There’s nothing quite like the allure of tender chicken cubes enveloped in a luscious, glossy glaze. Picture this: the sweet aroma of soy sauce mingling with the hint of honey and the subtle warmth of ginger fills your kitchen as you prepare for a delightful dinner. I found myself craving something comforting yet exciting one evening, and that’s when I whipped up these Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Cubes with Scallion Glaze.
This dish not only delivers a burst of flavor with every bite, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. In just a few minutes, you can impress your loved ones with a meal that feels gourmet but comes together with pantry staples. With the added freshness of scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, it transforms a simple chicken dinner into a vibrant feast. Say goodbye to those predictable fast-food runs—if you have chicken, soy sauce, and a dash of enthusiasm, you’re ready to create a delightful and sticky masterpiece!
Why will you love Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Cubes?
Flavor Explosion: The sweet and savory glaze of soy sauce and honey creates a mouthwatering combination that will leave you wanting more.
Quick and Simple: With minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave homemade goodness.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice or veggies, making it an adaptable meal for any palate.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Impress family and friends at dinner gatherings with this gourmet-inspired dish that’s easy to prepare.
Healthy Twist: You’ll ditch the fast food for a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on taste. If you’re interested in more delightful chicken recipes, check out our Chicken with Soy Sauce Glaze for another mouthwatering option!
Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Cubes Ingredients
• Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with these simple ingredients!
For the Glaze
- Soy sauce – a key ingredient that brings depth and savory richness to your Sticky Teriyaki Chicken.
- Brown sugar – this adds sweetness that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
- Rice vinegar – introduces a subtle tang that brightens the flavors.
- Honey – enhances the glaze’s sweetness while giving it that sticky texture.
- Cornstarch – acts as a thickening agent, ensuring your glaze clings perfectly to the chicken.
- Water – helps combine the ingredients to form a cohesive sauce.
For the Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – tender and easy to cook, perfect for soaking up the sticky teriyaki glaze.
- Vegetable oil – needed for sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.
- Garlic powder – adds aromatic warmth, elevating the flavor profile.
- Ginger powder – introduces a zesty kick, making the dish more aromatic.
- Black pepper – a sprinkle of spice to enhance the overall taste.
For Garnish
- Chopped scallions – freshens up the dish, adding a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
- Sesame seeds – these provide a nutty finish and a delightful crunch.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to whip up some Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Cubes with Scallion Glaze that will surely impress!
How to Make Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Cubes
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Combine the Glaze: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, and water until well combined. This will create a rich, sticky glaze to coat the chicken.
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Heat the Skillet: In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Waiting until the oil shimmers ensures your chicken will sear beautifully, giving it a lovely golden color.
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Cook the Chicken: Add chicken cubes to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. They should be tender and juicy, perfect for soaking up all that delicious glaze.
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Add the Glaze: Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet and stir to coat. This step creates an enticing aroma and gives your chicken that signature sticky finish.
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Thicken the Sauce: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when the glaze clings to the chicken, creating a beautiful shine.
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Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds. These fresh toppings add flavor and a delightful crunch to your dish.
Optional: Serve over freshly cooked rice for an extra satisfying meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Cubes?
Creating a well-rounded meal enhances the joy of savoring your delicious chicken. Dive into a feast that tantalizes every sense with these thoughtful pairings.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice is perfect for soaking up the sticky sauce, balancing flavors beautifully. A cloud of soft, warm rice creates the ideal canvas for your flavorful chicken.
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Stir-Fried Vegetables: Bright, colorful veggies add a fresh crunch alongside the sticky teriyaki chicken. Try bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas to not only brighten the plate but also enhance the nutritional value.
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Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad provides refreshing contrast to the rich glaze. The crispness of the cucumbers paired with a zingy dressing offers a delightful balance that complements the dish.
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Sesame Noodles: Light and silky noodles tossed in a sesame dressing can elevate your dining experience. Their nutty flavor harmonizes with the chicken, making each bite a symphony of tastes.
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Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can be a calming addition to your meal. The umami flavor pairs beautifully with the soy-based chicken, creating a comforting vibe.
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Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad can cleanse the palate. Juicy mango and tangy pineapple will not only delight your taste buds but also bring brightness to your dinner table.
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Green Tea: For beverage lovers, a cup of green tea wonderfully complements the flavors of the dish. Its soothing qualities and earthy flavor add a serene touch to the meal.
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Chocolate Mousse: For dessert lovers, a light chocolate mousse provides a sweet ending. Its creamy texture and rich flavor will leave a lasting impression after the savory main course!
How to Store and Freeze Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Cubes
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This ensures your Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Cubes stay moist and flavorful for your next meal.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep the glaze sticky and delicious. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent a rubbery texture.
Enjoy: Saving some for later allows you to relish the savory goodness of Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Cubes even on the busiest days!
Expert Tips for Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Cubes
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Perfect Searing: Make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This prevents the chicken from steaming and gives it a beautiful golden color.
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Glaze Consistency: Don’t rush the thickening of the sauce! Allow it to simmer so it clings perfectly to your chicken, ensuring the sticky teriyaki experience.
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Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the chicken in batches if needed. Overcrowding the skillet can lead to steaming instead of browning, compromising flavor and texture.
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Fresh Toppings: Always garnish your dish just before serving. Fresh scallions add a burst of flavor, while sesame seeds provide an appealing crunch—both are essential for your Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Cubes!
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Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the brown sugar and honey to suit your taste preference. This allows you to customize the sweetness level without straying from the essential flavors.
Make Ahead Options
Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Cubes with Scallion Glaze are an excellent choice for meal prep! You can prepare the glaze by mixing the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, and water up to 3 days in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also cut the chicken cubes ahead of time, keeping them refrigerated for up to 24 hours. This not only saves you time during the week, but ensures the chicken is ready to soak up all that flavorful glaze. When you’re ready to cook, simply sauté the chicken as instructed and pour over the glaze, cooking until thickened for delicious, restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!
Variations & Substitutions for Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Cubes
Feel free to get creative and personalize your dish with these fun twists and swaps that can elevate your Sticky Teriyaki Chicken!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option without losing flavor. This keeps the essence of teriyaki intact while accommodating dietary needs.
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Sweetener Alternatives: Use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey for a plant-based sweetener. This adds a unique flavor while keeping the dish sweet and delicious.
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Spicy Kick: Add a splash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze for an extra heat level. It’s a perfect way to turn up the flavor and invigorate your taste buds!
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Extra Veggies: Toss in colorful bell peppers or snap peas during the cooking process for added nutrition and a burst of color. Not only do they enhance texture, but they also make the dish look vibrant and fresh!
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of lime or orange zest into the glaze for a refreshing hint of citrus. This zesty addition brightens the overall flavor and adds complexity.
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Substitute Chicken: Try using firm tofu or tempeh instead of chicken for a plant-based version of this dish. It absorbs the glaze beautifully while being a hearty protein alternative.
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Wild Rice: Serve the chicken over wild rice instead of regular rice for a nutty taste and chewy texture. It pairs well with the sticky glaze and adds an interesting twist.
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Herb Garnish: Swap scallions for fresh cilantro or basil as a garnish for an aromatic finishing touch. These herbs provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the glaze.
With these delightful variations, your Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Cubes can be tailored to suit any palate or occasion, making every meal a unique experience!
Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Cubes with Scallion Glaze Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting chicken, look for boneless, skinless breasts that are plump with no dark spots. Fresh chicken should feel firm and have a slight pink color. I often prefer organic or free-range chicken for a healthier and more flavorful meal!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store your Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Cubes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. This way, you keep the flavors intact for a delicious next-day meal.
Can I freeze the Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Cubes?
Very! To freeze, place the chicken in a sealed freezer bag, squeezing out any excess air. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a skillet over medium heat to retain its sticky goodness.
How do I reheat the chicken without drying it out?
To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water. This will steam the chicken gently and help maintain the glaze’s stickiness. Be careful to avoid the microwave, as it can leave the chicken rubbery if not done right!
Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a soy sauce alternative, try tamari for a gluten-free option. For a lower-sugar version, you can replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar-free sweetener. Always check for allergies, especially with ingredients like soy or honey, and feel free to mix in your favorite veggies for added nutrition.
What if the glaze doesn’t thicken properly?
If your glaze isn’t sticking as you’d like, it may need to simmer a bit longer. Let it cook for another minute or two, stirring continuously. If it’s still not thickening, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry, and whisk it into the sauce while cooking. This should help achieve that perfect sticky consistency!
Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Cubes with Scallion Glaze Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, and water until well combined.
- In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add chicken cubes to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet and stir to coat.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.