easy teriyaki chicken recipe

The Best easy teriyaki chicken recipe

I’ve been making this easy teriyaki chicken recipe for years, and it’s one of those dishes that just never gets old. It’s quick, flavorful, and always a hit with my family—especially the kids, who ask for it at least once a week. The best part? It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile—you can serve it over rice, in a wrap, or even on a salad if you’re looking for a lighter option.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple the ingredients are, yet the flavor is anything but boring. The homemade teriyaki sauce is a game-changer because it’s less processed than store-bought versions, and you can control the sweetness and saltiness to your liking. It’s also a great way to get some protein into your family’s diet without a lot of extra fat or calories. The chicken stays juicy and tender, and the sauce caramelizes just enough to give it that restaurant-quality taste without the takeout price tag. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this teriyaki chicken is a reliable go-to that never disappoints.

Easy Teriyaki Chicken

4.9 from 715 votes

A quick and flavorful teriyaki chicken recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. The sweet and savory sauce pairs beautifully with steamed rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

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Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time20 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time30 mins

Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Teriyaki Sauce

• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp cold water

For Serving (Optional)

• Steamed rice
• Steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables
• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1 In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. 2 In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. 3 Pour in the soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and honey. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. 4 In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the skillet while stirring continuously. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. 5 Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the teriyaki sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has glazed the chicken.
6. 6 Remove from heat and let it rest for a minute. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice and vegetables.

🔧Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 125mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 18g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: For a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch slurry. To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.

This easy teriyaki chicken recipe is a no-brainer for busy weeknights or weekend family gatherings because it’s quick, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. The simple ingredients come together in minutes, and the sweet-savory glaze makes it a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, this dish delivers big taste with minimal effort—exactly what you need when you want something reliable and delicious.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Teriyaki Chicken

1. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce instead of making it from scratch?

Yes, you can! Store-bought teriyaki sauce works well for convenience. However, homemade sauce often has a fresher, less sweet taste. If using store-bought, check the sodium content and adjust seasoning accordingly.

2. What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this recipe?

For tender, juicy chicken, pan-searing is ideal. Cook boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until golden. Alternatively, you can bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or grill for a smoky flavor.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cook the chicken and sauce separately, then store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid freezing the sauce, as it can separate.

4. What sides pair well with teriyaki chicken?

Steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles are classic choices. For a lighter option, serve with stir-fried vegetables, a fresh cucumber salad, or roasted broccoli. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor.

5. How do I thicken the teriyaki sauce if it’s too runny?

Simmer the sauce over low heat for 2-3 minutes to reduce it. For a quicker fix, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, stir into the sauce, and cook until thickened. Avoid overcooking to prevent a gluey texture.