Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe for Quick, Delicious Meals

It’s kinda crazy how you can throw together teriyaki chicken in like 30 minutes and still impress your friends. Its sweet and salty sauce turns boring chicken into something that tastes way fancier than it is. Lots of people add it to their weekly meal plan cause you dont need a bunch of fancy ingredients and cleanup is easy. On a hectic school night this dish comes in clutch as a quick and tasty win.

Cooking Asian food at home is becoming a big trend, and theres a good reason. Most grocery stores carry soy sauce and ginger now, so you dont need to hunt around. Also, homemade meals are usually healthier since you know exactly whats in them. Plus, you can adjust the sauce to hit your own taste, which is awesome. Teriyaki chicken makes that super easy.

This article will take you through making easy teriyaki chicken step by step. Youll find out what gives the sauce its signature kick, get simple cooking directions, and pick up tips on choosing the best ingrediants. By the end, youll be all set to cook up a delicious teriyaki chicken dinner youll wanna make again.

What is Teriyaki Chicken?

Teriyaki chicken is a Japanese dish known for its glossy, sweet-savory sauce that clings to every bite. The name “teriyaki” actually comes from two Japanese words: “teri,” meaning glaze, and “yaki,” meaning to grill or broil. Normally, you marinate chicken in a mix of soy sauce, mirin or sake, and sugar, then cook it till its done while brushing on more sauce. Since then, people everywhere have added their own twists.

Beyond the classic version, you might see modern takes with extra veggies or served in rice bowls. No matter how you serve it, the shining reason we love teriyaki chicken is that sticky sauce that makes every bite pop.

Here are the usual ingrediants for a basic teriyaki sauce:

• Soy Sauce: gives salty, umami flavor.
• Mirin or Sake: rice wines that add sweetness and depth.
• Sugar: brown or white sugar that balances saltiness.
• Ginger and Garlic: add a warm aroma and extra taste.

Why Choose Easy Teriyaki Chicken?

Picking a simple teriyaki chicken recipe is a game changer when youre low on time. It finishes in under 30 minutes, which is perfect for busy weeknights. And since its cooked in one pan, cleanup is a breeze and you dont have to deal with piles of dishes.

Making it at home also means you control every ingredient. No weird preservatives or extra junk like some store-bought sauces. You can pack in fresh veggies and lean chicken, so its healthier too.

Another cool thing is you can tweak the flavor any way you want. Want it sweeter? Add more honey or brown sugar. Need a little heat? Toss in some chili flakes. Its a recipe anyone can adjust so everyones happy.

Ingredients for Easy Teriyaki Chicken

Heres what youll need:

• Chicken: boneless, skinless breasts or thighs. Thighs stay more juicy, breasts are leaner.
• Teriyaki Sauce: grab store-bought for speed, or make your own if you got time.
• Vegetable or Sesame Oil: for cooking and a touch of flavor.
• Cornstarch: optional, to thicken the sauce if you like it sticky.
• Water: to mix with cornstarch if you decide to use it.
• Garnishes: sesame seeds and sliced green onions to make it look pro.

Try to pick fresh chicken thats not too expensive but looks plump and pink. If you plan to mix your own sauce, a decent soy sauce makes a big difference.

Add some fresh veggies on the side, like broccoli or snap peas, to make the meal more colorful and healthier.

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Preparation Time

Total time is about 30 minutes, so its perfect when you got a packed schedule.

Ingredients List

• 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable or sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
• 1 tablespoon water (optional)
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Directions

1. Marinate (10 minutes):

   Put the chicken in a bowl with ½ cup of the sauce. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes, or up to an hour if you got time so it soaks up more flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken (15 minutes):

   Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (save the liquid!). Cook chicken 4–5 minutes on each side until it has a nice brown color and is cooked through (165°F inside). You can grill it for a smoky vibe if you want.

3. Make the Sauce (10 minutes):

   In the same pan, pour in the saved marinade and the rest of your sauce. If you want it thicker, first whisk cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir it into the pan. Keep stirring so it dont lump until it thickens. Spoon sauce over the chicken.

4. Serve (5 minutes):

   Slice the chicken and serve it over rice or with veggies. Sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top, then dive in.

Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

• Marinating: use a glass or ceramic bowl so the sauce dont react with the container.
• Flavor balance: always taste the sauce before serving. Add a bit of honey or vinegar if its too salty or too sweet.
• Storage: leftovers last in the fridge about 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of water so it dont dry out.

Variations of Teriyaki Chicken

• Other Proteins: swap chicken for tofu, salmon, or shrimp for a different but still awesome teriyaki twist.
• Veggies: add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas while cooking to pack in more color and nutrients.
• Different Sauces: try mixing a bit of miso or peanut butter into the sauce for a fun variation.

Meal Prep and Leftovers

• Meal Prep: cook a big batch on the weekend and portion it out for lunches or quick dinners.
• Storing Leftovers: keep in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat with a bit of water in the microwave or skillet.
• Repurposing: use leftover chicken in salads, wraps, or grain bowls to keep it fresh.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking: keep an eye on it or use a thermometer so it dont get dry.
• Wrong Seasoning: taste and tweak the sauce before coating the chicken.
• Skipping Marinate: dont skip it—just 10 minutes makes a huge difference.

FAQs

1. Best Cut?

   Thighs stay juicier and are easier to cook, but breasts are a good pick if you want leaner meat.

2. Store-Bought Sauce?

   You can totally use it to save time, just check the label for stuff you dont want.

3. Make Sauce from Scratch?

   Mix soy sauce, mirin, sugar, ginger, and garlic in a pan. Simmer till sugar dissolves. Thicken with cornstarch if you like.

4. Gluten-Free?

   Swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to go gluten-free.

5. Slow Cooker?

   Yes, just add marinated chicken and sauce, cook on low for 4–6 hours for extra tender chicken.

Conclusion

Now you see how simple it is to make teriyaki chicken at home. Its quick, customizable, and tastes way better than takeout. Try it out and let us know what tweaks you did or how it turned out!

Pin

Easy Teriyaki Chicken

This Easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, cooked to perfection, and served over rice or with vegetables. It takes 10 minutes to prep, 15 minutes to cook, and serves 4, with approximately 350 calories per serving.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Japanese

Servings 4 persons

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• 1 mixing bowl
• 1 whisk
• 1 skillet or frying pan
• 1 measuring cups and spoons
• 1 cooking tongs
• 1 serving plate

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless For a healthier option, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs.
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds Optional for garnish.
• chopped green onions Optional for garnish.

Instructions

 

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until combined. This is your teriyaki marinade.
• Place the chicken thighs in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and allow to marinate for about 15 minutes at room temperature.
• Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs (reserve the marinade for later).
• Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and browned, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• While the chicken is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this to the saucepan and bring the marinade to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
• Once the chicken is cooked, pour the thickened sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Remove from heat and transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately with rice or vegetables.

Notes

For a healthier option, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs.

Serve with steamed broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.

The marinade can also be used for grilled chicken or even fish.