We absolutely love how our Spicy Chicken Teriyaki Recipe puts a fiery spin on a Japanese classic that’s been delighting palates for generations. With its sweet-savory glaze kicked up by bold spices it’s a mouthwatering fusion that brings bold flavors to your table in no time.
Originating from Japan’s grilling traditions we’ve amped up the heat to create a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or lively gatherings. You’ll find it irresistibly easy to make and packed with that satisfying umami punch we all crave.
Ingredients
In our Spicy Chicken Teriyaki Recipe, we select high-quality ingredients that deliver a perfect balance of sweet-savory glaze with a fiery kick, making it an easy favorite for weeknight dinners.
To prepare this dish, we organize the ingredients in the order they are used, ensuring precise measurements and prep notes for seamless cooking.
- Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces for quick searing and even flavor absorption.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced to start building the aromatic base of the sauce.
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated to add a zesty warmth that complements the spice.
- Soy Sauce: ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce, used as the foundation for our sweet-savory glaze.
- Brown Sugar: ¼ cup, dissolved into the sauce to create that signature teriyaki sweetness.
- Sriracha or Chili Flakes: 2 tablespoons for the spicy twist, adjustable based on heat preference to elevate the umami profile.
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons, added to brighten the flavors and balance the richness.
- Vegetables: 1 medium bell pepper and 1 small onion, sliced thinly for stir-frying alongside the chicken.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon, used for stir-frying to impart a nutty aroma.
- Sesame Seeds and Green Onions: 1 tablespoon sesame seeds and 2 green onions sliced, reserved for garnishing to add texture and visual appeal.
This lineup ensures our recipe remains straightforward yet packed with bold flavors, aligning with the easy preparation highlighted earlier.
Required Tools and Equipment
To seamlessly transition from our carefully selected ingredients, we gather the essential tools that make preparing Spicy Chicken Teriyaki straightforward and efficient. These items ensure precise handling, even cooking, and a professional finish to our bold, flavorful dish.
Here’s a curated list of the key tools we’ll use, organized by their role in the recipe:
- Cutting board: A sturdy, non-slip surface for safely chopping chicken, garlic, ginger, and vegetables like bell peppers and onions, minimizing mess and ensuring clean cuts.
- Chef’s knife: Our go-to for precise slicing and dicing of ingredients, allowing us to achieve uniform pieces that cook evenly and enhance the dish’s texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, guaranteeing the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
- Large skillet or wok: Ideal for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables over high heat, promoting that signature caramelized glaze and infusing umami with every toss.
- Mixing bowl: Used to combine marinade ingredients like Sriracha, garlic, and ginger, ensuring they blend smoothly before coating the chicken for maximum flavor absorption.
- Tongs or spatula: For flipping and stirring the chicken as it cooks, helping us achieve a golden, spicy crust without breaking the pieces.
- Grater or microplane: Perfect for finely grating fresh ginger and garlic, releasing their pungent aromas to elevate the teriyaki’s spicy kick.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to execute the recipe with confidence and ease, turning our ingredients into a mouthwatering Spicy Chicken Teriyaki masterpiece.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through the straightforward steps to craft our bold Spicy Chicken Teriyaki. Follow these precise instructions to achieve a perfectly balanced sweet-savory-spicy dish.
Prep
Before we begin cooking, we prepare our ingredients for efficiency and flavor enhancement. Start by washing and drying 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, then cut them into 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Next, finely chop 3 garlic cloves and grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger to release their pungent aromas.
- Chop vegetables: Dice 1 bell pepper and 1 onion into ½-inch pieces to add crunch and color.
- Measure liquids and spices: In a mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Sriracha for heat, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar to create a base with umami depth.
- Prepare garnishes: Slice 2 green onions and measure 1 teaspoon sesame oil and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for a nutty finish.
Marinate
We marinate the chicken to infuse it with layers of flavor, ensuring each bite bursts with spicy teriyaki goodness. Place the prepared chicken pieces into the mixing bowl with the soy sauce mixture.
- Mix thoroughly: Use tongs to coat the chicken evenly, making sure every piece absorbs the tangy-sweet marinade.
- Let it rest: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes—or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor penetration—to allow the spices to meld and tenderize the meat.
Cook
Now we bring our marinated chicken to life in the skillet, where the flavors intensify and the dish develops its irresistible glaze. Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Sear the chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and the edges caramelize, releasing a mouthwatering sizzle and aroma.
- Incorporate vegetables: Toss in the chopped bell pepper, onion, garlic, and ginger, then cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and brighten, blending their crisp textures with the savory sauce.
