Description
This Grilled Spicy Teriyaki Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Grilled to perfection and finished with a luscious thickened teriyaki glaze, this spicy chicken dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to spice preference)
Thickening Sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight to allow flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Chicken for Grilling: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Reserve the marinade for later use in the sauce.
- Grill the Chicken: Place chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meat is fully cooked and slightly charred around the edges.
- Simmer Reserved Marinade: While the chicken grills, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat to ensure it is safe for consumption.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Stir this mixture into the simmering marinade and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Glaze the Chicken: Once grilled, brush the thickened teriyaki sauce onto the chicken breasts to enhance flavor and moisture, then allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the glazed chicken for added texture and a fresh burst of flavor, if desired.
- Serve: Slice the chicken and serve immediately, enjoying the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory teriyaki flavors.
Notes
- For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
- Ensure the marinade is boiled/simmered before using as sauce to avoid any food safety issues.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can also be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or under a broiler.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling helps keep it juicy.
