EASY CHICKEN TERIYAKI WITH MARINADE

This simple chicken teriyaki is marinated and then grilled, baked, or stir-fried until tender and juicy! Coat it with teriyaki sauce for a deliciously flavorful dish that’s even better than takeout! Perfect for both chicken breasts and thighs!

INGREDIENTS

 ¾ lb chicken thighs (or chicken breasts; see Note 1)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds

Chicken Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup mirin (see Note 2 for substitutes)
⅓ cup sugar (see Note 3 for substitutes)
1 teaspoon minced garlic or ginger (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Prep the Chicken: Flatten the chicken to about ¾ inch thickness for even cooking. Place it in a zip-top bag or large bowl for marinating.
  • Make the Marinade: Combine the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and garlic/ginger (if using) in a bowl. Mix until the sugar dissolves. Set aside half of the marinade for later and use the remaining marinade to coat the chicken. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight.
  • Cook the Chicken (Grill, Pan Fry, or Bake):
    Grill or Pan Fry
    Heat a grill or pan over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade, wiping off any excess, and cook skin-side down (if using skin-on chicken). Flip the chicken when it’s golden brown.
    During the last 3 minutes of cooking, brush on the reserved marinade to create a glaze. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear.
    Bake (Optional)
    Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking pan with parchment paper. Bake the chicken for about 20 minutes, brushing with the reserved marinade a few times in the last 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent burning as the sauce thickens.
  • Serve:
    Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve over steamed rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and drizzle any remaining glaze over the chicken. Enjoy!

RECIPE NOTES

  • Both skinless and skin-on chicken thighs or breasts work well for this recipe.
  • Mirin Substitute: You can swap it with sake or white wine. For a non-alcoholic version, use stock or water with a few drops of vinegar or lemon juice.
  • Sugar Substitute: Honey, agave, or brown sugar can replace regular sugar.
  • Keep an eye on the chicken while baking, as the sugar in the marinade can burn at higher oven temperatures.
  • The recipe photos show the grill pan method.

Variations

  • Teriyaki Marinade: Add garlic, ginger, or green onions for extra flavor.
  • Stir-Fry Chicken Teriyaki: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and skip marinating. Stir fry the chicken with half of the marinade until fully cooked, then add vegetables during the last 5 minutes.
  • Spicy Chicken Teriyaki: Spice it up by adding red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chopped jalapeño or serrano peppers.

20 CHIC OUTFITS WITH BLACK DOC MARTENS TO TRY 

If you ever find yourself struggling to choose the right shoes, black Doc Martens are the perfect solution! You’re missing out if you don’t already own a pair. These boots are incredibly versatile and effortlessly stylish, complementing any outfit. They’ll have your back no matter the occasion. What more could you want in a pair of boots? Docs will quickly become your go-to footwear!

HOW TO WEAR DOC MARTENS?

Plain black boots may seem like they require a lot of upkeep—and they do! However, when you consider how often you’ll wear your Doc Martens, you’ll realize that keeping them clean and polished is essential for looking great every day.

Aim to give your black Docs a wash at least once a month. An old toothbrush, some water, and liquid soap work wonders for cleaning them. Avoid machine washing, as this can alter their shape. While it may be an extra step, using black shoe polish is worth it if you love your Docs. It adds a beautiful shine and keeps them looking brand new!

CHIC OUTFIT IDEAS TO TRY

THE PERFECT BLACK FIT

This outfit is perfect just the way it is! Achieve this look by pairing a black oversized blazer with stockings. While plain stockings work beautifully, opting for ones with unique prints can add a fun twist to your ensemble.

WHEN TO WEAR DR MARTENS

They’re versatile enough for various occasions! We recommend wearing them to birthday parties, semi-formal events, running errands, and enjoying lunch or dinner dates with friends and family. Plus, they’re perfect for those cute outings with your partner!

PLAID PANTS OUTFIT

Plaid pants are all the rage right now, so be sure to grab a pair if you haven’t already! They can be styled with plain tops or even more plaid for a fun mix. Your black Dr. Martens will elevate your outfit, highlighting the plaid print and ensuring you’re the center of attention wherever you go!

BLACK ON BLACK

An all-black outfit is the perfect match for black Doc Martens! Pair a black shirt with your boots and throw on a black leather jacket for an effortlessly stylish look. The leather jacket will complement the boots beautifully, creating a cohesive and edgy ensemble.

WITH HIGH NECK SWEATER

A high-neck sweater paired with black Doc Martens is a classic combination that never goes out of style. This outfit offers a perfect blend of warmth, comfort, and edgy appeal.

