My mother was a lot of things.

She was a character ....

She loved a good "shipwreck" party ....

She had a green thumb.

She was a good friend, a lover of animals and a collector of ... things: elephants, old bathtubs, jewelry, Beanie Babies (but let's not go there!)

She was also an excellent cook.

I spent many an evening watching her work her dinner-time magic as I sat on a bar stool next to the stove in the tiny home where I spent my first 13 years -- the 900 square feet she shared with her husband and four children.

One bathroom, only a fireplace for heat, never enough storage for a family of six and way more laundry than any one woman should have to face!

Many years later, after my parents had moved on to bigger and better things, Jeff and I moved into that same house and started our family.

Lots of warm, loving memories were formed in that Trumbull Street home.

My brothers and I, and our spouses, cherish numerous recipes handed down from our parents.

I share this teriyaki marinade with you now.

It is simple and always gets rave reviews.

I hope you enjoy it as much as we have over the years!

Teriyaki Chicken - Family Recipe

Print recipe

Serves	4
Prep time	10 minutes
Cook time	4 hours
Total time	4 hours, 10 minutes
Meal type	Main Dish
Misc	Serve Hot
Brought to you by	The Recipe Wench - www.therecipewench.com

Teriyaki marinade that is simple to make and goes well with chicken or beef.

Ingredients

½ Cup Soy Sauce (I highly recommend Kikkoman brand for this recipe)
½ Cup Sugar
3 Tablespoons Fresh garlic (minced)
3 Tablespoons Fresh ginger (minced)
Fresh ground black pepper
8 Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trimmed of excess fat)

Note

This teriyaki marinade works well with beef or chicken, but my favorite cut of meat for this is boneless, skinless chicken thighs. I've found the thighs retain their moisture and the flavor of the marinade very well.

Directions

Prepare the marinade
Step 1
Heat soy sauce and sugar over low-medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved.
Step 2
Remove from heat and add garlic and ginger. Sprinkle liberally with black pepper.
Marinate the meat
Step 3
Place chicken thighs into container, pour marinade over and allow to soak in fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Grill
Step 4
Grill marinated thighs over medium-high heat until cooked through.
Step 5
This dish is excellent served with white or brown rice and a simple vegetable.