Teriyaki-style chicken

A closer look

Why this combination works

This teriyaki-style sauce combines soy, mirin and brown sugar for a sweet, savoury coating. Ginger keeps it aromatic, and sesame seeds add a little texture. Watch the sauce as it thickens so the sugar does not catch on the pan.

What you need for teriyaki-style chicken

Here are the ingredients at a glance, followed by what each one brings to the dish. Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.

The chicken and seasoning

• Chicken breast. Boneless, skinless breast gives you tender slices and a mild flavour that lets the sauce stand out. Flatten to an even thickness so the thinner end does not dry out before the centre cooks.
• Olive oil. A little oil helps the chicken brown evenly and keeps it from sticking. Those browned bits left in the pan add savoury flavour when the sauce liquid goes in.
• Salt. Salt seasons the meat itself, rather than just the sauce. Start with the measured amount and taste the finished sauce before adding more, especially when using salty cheese or bottled sauces.
• Black pepper. Black pepper gives the chicken a gentle background warmth. Freshly ground pepper has a more pronounced aroma, but ready-ground pepper also works.

The sauce and finishing touches

• Reduced-salt soy sauce. Soy sauce adds savoury depth and seasoning. Reduced-salt soy gives more room for the sauce to reduce without becoming overly salty; it is not the same as dark soy sauce.
• Mirin. Mirin adds sweetness and a rounded rice-wine flavour. It helps balance the soy sauce; check the bottle if alcohol is a concern because cooking does not guarantee complete removal.
• Brown sugar. Brown sugar adds sweetness and a slight caramel note, balancing salty or acidic ingredients. Dissolve it fully in the sauce so the sweetness is evenly distributed.
• Water. Water gives the sauce enough liquid to simmer and combine without adding extra salt. Use the measured amount first, then add a small splash if the sauce reduces too far.
• Ginger. Ginger brings fresh warmth and a bright, aromatic edge. Grating it finely helps the flavour spread through the sauce without leaving fibrous chunks.
• Cornflour slurry. Cornflour thickens the sauce without adding much flavour. Mix it with cold water first to prevent lumps, then stir into the hot liquid and simmer until glossy.
• Sesame seeds. Sesame seeds add a small amount of nutty flavour and delicate crunch to the finished dish. Sprinkle them on at the end so their texture remains distinct.

How to make teriyaki-style chicken

1. Prepare the chicken

Pat the chicken dry. Place each breast between sheets of baking parchment and gently flatten to an even 1.5 cm thickness. Season with the salt and pepper.

2. Sear until golden

Heat the oil in a wide frying pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3 minutes on each side until golden, in two batches if needed. Transfer to a clean plate; it will finish cooking in the sauce.

3. Build the sauce

Simmer soy sauce, mirin, sugar, water and ginger for 3 minutes. Stir in the cornflour slurry and simmer for 1 minute. Reserve the sesame seeds for serving.

4. Finish gently

Return the chicken and its resting juices to the sauce. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, turning once, until the thickest part of every breast reaches 75°C and stays there for 30 seconds. If necessary, cook a little longer, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

Finish with the sesame seeds. Rest for 3 minutes off the heat, then serve with rice and steamed broccoli.