FOR THE DRESS LOVERS

If you’re unsure how to style Doc Martens with dresses, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Simply pair a summer dress with your Docs, and bring along a jacket or sweater for when the weather changes. This cute look is perfect for summer outings, whether you’re heading to parties, carnivals, or any adventurous activities!

OVERSIZED SWEATERS FOR THE WIN

You can easily throw on an oversized sweater with your Docs, and you’ll be good to go! This effortless combination is stylish and comfortable, making it perfect for any casual outing (can be combined with short skirt as shown in the picture above).

SKIRTS AND DOCS

Skirts are a fun way to stay stylish! Pairing a skirt with black Doc Martens is effortless. You can choose any shirt, crop top, or sweater to complete the look. This outfit is perfect for running errands, meeting friends, or enjoying a walk in the park.

WITH OVERCOATS

Overcoats are essential for winter, but many people reserve their Doc Martens for the colder months. The good news is you can also rock your Docs in the summertime without feeling uncomfortable! Regardless of the season, they’re fantastic for winter outfits. Pair them with overcoats, oversized hoodies, or cozy sweaters for a stylish and warm look!

WITH JEANS

Jeans are a staple in most of our wardrobes, and I’m here to tell you that Doc Martens look amazing with them! If you’ve only been wearing your Docs with shorts or skirts, it’s time to give them a try with your favorite jeans. 

WITH BLACK JEANS

You can pair almost any outfit with black shoes, but this look truly stands out. The brown leather jacket is sharp and eye-catching—definitely a must-have! Black jeans complement the brown leather beautifully, creating a cohesive and stylish ensemble. This outfit is perfect for a date, family events, or outings with friends. It exudes a classy vibe that you won’t want to miss!

FLANNELS FOR DAYS

Flannels are incredibly versatile and can complement any outfit! You can wear a flannel shirt with biker shorts or pants if shorts aren’t your style. When paired with Docs, they create a standout look that’s sure to turn heads. There’s just something about those boots that grabs attention and completes the outfit perfectly!

SPORTY OUTFIT

Who doesn’t love tracksuits? They’re the ultimate in comfort! A cozy tracksuit is perfect for lounging around, running errands, or even going out. Pairing it with Doc Martens adds an extra edge and style. Complete your look with a bag, sunglasses, and some jewelry, and you’ll have a chic outfit ready for any occasion!

ON A RAINY DAY

Rainy days call for stylish yet comfortable outfits! Doc Martens are a great choice because they won’t get soaking wet when you come home. Pairing an oversized sweatshirt with ripped jeans creates a fantastic look that’s both cozy and chic. Add some hoop earrings for a touch of bling, and don’t forget your favorite pair of sunglasses—even if the sun isn’t shining! This outfit will keep you looking great, no matter the weather.

WITH RIPPED JEANS

All you need is a black sleeveless sweater paired with a collared shirt, along with either mom jeans or skinny jeans—though mom jeans will create a better look for this outfit. Black shoes will tie everything together beautifully. This ensemble is perfect for a semi-formal event or a cute date at the bookstore!

COMFY FIT

Of course, we had to include a comfortable fit because Doc Martens are incredibly cozy themselves! You can easily wear a simple oversized shirt or a crop top paired with sweatpants for those days when you don’t feel like getting dressed up but still need to head out. Your black Docs will effortlessly elevate this simple outfit, making it look stylish and put-together!

WITH SKINNY JEANS

They look best with skinny jeans, without a doubt! Skinny jeans draw attention to the boots, and the combination creates the illusion of a slender figure. This pairing will have you looking like a model, and you definitely won’t regret it!

FOR WHEN OFFICE CALLS

If you want to avoid heels while staying comfortable in a semi-casual outfit, Docs are a perfect choice! Pair a blazer with mom jeans and your black Doc Martens for a stunning look. For a more polished vibe, consider putting your hair up in a bun and adding some dainty jewelry to complete the outfit!

VINTAGE STYLE DOCS

You might think wearing black Doc Martens with a slit skirt is a bad idea, but think again! This combination creates a super cute outfit perfect for a lunch date with friends, a family outing, or even running errands. It’s a stylish way to blend comfort with a touch of flair!

WITH MOM JEANS

That outfit sounds fantastic! The combination of a black sleeveless sweater with a collared shirt layered underneath will give you a stylish, polished look. Pairing it with mom jeans adds a trendy, relaxed vibe, while the black shoes will tie everything together beautifully. It’s versatile enough for both semi-formal events and a casual date at the bookstore. Enjoy your outing!

CONCLUSION

Black Doc Martens are a timeless and versatile footwear choice that can elevate any outfit. With their iconic design and rugged appeal, they effortlessly add a touch of cool and edge to your ensemble. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and embrace the versatility of black Doc Martens. With the right outfit choices, you can create chic and stylish looks that are both comfortable and confident.