Sweet & Savory Teriyaki Chicken for Kids: An Easy Recipe
[Kids’ Side Dish] Teriyaki Chicken Made Super Easy with Store-Bought Sauce
This recipe utilizes a ready-made teriyaki sauce for an incredibly simple and delicious dish, perfect for children. It offers a wonderful balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a hit with kids. We’ll guide you through each step to ensure a successful and enjoyable cooking experience, ideal for both a side dish or a quick rice bowl topping.
Main Ingredients
- 300g Boneless Chicken Thighs
- 3 Tbsp Store-bought Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 Onion
- A pinch of Carrot
- 3 cloves Garlic
- A sprinkle of Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the boneless chicken thighs thoroughly under running water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Properly draining the chicken is key to ensuring the sauce marinates well and preventing any unwanted odors.
Step 2
For a tender texture that children will enjoy, trim away any visible skin and excess fat from the chicken thighs. This step helps create a cleaner, more mellow flavor profile.
Step 3
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm square. Cutting them too small can cause them to dry out during cooking, so aim for a size that’s easy for little ones to manage.
Step 4
Place the prepared chicken pieces into a mixing bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of store-bought teriyaki sauce. Using a commercial sauce simplifies the process, allowing you to achieve a rich flavor without complex seasoning.
Step 5
Thinly slice the onion and carrot into strips. Lightly smash the garlic cloves with the side of a knife or thinly slice them. These vegetables will add sweetness and depth of flavor as they cook with the chicken.
Step 6
Add the sliced onion, carrot, and garlic to the chicken in the bowl. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the sauce coats all the chicken pieces evenly. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. For an even deeper flavor, you can marinate it for 2-3 hours or even overnight.
Step 7
Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken and vegetables. Sear the chicken until the surface is golden brown. Once browned, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Cooking with the lid on helps to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
Step 8
Transfer the perfectly cooked teriyaki chicken to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired. This dish is delicious served over hot rice as a rice bowl or as a side dish alongside other Japanese fare. Children absolutely love this flavor, so be sure to give it a try!
