If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly satisfying, this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. It’s wonderfully sticky, sweet-savory, and packed with tender chicken pieces that soak up a perfectly balanced homemade teriyaki sauce. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual get-together, this recipe never fails to impress with its simple ingredients and rich, comforting taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color. From the tender chicken thighs to the rich blend of sauce components, you’ll find every item essential for a delicious outcome.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs offer juiciness while breasts provide a leaner option, both cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for a golden sear that locks in moisture and flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The simplest seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce: Adds that classic umami depth essential to teriyaki’s distinctive profile.
- 1/4 cup water: Balances the intensity of the soy and helps thin the sauce slightly.
- 1/4 cup honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally and lends a beautiful glaze on the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Enhances sweetness with a subtle molasses undertone that deepens the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Introduces a hint of acidity to brighten the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and a savory punch.
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger: Offers a zesty, slightly spicy kick that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce to that perfect glossy consistency.
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry): Helps dissolve the cornstarch before adding to the pan for smooth sauce without lumps.
- Sliced green onions: Fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
- Sesame seeds: Nutty crunch that finishes the dish beautifully, both visually and in texture.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot. While the oil warms, season your chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and let it cook undisturbed at first, allowing it to brown evenly on one side. Flip the pieces and cook through until every bite is tender and golden, about 6 to 8 minutes. This initial sear locks in juices and sets the stage for the sauce to shine.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Teriyaki Sauce
While your chicken is cooking, combine soy sauce, water, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger in a medium bowl. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the sugars dissolve and the mixture looks smooth. This blend forms the heart of your Teriyaki Chicken Recipe, balancing sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy notes all at once.
Step 3: Make the Cornstarch Slurry
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with two tablespoons of water. This slurry is a game changer because it thickens your sauce without clumps, ensuring that luscious glaze clings perfectly to every chicken piece.
Step 4: Combine Sauce and Chicken
Pour your prepared sauce into the skillet with the chicken and stir gently to coat every piece in that vibrant mixture. Then reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes. During this time, the sauce thickens beautifully, transforming into a shiny, sticky covering that makes each bite irresistible.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once your sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer your Teriyaki Chicken to a serving dish, then generously sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. These finishing touches add freshness and a subtle crunch that elevate this classic recipe to the next level.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and sesame seeds are the traditional and highly recommended garnishes for this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. They add a fresh vibrancy and a pleasant nutty texture that perfectly complement the rich, savory sauce. Feel free to add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra flavor boost.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a steaming bowl of jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up every bit of that delicious teriyaki sauce. For some added crunch and nutrition, simple steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers make excellent companions. You can’t go wrong with a side of pickled ginger to cleanse the palate between bites either.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, try serving your Teriyaki Chicken Recipe in lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb option. Alternatively, plating it over a bed of noodles or even inside a warm tortilla as a fusion taco brings a fun, unexpected twist. Garnishing with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can also add new layers of flavor and brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Teriyaki Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce thick and clinging to the chicken makes it just as tasty the next day as fresh.
Freezing
This Teriyaki Chicken Recipe freezes well, especially if you want to meal prep in advance. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep its wonderful flavors for up to 2 months.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from burning. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work beautifully in this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking, while breasts offer a leaner option. Just adjust cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking breasts.
Is there an alternative to soy sauce for a gluten-free version?
Yes, you can substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free. These alternatives maintain the savory umami flavor essential to the dish.
Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
You sure can! Preparing the sauce ahead saves time on busy days. Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week, then whisk it again before adding to the chicken.
How do I get the sauce to the right thickness?
The cornstarch slurry is key here—mixing cornstarch with cold water before adding to the sauce ensures it thickens smoothly. If your sauce isn’t thick enough, simmer a little longer; if too thick, stir in some water to loosen it.
Is this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats wonderfully and the flavors deepen over time. Pack it with rice and veggies for an easy, delicious lunch or dinner all week long.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward steps can yield an incredibly flavorful dish that feels special every time you make it. Whether it’s your first try or a longtime favorite, I can’t wait for you to enjoy that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and gingery goodness. Give it a go—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
A quick and delicious Teriyaki Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a homemade teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. This skillet-cooked dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner and can be served with rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and fully cooked through.
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger in a medium bowl until well combined.
- Make the Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to form a smooth slurry. Stir this into the teriyaki sauce mixture thoroughly to help thicken the sauce later.
- Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer to Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken and sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, transfer the teriyaki chicken to a serving dish, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
- Enjoy: Serve the teriyaki chicken hot, ideally with steamed rice or your favorite cooked vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts based on preference.
- Adjust sweetness by varying honey and brown sugar to your taste.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Make sure to cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
