Are you craving something savory, sweet, and entirely satisfying? If so, you’ve come to the right place! This How To Make Teriyaki Chicken recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also delivers bold flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to a bustling Asian market. With a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce that outshines any store-bought version, this dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or a family-friendly meal that everyone will love.

The beauty of teriyaki chicken lies in its simplicity, yet the depth of flavor is remarkable, making it a go-to dish for many families. You can enjoy it on its own, or paired with rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables for a complete meal. Plus, the quick cooking method means that you can have this delicious dish ready in no time, making it a favorite in many households.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick prep and cook time, making it ideal for busy nights, allowing you to whip up a flavorful meal in under an hour. Even after a long day, you can indulge in a gourmet experience at home!
• Homemade teriyaki sauce ensures fresh, savory teriyaki flavors that are richer and more vibrant than anything you can buy in a bottle. The balance of sweet and savory is just perfect for your palate.
• Versatile dish that can be served with various sides, including steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, or even in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option. You can even use the chicken in sandwiches or salads for a unique twist.
• Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd, as it scales well and can be made in larger quantities without losing flavor. It’s a fantastic choice for potlucks or family gatherings!
• Family-friendly and sure to please picky eaters! The sweetness of the sauce combined with tender chicken makes it appealing even to the youngest members of your family. Watching them enjoy this dish can be a delightful reward for your cooking efforts.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious teriyaki chicken recipe:

For the Chicken

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts – You can also use thighs if you prefer a juicier option.

For the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred, as this helps control the saltiness of the dish; this is especially important for those watching their sodium intake)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (dark brown sugar can add a deeper flavor; feel free to adjust the sweetness to your taste)
• 1/4 cup honey (for a natural sweetness that complements the soy sauce; maple syrup can be a substitute for a different flavor profile)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (adds a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness; you can use apple cider vinegar in a pinch)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (brings a nutty aroma to the sauce; using toasted sesame oil will enhance that flavor even more)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic enhances the dish with a robust flavor; pre-minced garlic can be used, but fresh is always best)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (adds a spicy kick and depth to the sauce; you can use ground ginger if fresh isn’t available, but the flavor will differ)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, optional – this gives the sauce a glossy finish; be sure to dissolve it well to avoid lumps)
• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry, optional, to help it blend smoothly; this step is crucial for a perfect consistency)

Toppings (optional)

• Sesame seeds (for garnish; they add a nice crunch and visual appeal; consider toasting them lightly for extra flavor)
• Chopped green onions (for a fresh, vibrant touch and additional flavor; using both the green and white parts adds visual interest)

Note: For a gluten-free option, you can substitute soy sauce with tamari. Check out our related guide for more tips on ingredient swaps and enhancements that can elevate this dish even further, such as using fresh herbs or citrus for added brightness.

Steps / Instructions

Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally to ensure even mixing and to prevent burning. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating that signature teriyaki taste you crave.

Thicken the Sauce (optional): If you want a thicker sauce, combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Once the sauce is simmering, whisk in the slurry and cook until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes). Keep an eye on it while cooking; you want it to be syrupy but not overly thick. Remove from heat and set aside, allowing it to cool slightly for easier handling later.

Prepare the Chicken: While the sauce is cooling, slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and maximizes flavor absorption, allowing the chicken to soak in the sauce when marinated. If you prefer, you can also cut the chicken into strips for quicker cooking.

Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large bowl or a resealable bag. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, reserving the other half for later. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will be! Remember, marinating is a key step that really enhances the dish.

Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil if desired, then add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized on the edges. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This step is important to achieve that desired golden-brown color and depth of flavor that makes the dish truly irresistible.

Add the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, pour the reserved teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and heat through for an additional 1-2 minutes. This step allows the chicken to soak up more flavor from the sauce, making every bite delicious and ensuring that each piece is generously covered.

Serve: Transfer the teriyaki chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as fluffy white rice, steamed broccoli, or a crisp salad, making your meal complete.

Tips & Tricks

• Marination: For the most flavorful chicken, aim to marinate the chicken for a few hours, or even overnight if your schedule allows. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. Always refrigerate while marinating to ensure food safety and to keep the chicken fresh.
• Cooking Method: This recipe is also great for grilling! Just follow the same marinating process, then grill the chicken over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Grilling adds a delightful smoky flavor that complements the teriyaki sauce beautifully, making it an excellent choice for summer barbecues.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. When reheating, add a splash of water or additional sauce to keep the chicken moist and flavorful, bringing back that just-made freshness.
• Meal Prep: This teriyaki chicken works wonderfully for meal prep. Pair it with brown rice and steamed vegetables for a balanced meal ready to go! Portion it out into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches, ensuring you have nutritious, delicious meals throughout the week.
• Common Mistakes: Avoid overcooking the chicken, which can lead to dryness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s perfectly cooked. If you find your chicken is dry, consider reducing the cooking time slightly next time or adjusting the heat to cook more gently, preserving the juicy texture you desire.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned how to make teriyaki chicken, you can bring the flavors of a delicious Asian-inspired dish right to your dining table. This easy teriyaki chicken recipe is bound to become a staple in your household, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests! Don’t forget to share your experience or any variations you tried in the comments below! Your feedback could inspire someone else to try this delightful dish, and together we can create a community of passionate home cooks.

Ready to enjoy your homemade teriyaki chicken? Try it out today and let us know how it turned out! If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out our Easy Oven Baked Teriyaki Chicken for another delightful twist on this classic dish. Happy cooking! We can’t wait to hear how your meal turned out and what you’ll pair with your delicious teriyaki chicken! Be sure to take pictures and share them on social media; we love seeing your culinary creations!

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How To Make Teriyaki Chicken

Recipe by Chef

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: Asian Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 4 +

⏱️

Prep Time

30 min

🍳

Cook Time

10 min

🔥

Calories

400 kcal

This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also delivers bold flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to a bustling Asian market. With a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce that outshines any store-bought version, this dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or a family-friendly meal that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry, optional)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
• Chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1.

In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.

2.

If you want a thicker sauce, combine cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Whisk in the slurry once the sauce is simmering and cook until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.

3.

Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

4.

Place the chicken in a large bowl or resealable bag. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

5.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes until cooked through and caramelized.

6.

Pour the reserved teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken and stir to coat evenly. Heat through for an additional 1-2 minutes.

7.

Transfer the teriyaki chicken to a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 400 kcal