We’ve always loved giving classic dishes a spicy kick, and our Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe does just that. Drawing from Japanese roots, this fusion favorite blends sweet teriyaki glaze with fiery heat for a mouthwatering balance that’ll have you craving more.
It’s quick to prepare yet packed with bold flavors, making it ideal for busy evenings or lively gatherings. Join us as we explore how simple ingredients create an unforgettable meal that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
In our Spicy Teriyaki Chicken recipe, we focus on a simple yet flavorful lineup of ingredients that blend traditional Japanese elements with a spicy kick. This selection ensures you can whip up a bold, memorable dish using everyday pantry staples. We’ve organized the ingredients in the order they’re typically used during preparation, with prep notes for clarity.
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and quick absorption of flavors.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, low-sodium if preferred, to form the base of our teriyaki glaze.
- 2 tablespoons mirin, a sweet rice wine that adds authentic depth to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed, to balance the heat with a caramelized sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili paste, for that essential spicy twist that elevates our Spicy Teriyaki Chicken to new heights.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, to infuse aromatic notes right from the start.
- 1-inch piece ginger, fresh and grated, for a zesty, warming undertone.
For Cooking and Serving
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, for searing the chicken to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- 1 medium bell pepper, sliced, to add crunch and color as we stir-fry.
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced, for a subtle sweetness that complements the spice.
- Optional garnishes: 2 green onions, chopped, and sesame seeds (about 1 tablespoon), to finish with fresh texture and visual appeal.
- 2 cups cooked rice, prepared separately, as the perfect base to soak up the savory sauce in our final dish.
This ingredient list keeps things straightforward, allowing us to create a restaurant-quality Spicy Teriyaki Chicken in under 30 minutes.
Required Tools and Equipment
To prepare our Spicy Teriyaki Chicken seamlessly after gathering the ingredients, we rely on a straightforward set of tools that ensure precise and efficient cooking. These essentials help us achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures in under 30 minutes.
Here’s a detailed list of the required tools, organized by their primary use in the recipe:
- Cutting board: A sturdy, non-slip surface for safely chopping garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and onion to create the fresh base for our marinade and stir-fry.
- Chef’s knife: Essential for precise slicing of chicken thighs and vegetables, allowing us to handle prep work quickly and evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate tools for measuring soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and sriracha, ensuring our marinade hits the right spicy and sweet notes every time.
- Mixing bowl: A medium-sized bowl to combine and marinate the chicken with garlic, ginger, and other ingredients, letting flavors infuse properly.
- Skillet or wok: Our go-to pan for high-heat cooking, ideal for searing the chicken and vegetables in vegetable oil to lock in that bold, caramelized taste.
- Spatula or tongs: Heat-resistant utensils for flipping and stirring the chicken mixture, preventing sticking and promoting even browning.
- Timer: A simple device to track cooking times, helping us avoid overcooking the chicken for tender, juicy results.
With these tools on hand, we can transition smoothly from prep to plating, making our Spicy Teriyaki Chicken recipe both accessible and professional.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through the straightforward steps to prepare our flavorful Spicy Teriyaki Chicken. Follow these instructions closely to achieve a perfectly balanced dish with a spicy kick that delights the palate.
Prep
Before cooking, we start by preparing the ingredients to ensure everything is ready for a seamless process. Begin by patting dry 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then cut them into 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Next, peel and mince 2 cloves of garlic and a 1-inch piece of ginger to release their pungent aromas that will infuse the dish.
For the vegetables, slice 1 medium bell pepper and 1 small onion into thin strips to promote quick caramelization and add a satisfying crunch. Measure out the marinade components—¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons mirin, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon sriracha—into a mixing bowl, ensuring all elements are at room temperature for optimal blending. This prep phase sets the foundation for our Spicy Teriyaki Chicken‘s bold flavors and takes about 10 minutes.
Make the Sauce
With our ingredients prepped, we now create the heart of the recipe: a vibrant, spicy teriyaki sauce that elevates the chicken. In a medium mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons mirin, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon sriracha, the minced garlic, and minced ginger, stirring vigorously until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture forms a glossy, aromatic liquid.
To enhance the sauce’s texture, whisk in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry, which will thicken the sauce during cooking. The result is a fiery yet sweet sauce that coats the chicken beautifully, promising a tantalizing blend of heat and umami in our Spicy Teriyaki Chicken.
