Chinese Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

🍗 Chinese Teriyaki Chicken Thighs 

Teriyaki chicken thighs are a popular dish in China inspired by Japanese flavors but adapted with local cooking methods. The chicken is pan-seared until golden and juicy, then coated in a glossy, savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect with a bowl of steamed rice.

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🛒 Ingredients

• Chicken thighs (boneless, skin-on preferred): 4–6 pieces (about 600 g)

• Light soy sauce: 3 tbsp

• Dark soy sauce: 1 tbsp (adds color, optional)

• Mirin or Chinese rice wine: 2 tbsp

• Honey or sugar: 2 tbsp

• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced

• Ginger: 1 small piece, minced

• Cornstarch slurry: 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water (optional, to thicken sauce)

• Sesame seeds: 1 tsp, toasted (for garnish)

• Scallions: 1 stalk, chopped (for garnish)

• Oil: 2 tbsp

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Rinse chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels.

2. If they are thick, score the flesh lightly for even cooking.

3. Season lightly with a pinch of salt (optional).

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Step 2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin (or rice wine), honey (or sugar), garlic, and ginger.

2. Stir until well combined. This will be your teriyaki sauce.

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Step 3. Pan-Sear the Chicken

1. Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

2. Place chicken thighs skin-side down.

3. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy.

4. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for another 5 minutes.

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Step 4. Add the Sauce

1. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the pan with the chicken.

2. Reduce heat to low and let the chicken simmer, basting it with sauce occasionally.

3. Cook for 6–8 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and sauce becomes thick and glossy.

4. (Optional) Add a little cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker glaze.

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Step 5. Serve

1. Slice the chicken into strips and arrange neatly on a plate.

2. Drizzle the remaining sauce from the pan over the chicken.

3. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions.

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🌟 Tips

• Keep the chicken skin on for extra flavor and juiciness.

• If you prefer grilling, you can also cook the chicken on a grill and brush it with the sauce as it cooks.

• Pairs perfectly with steamed rice, noodles, or even a fresh salad.