If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with sweet, savory, and just the right amount of tang, look no further than this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of tender chicken pieces drenched in a glossy, homemade teriyaki sauce that’s quick to whip up on any busy weeknight. Whether you’re new to Asian-inspired cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors that will keep you coming back for more, making it a go-to favorite to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret behind this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe’s incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays its part: the chicken delivers juicy protein, the soy sauce and honey create that classic teriyaki glaze, and the garlic and ginger add a warm, aromatic punch.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Opt for thighs if you want extra juiciness; breasts work well too for a leaner bite.
- Olive oil: It’s perfect for sautéing the chicken to a golden brown without overpowering the flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the chicken’s natural taste.
- Soy sauce: The heart of the teriyaki sauce, providing that rich umami depth.
- Water: Used to balance the sauce and dissolve the sugars evenly.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and beautiful glaze to the chicken.
- Brown sugar: Enhances the caramelization and complexity of the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: A splash to brighten and balance the sauce’s sweetness.
- Minced garlic: Infuses a delightful, robust flavor into every bite.
- Minced ginger: Offers a fresh, zesty note that complements the garlic.
- Cornstarch: The magic thickener that helps the sauce cling to the chicken.
- Sliced green onions: Perfect for a fresh, subtle crunch as garnish.
- Sesame seeds: These add a nutty finish and a little visual sparkle.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot skillet. This step is all about creating that irresistible golden crust that locks in the juices. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Teriyaki Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, it’s time to prepare the sauce—the soul of this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. This combination perfectly marries sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will make your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry. Adding this to your sauce mixture will give it that glossy, thick consistency that clings to every piece of chicken. Pour the slurry into the sauce mixture and stir well to incorporate.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Once your chicken is cooked, pour the teriyaki sauce into the same skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly, making sure each piece gets bathed in that luscious sauce. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken further and absorb into the chicken, making every bite juicy and flavorful.
Step 5: Final Touches
Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer your Teriyaki Chicken Recipe to a serving dish. For a beautiful presentation and a taste boost, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds generously over the top. The colors and textures create a mouthwatering finish.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds add freshness and a mild crunch that elevate the look and flavor of your Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. They bring that authentic touch and a pop of color that makes the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Serving this Teriyaki Chicken with steamed white rice or fluffy jasmine rice is a classic pairing you can’t go wrong with—it soaks up the sauce perfectly. For a balanced meal, pair it with stir-fried vegetables or a crisp Asian cucumber salad for some delightful contrast in texture and taste.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Try serving your Teriyaki Chicken Recipe wrapped in lettuce cups for a refreshing, hands-on meal. You can also pile it over a bed of noodles or quinoa for a nutritious twist or even make burrito-style bowls with avocado, shredded carrots, and pickled ginger for exciting fusion vibes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Teriyaki Chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce stays flavorful, and the chicken remains tender. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe later, freezing is a great option. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to redistribute the sauce evenly. You can also use a microwave, covering the dish to keep moisture in, heating in short intervals until warm throughout.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work well in this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Thighs lend more juiciness and flavor, while breasts are leaner but still delicious when cooked properly.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Yes, tofu or tempeh can be excellent substitutes. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then marinate and cook it just like the chicken to enjoy a meat-free version of the dish.
Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. This can help speed up your cooking process when you’re ready to make the chicken.
What’s the difference between teriyaki sauce and soy sauce?
Teriyaki sauce is a flavorful blend that includes soy sauce along with sweeteners like honey and sugar, plus aromatics like garlic and ginger, making it thicker and richer than soy sauce alone.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce to ensure the Teriyaki Chicken Recipe fits your dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward steps come together to create something truly special. It’s warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor—a real hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with those you love, because good food always tastes better when it’s shared.
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Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful Teriyaki Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a homemade teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish offers a savory-sweet glaze that pairs well with rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Prepare the teriyaki sauce: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon minced ginger in a medium bowl.
- Make cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and mix until smooth to create a slurry which will help thicken the sauce.
- Add slurry to sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the teriyaki sauce mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Combine sauce and chicken: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer to thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken and sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the teriyaki chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot, ideally with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables.
Notes
- You can use chicken breasts or thighs; thighs tend to be more flavorful and stay juicier.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey and brown sugar according to your taste.
- Ensure the cornstarch slurry is well mixed to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