- Add the glaze: Pour in any remaining marinade and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring to thicken the sauce into a glossy coat that clings to the chicken, enhancing the spicy kick with sweet undertones.
For cooking times, refer to the table below to ensure optimal results:
| Step | Time (minutes) | Heat Level |
|---|---|---|
| Sear chicken | 5-7 | Medium-high |
| Cook vegetables | 3-4 | Medium-high |
| Simmer sauce | 2-3 | Medium |
Assemble and Serve
We finalize our Spicy Chicken Teriyaki by assembling the components for a visually appealing and flavorful plate. Transfer the cooked chicken and vegetables to a serving dish, then drizzle any extra sauce over the top for added moisture.
- Garnish creatively: Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the dish to add a crunchy, fresh contrast that elevates the overall presentation.
- Serve immediately: Plate with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the spicy teriyaki juices, allowing the warm, aromatic flavors to delight the palate and make this a standout meal for any occasion.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Spicy Chicken Teriyaki Recipe even more convenient for busy schedules, we recommend preparing certain components in advance. This approach allows the flavors to develop fully while saving time on the day of serving. Let’s break down the key steps for make-ahead preparation, ensuring your dish remains fresh, vibrant, and packed with that signature umami-spiced glaze.
Preparing the Marinade and Chicken
We can marinate the chicken ahead of time to enhance its tender texture and bold, spicy flavors. Here’s how:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, Sriracha, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger as outlined in the ingredients section. Whisk until smooth.
- Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This step infuses the chicken with a deeper, more intense teriyaki taste, making it ideal for quick weeknight meals.
For storage, transfer the marinated chicken to an airtight container. If preparing more than a few hours ahead, aim for 1–24 hours in the fridge to maintain optimal freshness and food safety.
Prepping Vegetables and Sauce
Vegetables and the sauce base can be readied in advance to streamline cooking without sacrificing crunch or flavor.
- Wash, chop, and slice the bell pepper, onion, and green onions. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps their crisp texture intact, ready for a quick stir-fry.
- For the sauce, mix the remaining marinade ingredients (excluding the chicken) in a sealed jar. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, shaking before use to blend the sweet-savory elements.
| Component | Make-Ahead Time | Storage Method | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marinated Chicken | Up to 24 hours | Airtight container in fridge | Cook directly from fridge; no need to thaw if under 24 hours |
| Chopped Vegetables | Up to 2 days | Separate airtight containers in fridge | Use straight from storage for maximum crunch |
| Sauce Mixture | Up to 3 days | Sealed jar in fridge | Shake well and heat in skillet before adding to chicken |
Assembly and Storage Tips
Once the main elements are prepped, assemble the dish just before cooking for the best results. If you need to store the fully cooked Spicy Chicken Teriyaki, let it cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to revive the glossy glaze and prevent drying. This method ensures your meal stays restaurant-quality and full of spicy teriyaki goodness.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing how this Spicy Chicken Teriyaki adds excitement to your kitchen adventures. It’s a versatile dish that delivers bold flavors without the fuss.
We’re sure you’ll enjoy experimenting with it to make every meal memorable. Dive in and let your taste buds thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Chicken Teriyaki?
Spicy Chicken Teriyaki is a flavorful twist on a classic Japanese dish, featuring sweet-savory glaze enhanced with spices for a bold umami kick. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or gatherings, using marinated chicken thighs cooked with veggies and a spicy sauce for easy, satisfying meals.
What ingredients are needed for Spicy Chicken Teriyaki?
You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, garlic, ginger, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, Sriracha or chili flakes, rice vinegar, bell pepper, onion, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and green onions. These high-quality ingredients ensure a straightforward recipe with precise measurements for maximum flavor.
How do I prepare Spicy Chicken Teriyaki?
Start by marinating chicken in soy sauce, brown sugar, Sriracha, and rice vinegar. Sear the chicken in a skillet, add veggies, and simmer the sauce for a glossy glaze. Prep takes about 15 minutes, cooking around 20 minutes. Serve with rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions for a complete meal.
Can I make Spicy Chicken Teriyaki ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor. Prep veggies and store in separate containers for up to 2 days, and mix the sauce ahead for up to 3 days in the fridge. Fully cooked dish can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently to keep it fresh and tasty.
What tools are required for Spicy Chicken Teriyaki?
You’ll need a cutting board, chef’s knife, measuring cups and spoons, large skillet or wok, mixing bowl, tongs or spatula, and a grater or microplane. These tools help with precise prep, even cooking, and a professional finish, making the process efficient and hassle-free.
How should I store Spicy Chicken Teriyaki leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to preserve texture and flavor. Avoid freezing, as it may affect the glaze’s consistency, ensuring your meal stays vibrant and delicious.