Teriyaki Chicken Thighs Recipe

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon green tea rubs (a mixture of green tea leaves, sugar, and spices)
4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine) or dry sherry
1/4 cup sake or dry white wine (optional)
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Optional: 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Green Tea Rubs:

Combine the green tea leaves, sugar, and spices in a small bowl to create the green tea rubs. This mixture will be used to season the chicken thighs.

Season the Chicken Thighs:

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub the green tea rubs all over the thighs, pressing the rubs into the skin to ensure they adhere well.

Sear the Chicken Thighs:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the thighs and sear the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), brown sugar, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid or foil.

Braise the Chicken Thighs:

Braise the chicken thighs in the teriyaki sauce for 20-25 minutes, or until the thighs are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Check periodically to ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the sauce.

Finish and Serve:

Remove the skillet from the heat and let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes. Transfer the thighs to a serving plate.
Spoon the teriyaki sauce over the chicken thighs. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley and, if desired, toasted sesame seeds.
Serve the Teriyaki Chicken Thighs immediately, enjoying the tender, flavorful chicken with the rich, sweet teriyaki sauce and the subtle hint of green tea from the rubs.