| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 475 | 28g | 8g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 1g | 40g | 2.3g |
There’s something utterly delightful about finding a recipe that you love — not just because it yields a delicious dish, but also because the combination of ingredients hits all the right notes of flavor, nutrition, and culture. That’s how I feel about the Yuzu Teriyaki Chicken. Drawing on influences from my sunny California upbringing with a little Asian twist, this dish offers a beautiful fusion of health-conscious West Coast dedication to freshness with a bit of the comfort of classic American home cooking.
A Recipe Rooted in Fusion Cooking
My Yuzu Teriyaki Chicken really epitomizes my love for recipes that transcend culinary borders. Fusing the bright, tart flavors of yuzu — a popular citrus in many Asian countries — with the savory depth of classic teriyaki and chicken creates a dish that’s bursting with flavor. The tangy citrus note of the yuzu perfectly balances the umami flavor of the chicken, making each bite a mouth-watering delight.
There’s also something comforting about the harmony of international flavors that this dish offers. It reminds me of the celebration of diversity that’s common place in California, where I was born and raised. This recipe combines elements from different cuisines in a way that really showcases the best of both worlds.
Health Benefits of the Yuzu Teriyaki Chicken
The Yuzu Teriyaki Chicken isn’t just about flavors, though. The careful selection of ingredients ensures the dish is not only flavorful, but also packed with nutrients. Chicken thighs, for instance, are an excellent source of lean protein, which is crucial for muscle health. Chicken thighs also offer vitamin B6, niacin, and selenium, all essential nutrients for your body.
Then, there’s the yuzu juice, a key ingredient in the dish. Yuzu is known for its high vitamin C and antioxidant content, which are beneficial for boosting immune function, skin health, and cardiovascular health. You can learn more about yuzu benefits here.
Serving this dish with steamed broccoli or brown rice can heighten the health benefits even more. Remember, a balanced meal isn’t just about a single recipe, but also how you pair it with other nutritional components.
Endless Possibilities with Variations and Pairings
This recipe works incredibly well on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of side dishes. For those who enjoy experimenting, you can try swapping the chicken thighs for chicken breasts, or even tofu for a vegetarian spin. The sauce would also complement grilled salmon or roasted vegetables.
If you’ve prepared dishes like Orange Chicken or Lemon Pepper Chicken before, you’ll find making the Yuzu Teriyaki Chicken a breeze. And for pairing, a simple Asian coleslaw or a cucumber salad would work wonders, creating a whole meal that embodies freshness, taste, and health.
What You’ll Need
- 3 pounds of chicken thighs
- 1 cup of Teriyaki sauce
- ½ cup of Yuzu juice
- ¼ cup of honey
- ¼ cup of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1/4 cup of cold water
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds (optional)
- Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Method
Step One
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Ensure you evenly cover each piece to incorporate flavor thoroughly. Set them aside.
Step Two
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs. Cook them until they are golden brown on both sides. This should take about 5-6 minutes per side. After they’re browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set them aside.
Step Three
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté until they become fragrant. This should only take about a minute or two.
Step Four
Reduce the heat to low and then add the Teriyaki sauce, Yuzu juice, honey, and soy sauce to the pan. Stir everything together, ensuring all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step Five
Mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until it creates a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce. This will help thicken the sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to thicken up, stirring continuously.
Step Six
Put the chicken back into the pan, coating each piece in the sauce. Allow it to simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce is reduced to your desired thickness.
Step Seven
Optionally, sprinkle the cooked chicken with sesame seeds. Finally, garnish your Yuzu Teriyaki Chicken with the chopped scallions and serve immediately while hot.
Step Eight
Pair your chicken with steamed rice or cooked vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!
