Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly glazed—this Easy Chicken Teriyaki is a go-to recipe for busy weeknights! A simple homemade marinade makes this dish rich, savory, and slightly sweet, just like your favorite takeout but even better.
I have to admit—I’m a huge fan of chicken teriyaki. The combination of tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, umami-packed sauce is just irresistible. And the best part? You don’t need a long list of ingredients or fancy cooking skills to make it at home!
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, an easy meal prep option, or even an impressive dish for guests. With a simple marinade that infuses the chicken with deep teriyaki flavor, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.
And let’s talk about that glaze—thick, glossy, and packed with sweet-savory goodness. If you love teriyaki chicken, you’re in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Once you try this homemade Chicken Teriyaki, you’ll never need store-bought sauces again! Here’s why this dish is a must-make:
1. Quick & Easy 🕒
- Uses simple pantry ingredients—no hard-to-find specialty items.
- Takes just 10 minutes of prep time before the marinade works its magic.
- Cooks in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
2. Packed with Flavor 🍗
- The marinade infuses the chicken with deep, rich teriyaki goodness.
- A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors.
- The thick glaze clings to the chicken, making every bite deliciously sticky and juicy.
3. Healthier Than Takeout 🍱
- No added preservatives or excess sugar—just wholesome ingredients.
- You control the salt, sugar, and oil, making it as light or indulgent as you like.
- Serve it with steamed veggies and rice for a balanced meal.
4. Versatile & Customizable 🌟
- Works with chicken thighs, breasts, or even tofu!
- Can be grilled, pan-seared, or baked, depending on your preference.
- Adjust the sweetness and saltiness to suit your taste.
Cooking Time
- 🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 🍳 Cook Time: 20 minutes
- ⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes
🔪 Tools & Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl – for marinating the chicken
- Measuring cups & spoons – to get the perfect sauce balance
- Large skillet or wok – for cooking the chicken evenly
- Tongs or spatula – to flip and coat the chicken in sauce
- Small saucepan – to thicken the teriyaki glaze
- Whisk – for mixing the sauce ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into making this delicious Chicken Teriyaki, let’s get everything ready!
- 1/3 cup soy sauce – Use low-sodium if preferred.
- 1/4 cup honey – Gives the sauce its signature sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar – Deepens the caramelized flavor.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar – Adds a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil – For a nutty depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic makes all the difference!
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger – Adds warmth and authentic teriyaki taste.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water – To thicken the sauce into a glossy glaze.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) – Thighs stay extra juicy!
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a touch of seasoning.
- Sesame seeds – For a nutty crunch.
- Sliced green onions – Adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Easy Chicken Teriyaki?
This chicken teriyaki recipe is so simple! Just marinate, cook, and glaze for a delicious, foolproof meal.
1. Marinate the Chicken (10 Minutes or More) 🍗
A great teriyaki starts with a flavorful marinade!
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Place the chicken thighs in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour in half of the marinade.
- Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 10 minutes (or up to 24 hours for extra flavor!).
- Set aside the remaining half of the marinade—this will become your teriyaki sauce.
2. Cook the Chicken (10 Minutes) 🔥
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels (this helps it sear better).
- Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest while you make the glaze.
3. Make the Teriyaki Glaze (5 Minutes) 🍯
- Pour the remaining marinade into the pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until thick and glossy.
4. Glaze & Serve (5 Minutes) 🍽️
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the pan.
- Toss to coat evenly in the thick teriyaki sauce.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for the perfect finishing touch.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or veggies for a complete meal!
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Calcium: 2% of the daily value
- Iron: 6% of the daily value
Tips for the Best Chicken Teriyaki
- Thighs stay tender and flavorful, while breasts can dry out faster.
- If using breasts, pound them to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Even 10-15 minutes of marinating makes a big difference.
- For maximum flavor, marinate for 4-24 hours.
- Like it sweeter? Add more honey or brown sugar.
- Need it less salty? Use low-sodium soy sauce or dilute with water.
- The cornstarch slurry is key for a glossy, thick teriyaki glaze.
- If it gets too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
Variations & Customizations
Want to put your own spin on this Chicken Teriyaki? Try these easy swaps and add-ins!
1. Make It Spicy 🌶️
- Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Mix in a dash of chili oil for extra heat.
2. Make It a Meal 🍱
- Serve over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
- Add stir-fried broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
3. Grill It for Extra Char 🍢
- Cook the chicken on a grill or grill pan for a smoky flavor.
- Baste with extra sauce while grilling for caramelized edges.
Storage & Reheating Tips
How to Store Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals until warm.
This Easy Chicken Teriyaki is simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights! Try it once, and it’ll become a family favorite. 😍🍛
Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade Recipe
This Easy Chicken Teriyaki features juicy chicken coated in a rich, flavorful homemade teriyaki marinade. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this dish pairs beautifully with rice and steamed vegetables.
Servings: 4
Calories: 320kcal
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch optional, for thickening
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
✔ Make the Marinade
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until combined.
✔ Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).
✔ Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and sear for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked.
✔ Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
- Pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Stir in 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water and simmer until thickened.
✔ Serve & Garnish
- Slice the chicken, drizzle with teriyaki sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with steamed rice and veggies.
Notes
- For Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: Grill over medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side.
- For Baked Teriyaki Chicken: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes.
- Make it a Meal: Serve with broccoli, carrots, or stir-fried veggies for a balanced plate.
- Storage: Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
