Warm, savory, and coated in a glossy sweet and salty glaze, this Teriyaki Chicken is the kind of easy dinner everyone loves. Juicy chicken cooks quickly and gets covered in a rich homemade sauce that tastes better than takeout. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and perfect with rice or veggies make this a go to recipe for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This teriyaki chicken
- It’s incredibly quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory glaze that’s simply irresistible.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
- Healthy and satisfying, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Great for meal prep, so you can enjoy it all week long!
teriyaki chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
- Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour half of the teriyaki sauce over them. Marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Pour the remaining marinade into the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
- Slice the chicken, spoon extra sauce over the top, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 15g |
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make delicious teriyaki chicken!
- 4 boneless chicken thighs – main protein
- ½ cup soy sauce – savory base
- ¼ cup mirin – sweet rice wine substitute
- 2 tbsp brown sugar – adds sweetness
- 1 clove garlic, minced – for flavor
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated – adds zest
- 1 tsp cornstarch – thickening agent
- 1 tbsp water – to mix with cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil – for cooking
- sesame seeds – for garnish (optional)
- sliced green onions – for garnish (optional)
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken
This easy teriyaki chicken recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes, cooking time of 12 minutes, and a marinating time of 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step 1: Whisk the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sake substitute (like apple cider vinegar), brown sugar, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour half of the teriyaki sauce over them. Marinate for at least 20 minutes to soak up all that flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Slurry
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This will help thicken your sauce later.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Pour the remaining marinade into the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the chicken, spoon extra sauce over the top, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious teriyaki chicken!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Japanese |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 12 minutes |
| Extra Time | 20 minutes (for marinating) |
| Total Time | 52 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | With steamed rice and vegetables |
Pro Tips for Making teriyaki chicken
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for a vibrant taste.
- Cook on high heat for a nice caramelization.
- Serve with steamed rice and veggies for a complete meal.
- Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce on top just before serving.
How to Serve this teriyaki chicken
- Serve over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice for a classic combo.
- Pair with steamed broccoli or snap peas for a colorful plate.
- Wrap in lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb option.
- Top with sesame seeds and green onions for extra crunch and flavor.
- Enjoy with a side of edamame for a protein-packed snack.
- Serve with a tangy cucumber salad to balance the sweetness.
- Try it in a rice bowl with avocado and pickled ginger.
- Use as a filling for delicious teriyaki chicken tacos with slaw.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your teriyaki chicken later is easy!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the chicken to cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
- Cool the chicken completely before freezing.
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth.
- Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is in teriyaki chicken?
Teriyaki chicken typically includes chicken breast or thighs, soy sauce, mirin (or a substitute like rice vinegar and sugar), and a sweetener such as honey or brown sugar. The combination of these ingredients creates a deliciously savory and sweet glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.
2. What is the secret to perfect teriyaki chicken?
The secret to perfect teriyaki chicken lies in marinating the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it juicy and flavorful. Additionally, cooking the chicken over medium-high heat helps to caramelize the sauce, giving it that signature glossy finish.
3. What are the three ingredients in chicken teriyaki?
The three essential ingredients in chicken teriyaki are chicken, soy sauce, and a sweetener like honey or brown sugar. These ingredients work together to create the classic teriyaki flavor that is both savory and sweet, making it a favorite in many households.
4. Do I add teriyaki sauce before or after cooking chicken?
For the best results, you should add teriyaki sauce before cooking the chicken. Marinating the chicken in the sauce allows it to absorb the flavors, and you can also brush additional sauce on during cooking for extra flavor. Just be sure to reserve some sauce for serving to keep it fresh and flavorful!
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this easy teriyaki chicken recipe in your back pocket, get ready to impress your family and friends! It’s quick, juicy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for any night of the week. So grab your ingredients, whip it up, and enjoy every delicious bite. Cooking doesn’t get much better than this!