Olivia Carter
Teriyaki chicken is a classic Asian dish that is loved by many for its savory and slightly sweet flavors. By cooking it in a cast iron skillet, you can achieve a perfectly seared and juicy chicken, while also infusing it with the rich flavors from the marinade.
To start, you will need a few key ingredients for the teriyaki marinade. The base of the marinade typically consists of soy sauce, mirin, and sake. These ingredients provide the umami and sweetness that teriyaki chicken is known for. You can also add ginger, garlic, and brown sugar to enhance the flavors even more. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste preferences.
Once you have prepared the marinade, it’s time to marinate the chicken. Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade, and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the meat. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
When you are ready to cook the teriyaki chicken, take a cast iron skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the chicken in the skillet and let it cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and nicely caramelized. To achieve a perfectly juicy chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute and make the chicken even more tender. Serve the teriyaki chicken with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a side of your choice. You can also garnish it with some sesame seeds or sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor and presentation.
Now that you know how to cook teriyaki chicken in a cast iron skillet, you can enjoy this delicious and flavorful dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your skillet and get ready to create a meal that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Japan!
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking teriyaki chicken in a cast iron skillet, it is important to properly prepare all the ingredients. This will ensure that your dish turns out delicious and flavorful. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Gather the ingredients
Make sure you have all the necessary ingredients handy before you begin. For teriyaki chicken, you will need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
2. Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but if possible, marinate for up to 24 hours. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken and make it tender and juicy.
Note: If you’re short on time, you can marinate the chicken for as little as 15 minutes, but longer is better for maximum flavor.
3. Prepare the garnishes
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the garnishes. Chop the green onions and set them aside for serving. If desired, toast some sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn golden brown. This will add a nutty flavor to your dish.
Now that all the ingredients are ready, it’s time to move on to the next step: cooking the teriyaki chicken in a cast iron skillet.
Washing and Cutting the Chicken
Before you start cooking the teriyaki chicken, it’s important to properly wash and cut the chicken to ensure its cleanliness and that it cooks evenly.
Step 1: Wash the Chicken
Begin by rinsing the chicken under cool running water. Make sure to remove any excess fat or feathers that may still be present. This step helps to remove any surface bacteria and dirt from the chicken.
Step 2: Pat Dry the Chicken
After washing the chicken, gently pat it dry with paper towels. This step helps to remove any excess moisture from the chicken, which can prevent proper browning and caramelization during cooking.
Step 3: Cut the Chicken
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the chicken into desired pieces. You can choose to cook the chicken with or without the bones, depending on your preference. If you prefer boneless chicken, you can remove the bones by carefully cutting along the bone and separating the meat.
It’s important to make sure that all the chicken pieces are roughly the same size. This ensures that they cook evenly and are ready at the same time. You can cut the chicken into smaller pieces for quicker cooking or leave them larger for a more substantial meal.
Once you have washed and cut the chicken, you are ready to proceed with the teriyaki chicken recipe. Enjoy the delicious flavors of homemade teriyaki chicken cooked in a cast iron skillet!
Making the Teriyaki Sauce
To make the teriyaki sauce for your chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until the cornstarch has dissolved.
Step 3: Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Continue to cook the sauce for about 2 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the teriyaki sauce cool slightly before using it with your chicken.
Now that your teriyaki sauce is ready, you can proceed with the rest of the recipe to cook your delicious teriyaki chicken in a cast iron skillet.
Marinating the Chicken
To make delicious teriyaki chicken, marinating the chicken is a crucial step that infuses it with incredible flavor. Follow these steps to create a mouthwatering marinade:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 2 minced cloves of garlic.
- Add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the mixture for an extra punch of flavor.
- Whisk the marinade ingredients together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
- Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring that each piece is coated evenly.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and penetrate the meat.
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. This will result in a stronger, more intense teriyaki taste.
- Remember to turn the chicken halfway through the marinating process to ensure that both sides absorb the flavors equally.
Once the chicken has finished marinating, it’s ready to be cooked in a cast iron skillet for a delicious teriyaki chicken meal.
Combining the Chicken and Teriyaki Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to bring it all together by combining the teriyaki sauce with the chicken. This step is essential for infusing the chicken with the delicious teriyaki flavor.
Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the cooked chicken from the cast iron skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the teriyaki sauce.
- Turn the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir until the chicken is well coated in the teriyaki sauce.
- Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Once the chicken has rested, it’s ready to be enjoyed! Serve it with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Now that you know how to combine the chicken and teriyaki sauce, your teriyaki chicken dish will be bursting with flavor and sure to impress your family and friends!
Refrigerating for at Least 30 Minutes
After you have marinated the chicken in the teriyaki sauce, it is important to refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and enhances the taste of the final dish.
Place the chicken and marinade in a covered container and place it in the refrigerator. This will help to tenderize the chicken and make it juicier when cooked.
While the chicken is marinating in the refrigerator, you can prepare any side dishes or set the table for the meal. The brief wait is worth it, as the refrigeration time allows the flavors to meld together and develop a rich and savory taste.
Once the chicken has marinated for at least 30 minutes, it is ready to be cooked in a cast iron skillet. Be sure to preheat the skillet properly to ensure even cooking and a delicious, crispy crust on the outside of the chicken.
FAQ
What is teriyaki chicken?
Teriyaki chicken is a popular Japanese dish made with chicken that is marinated and glazed with a sweet and savory sauce.
What ingredients are needed to cook teriyaki chicken in a cast iron skillet?
To cook teriyaki chicken in a cast iron skillet, you will need chicken breasts or thighs, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and vegetable oil.
How do I marinate the chicken?
To marinate the chicken, combine soy sauce, mirin, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Add the chicken to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
Can I use a different type of oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can use a different type of oil such as canola oil or peanut oil if you prefer. The vegetable oil is used to sear the chicken in the cast iron skillet.
