cultural blend, becoming a staple in local cuisine.

Recipe

Teriyaki chicken is a deliciously flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, combining juicy chicken thighs marinated in a savory-sweet sauce, enriched with rich umami notes. The marination process not only infuses the chicken with flavors from Shaoxing wine and garlic, but it also tenderizes the meat, resulting in a succulent bite. The incorporation of baking soda in the marinade helps to further enhance the tenderness of the chicken.

Once cooked, the chicken is complemented by the delightful aroma of mushrooms and a glossy teriyaki glaze, making it even more appetizing. This dish is versatile and can be served over a bed of white rice, paired with steamed vegetables, or even used in wraps and salads.

With a preparation time that allows for marination overnight, you can easily create a mouthwatering meal that impresses without requiring extensive hands-on cooking time. Collect your ingredients and get ready to whip up a tasty teriyaki chicken masterpiece!

Ingredients:
– 3 lbs skinless/boneless chicken thighs
– 1 cup water
– ⅛ cups Shaoxing wine or cooking sherry
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1¼ teaspoons white pepper
– 2.5 cups low sodium chicken stock
– 1 cup teriyaki sauce
– ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
– Garlic and ginger for flavor
– 16 oz sliced mushrooms
– 1-2 Tbsp vegetable or canola oil
– Brown sugar
– Cornstarch
– Sesame oil

To begin, mix the chicken thighs with water, Shaoxing wine, garlic powder, and white pepper in a bowl, making sure the chicken is well-coated in the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for best results.

While the chicken marinates, prepare the sauce by heating chicken stock over medium heat, adding minced garlic and ginger, and letting it simmer for 10 minutes. Next, incorporate the teriyaki sauce and soy sauce into the stock, simmering for an additional 5 minutes.

Mix cornstarch with cold water, whisk it into the saucepan until thickened, and then remove the garlic and ginger before setting the sauce aside. Once marinated, heat a cast iron griddle until it’s super hot. Coat the surface with oil and cook the chicken in a single layer for 3-4 minutes on each side, making sure a nice sear is achieved.

Add the sliced mushrooms and stir-fry them alongside the chicken. Finally, pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken, cooking until the sauce forms a glossy glaze.

When cooking teriyaki chicken, verify that the chicken is at room temperature before grilling to promote even cooking. If you prefer a slightly sweeter glaze, you can add a bit more brown sugar during the thickening process.

Remember to keep an eye on the sauce during cooking to prevent it from burning, particularly because the sugars in the teriyaki sauce can caramelize quickly. Enjoy this dish as a rewarding protein-packed meal that can serve as the centerpiece of your dinner or be a fantastic addition to meal prep for the week ahead.

Final Thoughts

Enjoying a plate of teriyaki chicken can truly improve any meal, providing a delightful balance of flavors and textures. This dish isn’t only tasty but can also fit into a healthy diet when prepared thoughtfully.

When considering teriyaki chicken, note the following nutritional insights:

• Caloric content: 3 oz serving has around 100 calories, while a 1-cup serving contains 439 calories.

• Macronutrients: Each serving has approximately 57% protein, 25% fat, and 18% carbs.

• Sodium levels: Keep in mind the sodium content, as it can reach 540mg per 3 oz serving.

The versatility of teriyaki chicken allows for numerous variations. You can:

• Serve it over white rice with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

• Incorporate ingredients like sliced mushrooms or garlic for added depth of flavor.

• Opt for low-sodium soy sauce or a homemade marinade to tailor the dish to your dietary needs. Additionally, using fresh vegetables can increase the nutritional value of your meal.

FAQ

Curious about making the perfect mall-style teriyaki chicken? You’re in the right place! Here are some frequently asked questions that’ll help you nail this dish.

What’s the ideal marination time?
Marination can range from no marination to a maximum of 6 hours. A longer marination often results in deeper flavors.

What cooking methods should I use?
For an authentic taste, opt for a griddle or a cast iron pan. These methods achieve the desired texture and char.

How many servings does this recipe make?
Typically, you can expect 8 to 10 servings, great for gatherings!

What flavors should I expect?
Expect a sweet and tangy flavor profile with prominent notes of sesame, garlic, and ginger.

Can I adapt it for dietary needs?
Absolutely! You can modify ingredients to create high-protein or lower-calorie versions. Chicken thighs are preferred for authentic taste, but chicken breasts can also be used.

What are some quick versions?
Certain recipes can be prepared in as little as 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

What should I serve it with?
Pair your teriyaki chicken with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal!