FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE TERIYAKI MARINADE

1. Make the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich, flavorful sauce with the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory.
2. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the marinade, whisking constantly until the sauce begins to thicken. Once it has thickened to your liking, remove the sauce from heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the teriyaki marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

SECOND STEP: COOK THE CHICKEN

1. Prepare the Chicken: Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the marinade, reserving the remaining liquid for later. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to ensure a crispy exterior when cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If the chicken is thicker, you may need to cook it a bit longer.
3. Add the Marinade: Once the chicken is cooked through, add the reserved teriyaki marinade to the pan. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, turning the chicken to coat it in the sauce. The sauce will become glossy and slightly sticky, clinging to the chicken for that perfect teriyaki finish.

THIRD STEP: SERVE AND GARNISH

1. Slice the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into strips against the grain, ensuring that each piece is juicy and tender.
2. Serve: Arrange the chicken strips on a serving platter or individual plates. Drizzle the remaining teriyaki sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor. You can also garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and color.
3. Pair with Sides: Teriyaki Chicken Strips pair beautifully with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad. The sweetness of the sauce complements the mildness of the rice and the freshness of the vegetables.