Who doesn’t love the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy? Our Spicy Chicken Teriyaki recipe takes the classic Japanese-inspired dish to the next level with a bold kick of heat. It’s a mouthwatering combination that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. Tender chicken is coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a touch of spice that you can easily adjust to your liking. Whether you pair it with steamed rice, noodles, or fresh veggies, it’s a guaranteed hit.
Spicy Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
This Spicy Chicken Teriyaki Recipe combines the classic sweetness of teriyaki with a daring kick of heat. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this flavorful dish at home:
Ingredients
Here’s everything we need to bring this recipe to life:
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp sambal oelek (add more for extra spice)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Rice vinegar
- Minced garlic
- Grated ginger
- Sambal oelek
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Set this flavorful spicy teriyaki sauce aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the prepared spicy teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir to coat all pieces evenly.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet while stirring constantly.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve the Spicy Chicken Teriyaki over a bed of steamed rice, noodles, or alongside fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
Here’s a quick overview of the cooking time:
| Step | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Preparing Ingredients | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Chicken | 5-6 minutes |
| Simmering Sauce & Thickening | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | ~20-25 minutes |
Enjoy the bold, savory flavors of our Spicy Chicken Teriyaki Recipe! The heat from the sambal oelek paired with the sweetness of honey creates an irresistible balance, making this dish truly unforgettable.
Ingredients
This Spicy Chicken Teriyaki recipe combines tender chicken and a bold, flavorful sauce for an unforgettable dish. Here’s everything we’ll need to create this dish, broken down into sections for easy preparation.
For The Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch, for coating
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, for cooking
For The Teriyaki Sauce
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil, toasted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek (adjust for heat preference)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for additional spice)
- ¾ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry, for thickening)
Optional Garnishes
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 2 stalks green onions, finely sliced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, for extra heat
Having these ingredients prepped ensures a smooth cooking process. Labels such as boneless, skinless chicken thighs and sambal oelek emphasize the importance of specified details for accuracy and flavor.
Directions
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of preparing our Spicy Chicken Teriyaki. These directions ensure the perfect balance of heat and sweetness in every bite.
Prep
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat dry 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs with a paper towel.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks for even cooking.
- Toss the pieces with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a bowl, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1-2 tablespoons sambal oelek (adjust based on heat preference)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup water
- Dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch in 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Set aside for thickening.
Cook
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Cook the Sauce:
- Using the same skillet, pour in the prepared sauce mixture.
- Stir continuously on medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the ingredients to combine until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat slightly and whisk in the cornstarch slurry. The sauce will thicken in 1-2 minutes.
Assemble
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet.
- Toss the chicken pieces in the thickened sauce to ensure they’re completely coated.
- Simmer and Finish:
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing it to heat through and absorb the flavors.
- Optional Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or additional red pepper flakes for a pop of flavor and color.
Timing Table for Clarity:
| Step | Action | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Prep Chicken | Cutting and coating | 5 minutes |
| Sauce Preparation | Mixing and whisking | 5 minutes |
| Cooking Chicken | Searing on both sides | 10 minutes |
| Sauce Cooking | Thickening the sauce | 5 minutes |
| Final Simmer | Combining chicken & sauce | 3-4 minutes |
Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete, unforgettable Spicy Chicken Teriyaki experience.
Tools And Equipment
To create this flavorful Spicy Chicken Teriyaki, having the right tools and equipment ensures efficiency and a smooth cooking experience. Below is the comprehensive list of must-have tools to help us deliver the perfect results every time.
Essential Tools
- Cutting Board: For safely dicing chicken into bite-sized pieces. Opt for a sturdy board for meat prep.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: A properly honed knife is key to precise cuts and speed while working with chicken and prepping garnishes.
- Mixing Bowls: Use medium bowls for combining ingredients like the teriyaki sauce and coating the chicken with cornstarch.
- Whisk: Crucial for thoroughly blending the teriyaki sauce ingredients and preventing clumps.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors in the sauce.
- Large Skillet or Wok: A heavy-bottomed skillet or wok ensures even heat distribution for stir-frying the chicken to golden perfection.
- Tongs or Spatula: Use these for flipping and stirring the chicken without tearing the pieces during cooking.
- Small Saucepan: Ideal for combining and lightly heating the sauce to blend flavors before adding it to the chicken.
- Lid for the Skillet: Covering the skillet briefly helps retain moisture when thickening the sauce.
Optional but Helpful Tools
- Microplane or Grater: For finely grating fresh ginger and garlic, delivering bold and aromatic flavors to the teriyaki sauce.
