Looking for an easy and delicious Teriyaki Chicken recipe that tastes just like your favorite Japanese restaurant? This homemade Teriyaki Chicken is made with tender chicken coated in a rich, sweet, and savory teriyaki sauce that caramelizes beautifully. It is perfect for busy weeknights and can be served with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables.
This Teriyaki Chicken recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and requires minimal preparation while delivering restaurant-quality flavour. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favourite.
Recipe Information
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 Minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 Minutes |
| Total Time | 35 Minutes |
| Cooking Temperature | Medium-High Heat (375°F / 190°C skillet temperature approximately) |
| Cuisine | Japanese-Inspired Asian |
| Course | Main Course |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories | Approximately 380 kcal per serving |
Ingredients For Teriyaki Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Ingredients For the Teriyaki Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons mirin (or rice vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnishing
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
How to make Teriyaki Chicken with Teriyaki Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry using paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a bowl combine:
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Mirin
- Sesame oil
- Garlic
- Ginger
Mix well until the sugar dissolves.
In another small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken for approximately:
- 6-7 minutes per side for thighs
- 5-6 minutes per side for breasts
Cook until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium.
Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet.
Allow it to simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously.
Cook another 2 minutes until the sauce becomes thick and glossy.
Step 6: Coat the Chicken
Turn the chicken several times until fully coated.
Allow the sauce to caramelize slightly without burning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Slice the chicken.
Sprinkle with:
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Teriyaki Chicken Cooking Tips
Use Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs remain juicy and absorb the sauce better than breasts.
Don’t Overcook
Overcooked chicken becomes dry. Use a meat thermometer and cook to 165°F (74°C).
Fresh Ginger Makes a Difference
Freshly grated ginger provides a brighter flavor than powdered ginger.
Low Sodium Soy Sauce
Using low-sodium soy sauce helps balance the sweetness and prevents the dish from becoming too salty.
Let the Sauce Reduce
Allow the sauce to simmer until thick and glossy for the best texture.
Best Side Dishes
Teriyaki Chicken pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Brown rice
- Fried rice
- Garlic noodles
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Broccoli
- Bok choy
- Asian cucumber salad
- Edamame
- Vegetable spring rolls
Substitutions for USA/Europe Grocery Stores
| Original Ingredient | Substitute |
|---|---|
| Mirin | Rice vinegar + 1 tsp sugar |
| Sesame oil | Olive oil (small amount) |
| Brown sugar | Maple syrup or white sugar |
| Honey | Agave syrup |
| Chicken thighs | Chicken breast |
| Soy sauce | Tamari (gluten-free) |
| Cornstarch | Potato starch |
| Green onions | Chives |
Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Better than takeout
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- Sweet and savory flavor
- Family-friendly
- Perfect for meal prep
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- High in protein
- Easy to customize
Reheating Tips
Microwave
- Add one tablespoon of water.
- Cover loosely.
- Heat for 1-2 minutes.
Stovetop
- Place in a skillet over low heat.
- Add a splash of water.
- Stir until heated through.
Oven
- Cover with foil.
- Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.
This Teriyaki Chicken recipe is an easy, flavorful, and restaurant-style dish that you can prepare in just 35 minutes. The combination of juicy chicken and a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce creates a satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing meals for the week, this recipe delivers delicious results every time
Teriyaki Chicken with Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
This Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a quick and delicious Asian-inspired dish made with tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich homemade teriyaki sauce. The perfect balance of soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil creates a sweet and savory glaze that tastes better than takeout. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving with steamed rice, noodles, and vegetables for a complete family-friendly meal.
Note
Use chicken thighs for the juiciest results, but boneless, skinless chicken breasts also work well.
Do not overcook the chicken; cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for tender and safe-to-eat meat.
Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to keep the teriyaki sauce balanced and not overly salty. For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and freshly grated ginger instead of powdered versions.
Allow the teriyaki sauce to simmer until thick and glossy before coating the chicken for an authentic restaurant-style glaze.
