Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful Japanese-inspired dish made with juicy chicken coated in a glossy sweet-and-savory teriyaki sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over steamed rice or with vegetables for a delicious homemade meal that tastes better than takeout.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
- 2 tablespoons mirin (optional)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Optional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Season lightly with salt and black pepper on both sides.
If using large chicken breasts, cut them into smaller pieces for faster cooking.
Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar or honey
- Mirin
- Rice vinegar
- Garlic
- Ginger
In a small separate bowl, mix:
- Cornstarch
- Water
Set both aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook for:
- 5–6 minutes per side for thighs
- 4–5 minutes per side for breasts
Cook until golden brown and fully cooked inside.
Remove excess oil if necessary.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture into the skillet.
Cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbling.
Stir the cornstarch slurry again and pour it into the pan.
Continue cooking while stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Turn the chicken in the sauce until fully glazed.
Sprinkle with:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Teriyaki chicken pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed white rice
- Fried rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Noodles
- Broccoli
- Asian cucumber salad
Pro Tips
- Chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.
- Fresh ginger and garlic make a huge difference.
- Do not overcook the sauce or it may become too salty.
- For extra caramelization, let the sauce simmer slightly before stirring.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat
Warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Variations
- Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Use pineapple juice for a sweeter tropical flavor.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
- Try with salmon, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken.