When it comes to keeping track of calorie intake, every little bit counts. One serving of 4 oz (112 g) Teriyaki Chicken (4 oz) contains 150 calories. It's important to understand the calorie content of the foods we eat, especially if we're trying to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight.

Teriyaki chicken is a popular dish that originated in Japan. The sauce contains soy sauce, sugar, and mirin (rice wine). While teriyaki sauce can add flavor to the dish, it can also add calories. Let's take a closer look at the nutritional information of teriyaki chicken.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional information of teriyaki chicken, provide a lip-smacking recipe, and share some tips on how to prepare the dish at home. We'll also discuss the health benefits of teriyaki chicken and explore whether it's good or bad for weight loss. Finally, we'll suggest some sides to pair with teriyaki chicken and share some teriyaki chicken meal ideas for your lunchbox.

Understanding the Calorie Content of 4 oz (112 g) Teriyaki Chicken

One serving of 4 oz (112 g) Teriyaki Chicken (4 oz) contains 150 calories, which makes it a moderate-calorie dish. However, the calorie content can vary based on the cooking method and ingredients used. For example, frying the chicken can add additional calories, as can using more teriyaki sauce. It's important to keep track of your calorie intake throughout the day, and to choose low-calorie alternatives at other meals. Additionally, incorporating exercise into your routine can help you burn off some of the calories from your meals.

Teriyaki Chicken Nutrition: An Overview

Teriyaki chicken is a good source of protein, which is important for building and repairing muscles. One serving of teriyaki chicken contains about 23 grams of protein. It also contains some essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6, phosphorus, and niacin. However, teriyaki chicken can also be high in sodium and sugar, especially if the sauce is store-bought. Excessive consumption of sodium can lead to high blood pressure, while consuming too much sugar can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

Lip-Smacking Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Here's a simple recipe for teriyaki chicken that you can try at home:

1. Marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
4. Brush additional teriyaki sauce on the chicken before serving.

How to Prepare Teriyaki Chicken at Home

Making teriyaki chicken at home can be a healthier and more cost-effective option than ordering it at a restaurant. Here are some tips for preparing teriyaki chicken at home:

• Use skinless chicken breasts or thighs for a leaner option
• Make your own teriyaki sauce using low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and garlic
• Bake or grill the chicken instead of frying it
• Serve with steamed vegetables and brown rice for a complete meal

Health Benefits of Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki chicken has several health benefits, including:

• Good source of protein for building and repairing muscles
• Contains various essential vitamins and minerals
• Can be a flavorful way to incorporate vegetables into your diet

Teriyaki Chicken: Is It Good or Bad for Weight Loss?

Teriyaki chicken can be a good option for weight loss if it's prepared correctly. Choosing skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of fattier cuts, using homemade teriyaki sauce with reduced sugar, and pairing it with healthy sides can make it a healthy meal option. However, store-bought teriyaki sauce and deep-fried options can add unwanted calories and sodium to the dish, making it less suitable for weight loss. It's important to monitor your overall calorie intake and to incorporate exercise into your routine to create a calorie deficit for weight loss.

Best Sides to Pair with Teriyaki Chicken

Pairing teriyaki chicken with healthy sides can make it a complete and balanced meal. Here are some of the best sides to pair with teriyaki chicken:

• Steamed or sautéed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers
• Brown rice or quinoa for a healthy source of carbohydrates
• Salad with a light dressing for a low-calorie option
• Fruit salad for a sweet and refreshing side dish

Teriyaki Chicken vs. Other Chicken Dishes

Compared to other chicken dishes, such as fried chicken or chicken alfredo, teriyaki chicken can be a healthier option. It's lower in fat and calories than fried chicken, and it contains more protein and fewer carbohydrates than chicken alfredo. However, it's important to consider the ingredients and cooking methods used in any chicken dish. For example, adding excessive amounts of cheese or sauce to chicken alfredo can increase the calorie content, while frying chicken can add unhealthy fats to the dish.

Teriyaki Chicken Meal Ideas for Your Lunchbox

Teriyaki chicken can be a great meal option for your lunchbox. Here are some ideas for incorporating teriyaki chicken into your lunch:

• Teriyaki chicken stir-fry with vegetables and brown rice
• Teriyaki chicken skewers with hummus and pita bread
• Teriyaki chicken lettuce wraps with chopped vegetables and a low-fat dressing

Healthy Teriyaki Chicken Alternatives

If you're looking for healthier alternatives to traditional teriyaki chicken, here are some options to consider:

• Grilled teriyaki tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option
• Teriyaki salmon or shrimp for a seafood option
• Teriyaki vegetable stir-fry for a low-calorie option