Teriyaki Microwave Chicken
Enjoy tender, flavorful microwave chicken glazed with savory teriyaki and soy sauces. The dish features a delicious blend of aromatics like onion, garlic, and ginger, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick family dinners. Served over rice, it's a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine water, soy sauce, and teriyaki sauce in a deep microwavable bowl or casserole dish.
- Place the chicken breast side up in the bowl.
- Sprinkle chopped onion, sliced green pepper, garlic powder, ginger, tarragon, and onion powder over the chicken.
- Marinate for 15 minutes to 30 minutes.
- Turn the chicken breast side down before placing it in the microwave.
- Microwave on High for 7 minutes per pound (approximately 35 minutes).
- Turn the chicken breast side up halfway through the cooking time.
- Remove the chicken and let it rest.
- The liquid left in the bowl can be simmered to remove fat and thickened into gravy.
- Serve the chicken over rice, drizzled with the gravy if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a whole chicken for even cooking and flavor absorption. If you don’t have teriyaki sauce, a mixture of equal parts soy sauce and honey can be a good substitute. Consider adding vegetables like carrots or snap peas for a more colorful dish. Be sure to let the chicken rest after microwaving to retain moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the teriyaki chicken over fluffy rice, allowing the savory sauce to soak in. Pair it with steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with Oriental Pot Stickers, adding variety to your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out, covering it with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in short intervals until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Teriyaki Microwave Chicken contains roughly 144 calories, with 8g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2002mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe. They may require slightly less cooking time, about 5-6 minutes per pound, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
What can I do with the leftover cooking liquid?
You can simmer the leftover liquid in a saucepan to reduce it into a flavorful gravy. If desired, add cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken the sauce further, making it perfect for drizzling over the chicken.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
To lighten the dish, consider using skinless chicken breasts and reducing the amount of soy sauce. You can also substitute low-sodium soy sauce to decrease sodium content while still enjoying the rich flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).