Teriyaki Chicken Donburi: A Weeknight Mealtime Hero

 

Teriyaki Chicken Donburi: A Weeknight Mealtime Hero

Teriyaki chicken donburi is a comforting and flavorful Japanese dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. Tender, juicy chicken bathed in a savory teriyaki sauce is served over a bed of fluffy rice, creating a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sake (or mirin)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• For the Teriyaki Sauce:
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
  • ¼ cup sake (Japanese rice wine)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado, canola, vegetable)
• For Serving:
  • 2 cups cooked Japanese rice
  • Sesame seeds (optional)
  • Thinly sliced scallions (optional)
  • Steamed vegetables (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, sake (or mirin), and cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for extra flavor.

2. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Reduce heat to low to keep warm.

3. Cook the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping occasionally.

4. Assemble the Donburi: Divide the cooked rice among bowls. Top each bowl with the teriyaki chicken and spoon the remaining teriyaki sauce over the chicken and rice.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions (optional). You can also add steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snow peas for a more well-rounded meal. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips:

• Chicken options: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are generally preferred for this dish as they tend to stay juicier than chicken breasts. However, you can use chicken breasts if desired, but be sure to adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
• Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker teriyaki sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to the sauce while it simmers.
• Serving variations: Feel free to add a fried egg or a sprinkle of furikake seasoning (a Japanese rice seasoning) for additional flavor and texture.
• Leftovers: Store leftover teriyaki chicken and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until warmed through.

Teriyaki chicken donburi is a delicious and easy-to-make Japanese dish that's sure to become a family favorite. With its simple ingredients, flavorful sauce, and comforting combination of rice and chicken, it's a perfect weeknight meal that's both satisfying and delicious.

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