Name: Sweet and Spicy Teriyaki Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp salt; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp sriracha; 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp scallions, chopped; 3 tbsp honey; Optional garnish: sesame seeds, extra scallions

Savor Sweet and Spicy Teriyaki Chicken, a healthy, flavorful dish with tender chicken in a zesty teriyaki glaze. Perfect for vibrant weeknight dinners, this easy meal balances sweet and spicy notes with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Spicy Teriyaki Chicken is a delightful, wholesome dish that combines juicy chicken with a bold, tangy teriyaki sauce, infused with a kick of spice, making it perfect for lively weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This budget-friendly recipe is simple to prepare, delivering restaurant-quality flavors without the hassle. Its versatility allows for dietary tweaks, ensuring it’s a hit with all palates. Packed with protein and vibrant taste, this dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or steamed veggies, offering a nutritious, satisfying meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to make.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Marinate Chicken: Marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor; overnight is even better.
Use Fresh Ginger: Freshly grated ginger enhances aroma and spice; grate finely for even distribution.
Balance Flavors: Adjust honey or sriracha to fine-tune sweetness and heat to your taste.
Sear for Crispness: Cook chicken on high heat initially to lock in juices and add texture.
Thicken Sauce: Simmer sauce separately to reduce and intensify flavors if desired.
Garnish Fresh: Add sesame seeds and scallions just before serving for a vibrant finish.

Yield: 4 Servings

Sweet and Spicy Teriyaki Chicken

Sweet and Spicy Teriyaki Chicken, a healthy, zesty dish perfect for vibrant, flavorful dinners.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Additional Time 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp sriracha
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp scallions, chopped
3 tbsp honey
Optional garnish: sesame seeds, extra scallions

Instructions

Make Marinade: In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, sriracha, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil until smooth.

Marinate Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag, add marinade, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Prep Garnish: Chop scallions and set aside sesame seeds for a vibrant finish.

Heat Skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of sesame oil.

Sear Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade); sear thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden.

Add Marinade: Pour reserved marinade into the skillet, coating the chicken evenly.

Simmer Chicken: Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.

Check Doneness: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally; sauce should thicken slightly.

Rest Chicken: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices before slicing.

Serve with Flair: Slice or serve whole, drizzle with sauce, garnish with scallions and sesame seeds, and enjoy this zesty dish!

Notes

Marinate overnight for maximum flavor; even 30 minutes adds great taste.
Adjust sriracha to control spice level; start with less for milder palates.
Leftovers are perfect for wraps, salads, or rice bowls for quick meals.
Serve with steamed broccoli, rice, or a cucumber salad for a complete dinner.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 417Total Fat 20gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 208mgSodium 1272mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 2gSugar 14gProtein 44g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are juicy and flavorful; breasts are a leaner option.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce controls saltiness; tamari is a gluten-free alternative.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness; maple syrup or agave can substitute for variety.
Sriracha: Provides spicy heat; adjust quantity or use chili garlic sauce for a different kick.
Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds zesty warmth; ground ginger works in a pinch.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances savory depth; garlic powder is a quick substitute.
Sesame Oil: Adds nutty richness; vegetable oil is a neutral alternative.
Scallions: Fresh scallions offer a mild oniony garnish; chives can substitute.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Swap: Use chicken breasts, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian version; adjust cooking time.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free dish.
Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt for a lighter meal.
Spice Adjustments: Swap sriracha for red pepper flakes or gochujang for varied heat.
Veggie Add-Ins: Include bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition and crunch.
Sweetener Swap: Replace honey with brown sugar or agave for different sweetness profiles.
Grain Pairing: Serve with quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for low-carb options.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water to maintain moisture and sauce consistency.
Meal Prep: Portion with rice or veggies for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.