- Digital Kitchen Scale: If precision is your priority, weighing the chicken ensures accuracy.
- Fine Mesh Sieve: Use it to strain out any bits after making the cornstarch slurry for a smooth finish.
Quick Reference Table: Tools Checklist
| Tool Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cutting Board | Prepping chicken and garnishes |
| Chef’s Knife | Dicing chicken and slicing ingredients |
| Mixing Bowls | Combining chicken coating and sauce prep |
| Whisk | Blending sauce components |
| Measuring Tools | Ensuring precise ratios |
| Large Skillet/Wok | Cooking chicken and sauce evenly |
| Tongs or Spatula | Stirring and flipping during cooking |
| Small Saucepan | Heating and blending sauce separately |
| Microplane/Grater | Finely grating fresh ginger or garlic |
| Kitchen Scale | Weighing chicken portions |
| Fine Mesh Sieve | Straining slurry for smoothness |
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing components for our Spicy Chicken Teriyaki in advance can save time and make weeknight cooking effortless. Follow these simple make-ahead tips:
1. Chicken Preparation
- Trim and cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces up to 1-2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- If you’d like, you can also coat the chicken with cornstarch on the day of preparation for added crispiness. Keep it covered and refrigerated until ready to cook.
2. Teriyaki Sauce
- Whisk together all ingredients for the spicy teriyaki sauce (soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, sambal oelek, crushed red pepper flakes, and water).
- Store the sauce in a mason jar or a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shake or stir well before using.
Pro Tip: If thickening the sauce with a cornstarch slurry, wait to add the cornstarch mixture until you’re reheating the sauce for cooking.
3. Optional Garnishes
- Slice green onions and toast sesame seeds ahead of time. Store the garnishes in separate containers:
- Green onions: Refrigerate in a small lidded container or a zip-top bag.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Store at room temperature in an airtight container.
4. Complete Meal Assembly
If you want to have the entire meal nearly ready to go, you can prepare your sides, such as steamed rice or noodles, ahead of time.
- Cook and cool the rice or noodles, then store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat with a splash of water over medium heat, or microwave before serving.
Storage Guidelines
Here’s a visual guide to help you plan the make-ahead components:
| Component | Prep Time Required | Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken (cut) | 10 minutes | Airtight container, fridge | 1-2 days |
| Spicy Teriyaki Sauce | 5 minutes | Mason jar, fridge | 3 days |
| Green Onions (sliced) | 2 minutes | Lidded container, fridge | 2-3 days |
| Toasted Sesame Seeds | 5 minutes | Airtight container, room temp | 1 week |
| Rice or Noodles (cooked) | 15 minutes | Airtight container, fridge | 2-3 days |
These steps ensure that when it’s time to cook, everything comes together quickly and seamlessly, allowing us to enjoy the robust flavors of Spicy Chicken Teriyaki without stress.
Conclusion
With its bold flavors, quick preparation, and versatile pairings, this Spicy Chicken Teriyaki recipe is a must-try for any home cook. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or hosting friends, it delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that’ll impress every palate.
By following the steps and utilizing the make-ahead tips, you can enjoy a stress-free cooking experience while creating a dish that’s both satisfying and memorable. Let’s bring some spice to our kitchens and elevate our meals with this irresistible recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Spicy Chicken Teriyaki different from traditional teriyaki?
Spicy Chicken Teriyaki adds a kick of heat by incorporating sambal oelek and crushed red pepper flakes into the traditional teriyaki sauce, balancing bold spice with sweetness from honey.
How long does it take to prepare and cook this recipe?
The total time for preparation and cooking is approximately 20-25 minutes, making it a quick and easy meal option.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
Yes, the level of heat can be adjusted by increasing or reducing the amount of sambal oelek and crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce.
What are the recommended sides for Spicy Chicken Teriyaki?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables for a complete and flavorful meal.
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be substituted for chicken thighs, but thighs provide a juicier and more tender texture.
How far in advance can I prepare the ingredients?
The chicken can be prepped and stored in the fridge, and the teriyaki sauce can be whisked and stored in a sealed container for up to three days.
What are the essential tools needed for this recipe?
You’ll need a cutting board, sharp chef’s knife, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring tools, a large skillet or wok, and a saucepan. Optional tools include a microplane, digital scale, and fine mesh sieve.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
Yes, use a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with water) to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency while cooking.
What garnishes work best for Spicy Chicken Teriyaki?
Green onions, sesame seeds, and additional red pepper flakes make excellent garnishes, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.