Cook
Now we bring everything together in the skillet to cook our Spicy Teriyaki Chicken to perfection. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then add the chicken pieces and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring juicy, tender results.
Add the sliced bell pepper and onion to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their vibrant colors and sweet scents. Pour in the prepared sauce, stirring constantly to coat the ingredients evenly, and let it simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken, creating a glossy, irresistible glaze that fills the kitchen with spicy, savory aromas.
Serve
To finish, we plate our Spicy Teriyaki Chicken for an appealing presentation that highlights its glossy finish and vibrant colors. Divide the cooked chicken and vegetables among serving plates, drizzling any remaining sauce from the skillet for extra flavor.
Garnish with optional sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh, nutty contrast that enhances the dish’s visual appeal and taste. Serve immediately to enjoy the tender chicken with its spicy-sweet glaze alongside steamed rice or noodles, making this Spicy Teriyaki Chicken a quick, impressive meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Spicy Teriyaki Chicken recipe even more convenient for busy schedules, we encourage preparing certain components in advance. This approach allows you to minimize hands-on time while preserving the dish’s bold, spicy flavors and fresh textures. Below, we break down the key steps for make-ahead preparation, ensuring your meal comes together seamlessly when you’re ready to cook.
Preparing the Marinade and Chicken
We suggest starting with the marinade, as it infuses the chicken with maximum flavor. Begin by combining soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, sriracha, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a mixing bowl as outlined in our ingredients section. Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate the marinated chicken for up to 24 hours for optimal flavor development. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes works, but we recommend longer for that perfect spicy teriyaki kick.
Prepping Vegetables and Sauce
Vegetables and sauce can be prepared ahead to streamline your stir-frying process. For the vegetables, wash, chop, and slice items like bell peppers and onions into uniform pieces.
- Store the prepped vegetables in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain their crispness.
- For the sauce, whisk together the teriyaki base (soy sauce, mirin, etc.) in a separate jar or bowl, then refrigerate it for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and ready to use.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to food safety and quality. We advise using the following guidelines to avoid any issues:
| Component | Make-Ahead Time | Storage Method | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marinated Chicken | Up to 24 hours | Airtight container in fridge | Cook directly from fridge; no need to thaw if under 24 hours. |
| Prepped Vegetables | Up to 2 days | Sealed container in fridge | Stir-fry immediately; add a splash of water if they seem dry. |
| Teriyaki Sauce | Up to 3 days | Glass jar in fridge | Warm gently in a pan before adding to chicken for glossy finish. |
By following these make-ahead strategies, we ensure your Spicy Teriyaki Chicken remains a quick, flavorful option without compromising on taste or texture. Always check for freshness before use, and remember to stir-fry everything fresh for the best results.
Conclusion
We’ve had a blast guiding you through this spicy teriyaki chicken adventure
It’s a game-changer for quick flavorful meals that impress
Give it a try and tweak it to suit your tastes
We’re sure it’ll spice up your routine and become a staple in our kitchens too
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Teriyaki Chicken?
Spicy Teriyaki Chicken is a twist on traditional Japanese flavors, featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, sriracha, garlic, and ginger. This quick recipe adds a spicy kick for bold taste, perfect for busy nights or gatherings, and can be ready in under 30 minutes.
What ingredients are needed for Spicy Teriyaki Chicken?
Key ingredients include boneless, skinless chicken thighs, soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, sriracha, garlic, ginger, vegetable oil, bell pepper, and onion. Optional garnishes like sesame seeds or green onions add flair. This simple lineup blends traditional elements with spice for an easy, flavorful meal.
How long does it take to prepare Spicy Teriyaki Chicken?
The entire recipe takes under 30 minutes, including prep and cooking. Marinating can be done in advance for deeper flavors, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners without sacrificing restaurant-quality taste.
What tools are required for this recipe?
You’ll need a cutting board, chef’s knife, measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, skillet or wok, spatula or tongs, and a timer. These essentials ensure smooth prep and cooking for perfect flavors and textures.
Can I make Spicy Teriyaki Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the marinade and chicken up to 24 hours in advance, and chop vegetables up to 2 days ahead. Store the sauce for up to 3 days in the fridge. This saves time while keeping flavors fresh for busy schedules.
How do I store and reheat Spicy Teriyaki Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring to maintain texture and bold flavors.
Can I adjust the spiciness in the recipe?
Absolutely, control the heat by varying the sriracha amount—start with less for mild flavor and add more for extra spice. This customization keeps the dish versatile while preserving its teriyaki base.