Homemade on the Heights: Chicken Teriyaki

It’s only been a week since I’ve returned to campus, and I’ve already spent most of that time experimenting in my apartment’s kitchen. I have committed myself to the trial and error of testing new dorm recipes I can quickly make during busy weeknights. When classes inevitably pick up, I want to have a rotation of full-flavored meals that I can whip up with the limited amount of energy I possess by the end of each day. 

My favorite recipe so far is this easy teriyaki chicken dish. The star of this dish is the sauce itself—I recommend making a large batch of sauce that you can store in the fridge or freezer for future use. This sauce is lifesaver because it makes for the best marinade, dip, or glazed topping. I usually marinate and top a protein with my teriyaki sauce and complete the dish with a microwavable rice packet and frozen veggies, creating a simple and balanced meal. 

(Photo Courtesy of Jenny Fox)

Ingredients:

Sauce:

1 cup water

1/2 cup soy sauce 

4 tablespoon honey 

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon crushed ginger

Slurry:

2 tablespoon cornstarch

1/4 cup water

One chicken breast

Instructions: 

Teriyaki Sauce:

1. In a saucepan, combine water, soy sauce, and honey. 
2. Mix over medium heat until honey is dissolved. Then mix in garlic powder and ginger.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
4. Once the sauce comes to a boil, add cornstarch slurry into the saucepan and reduce heat to a simmer.
5. Continuously mix until sauce thickens to a sticky consistency that coats the spoon.
6. Let cool before storing in an airtight container.

Teriyaki Chicken:

1. In a plastic bag, place one chicken breast and enough teriyaki sauce to cover the chicken completely. 
2. Let marinate for 30 minutes—ideally, marinate overnight.
3. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 
4. Place the chicken on a baking sheet in the oven for 15 minutes, then flip and cook for another 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked. The timing will depend on the size of the chicken breast.
5. Drizzle teriyaki sauce on top of cooked chicken and pair with any sides. I use rice and steamed vegetables.