Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken is a classic Japanese-inspired dish featuring tender, juicy chicken coated in a glossy, flavorful glaze made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sweet mirin or honey. It’s quick, easy, and versatile—perfect served over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps. A favorite for both weeknights and meal prep, this dish delivers bold, satisfying flavor with minimal effort.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
soy sauce
mirin or honey
brown sugar
garlic (minced)
ginger (grated or minced)
cornstarch + water (optional, for thickening)
sesame oil (optional)
green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
cooked rice (for serving)

directions

In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin or honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil.

Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.

Pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened. Add a cornstarch slurry if needed.

Return sliced chicken to the pan and toss in the sauce until coated.

Drizzle with sesame oil and top with green onions and sesame seeds.

Serve hot over steamed rice or with stir-fried vegetables.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use tofu or salmon for a meatless or seafood version.
Add vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers.
Swap mirin for pineapple juice for a fruitier twist.
Spice it up with red pepper flakes or sriracha.
Serve in a rice bowl or wrap in lettuce for a low-carb option.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months—thaw before reheating.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Thighs are juicier, but breasts work great for a leaner option.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, but homemade offers better flavor and control over sweetness and salt.

Is teriyaki sauce supposed to be thick?
It should be glossy and slightly thick—use cornstarch if you want it thicker.

Can I marinate the chicken?
Yes, marinate for 30 minutes to a few hours for deeper flavor.

Is this dish sweet or savory?
It’s a balanced mix of sweet, salty, and umami with a garlicky kick.

Can I bake the chicken?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then brush with sauce and broil.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, add chicken and sauce, cook on low for 4–5 hours, then thicken the sauce.

Does this recipe freeze well?
Yes, freeze in portions and reheat as needed for easy meals.

Can I add pineapple?
Yes, pineapple chunks add sweetness and go well with teriyaki flavors.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that’s quick to prepare and endlessly versatile. With its sticky, savory-sweet sauce and tender meat, it’s the perfect go-to for busy nights or whenever you’re craving comfort with an Asian twist. Serve it fresh and hot—you’ll want to make it again and again.