Chicken Teriyaki with Sesame Ginger Glaze

Ingredients:

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

1 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)

1/2 cup mirin

1/4 cup sake

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tablespoons water, for thickening)

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish

For the Sesame Ginger Glaze:

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:

In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil.

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Once the sugar has dissolved, add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. Continue to simmer until the sauce reaches a glossy consistency. Set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.

In an oven-safe skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown.

Brush a generous amount of teriyaki sauce over each chicken breast.

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

3. Prepare the Sesame Ginger Glaze:

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and grated ginger.

4. Glaze and Garnish:

Brush the baked chicken with the Sesame Ginger Glaze just before serving.

Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for a vibrant finish.

5. Serve:

Slice the teriyaki-glazed chicken and arrange it on a serving platter.

Drizzle any remaining sauce over the chicken.

Serve with steamed white rice or noodles.

Optional Tips:

Marinate the chicken in a small amount of the teriyaki sauce for an hour before cooking for extra flavor.

Grill the chicken on an outdoor barbecue for a smoky dimension.

Consider adding a splash of fresh lime juice to the Sesame Ginger Glaze for a citrusy kick.