Teriyaki Chicken

Name: Teriyaki Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: ½ cup low sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup water; 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar; 2 tablespoons honey (or pure maple syrup); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); Black pepper (to taste); Cooked rice (for serving); Chopped green onions and/or sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Posted on February 10, 2026

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This delightful Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a go-to dish for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Ready in just 30 minutes, it features tender chicken coated in a sweet and tangy homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect for serving over rice or with stir-fried vegetables, this meal is sure to impress your family and friends with its vibrant flavors and quick preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: You can whip up this dish in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Flavorful Sauce: A homemade teriyaki sauce combines sweet and savory elements that elevate the chicken.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, noodles, or a variety of vegetables for a complete meal.
Family-Friendly: The mild flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it a favorite at the dinner table.
Healthy Ingredients: This dish uses wholesome ingredients that are low in sodium without compromising on taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, ensure you have the right tools handy. These kitchen essentials will help you prepare the Teriyaki Chicken with ease.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Large skillet
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Knife

Why These Tools Matter

Large skillet: Provides plenty of space to cook the chicken evenly while allowing for easy stirring.
Whisk: Ensures that your sauce ingredients blend together smoothly for a consistent flavor.
Measuring cups and spoons: Help maintain accuracy in your ingredient quantities, essential for achieving the perfect taste.

Ingredients

This family favorite Teriyaki Chicken is ready in 30 minutes (or less!). Tender bites of chicken are coated in a sweet and tangy homemade teriyaki sauce. Serve it with rice and broccoli or stir fried veggies.

Ingredients:
– ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
– ¼ cup water
– 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey (or pure maple syrup)
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (avocado oil or canola oil)
– 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces)
– black pepper (to taste)
– cooked rice (for serving)
– chopped green onions and/or sesame seeds (optional, for serving)

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1. ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
2. ¼ cup water
3. 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
4. 2 tablespoons honey (or pure maple syrup)
5. 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
6. 1 teaspoon sesame oil
7. 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
8. 3 cloves garlic (minced)
9. 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Whisk until well combined.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and season with black pepper to taste.
* Let the chicken brown on one side for about 3–4 minutes.
* Flip the pieces and continue cooking, stirring occasionally until fully cooked through, about 7–10 minutes total depending on size.

Step 3: Add Sauce to Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, whisk the teriyaki sauce again to ensure it’s well mixed before pouring it into the pan with the chicken.
Cook while stirring for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 4: Serve Your Dish

Serve your delicious Teriyaki Chicken over warm cooked rice and top with optional chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation! Enjoy this delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki Chicken is a delightful dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner, these suggestions will elevate your meal.

With Rice

Steamed White Rice: Fluffy and neutral, it absorbs the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
Brown Rice: A healthier alternative that adds a nutty flavor.
Fried Rice: Adds a savory twist with vegetables and eggs.

With Vegetables

Stir-Fried Broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli complements the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
Sautéed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers add crunch and vibrancy to the plate.
Roasted Asparagus: The earthy flavor of asparagus balances the dish perfectly.

With Garnishes

Chopped Green Onions: Fresh and mild, they add a pop of color and flavor.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a delightful crunch.

How to Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

Perfecting Teriyaki Chicken is all about balancing flavors and achieving the right texture. Here are some key tips for making this dish shine.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the overall taste significantly.
Marinate the Chicken: Allowing your chicken to marinate in the sauce for at least 30 minutes deepens the flavors.
Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can tweak the amount of honey or brown sugar in the sauce.
Control Heat: Cooking on medium-high heat ensures the chicken gets nicely browned without burning.
Thicken Sauce Properly: Allow the sauce to simmer until it coats the chicken well; this enhances both flavor and presentation.
Serve Immediately: For best texture, serve your teriyaki chicken right after cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Teriyaki Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Teriyaki Chicken can transform your meal into an unforgettable feast. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors perfectly.

Steamed Edamame: Lightly salted edamame beans provide a fresh and nutritious side.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with vinegar dressing can balance out the sweetness of teriyaki.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers umami notes that harmonize well with chicken.
Vegetable Tempura: Crispy vegetable tempura brings texture and crunch to your plate.
Noodle Salad: Cold noodle salad tossed in sesame dressing adds another layer of flavor.
Pickled Ginger: This tangy condiment cleanses the palate between bites, enhancing your dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Teriyaki Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.

Using regular soy sauce – Regular soy sauce can overpower the dish. Opt for low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
Skipping marination – Not allowing the chicken to soak in the sauce can result in bland flavor. Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes for enhanced taste.
Overcooking the chicken – Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Monitor cooking time closely, as chicken thighs take longer than breasts.
Not whisking the sauce – Failing to whisk the sauce before adding it can lead to uneven thickness. Always give it a good stir to ensure even consistency.
Ignoring garnishes – Missing out on toppings like green onions and sesame seeds can reduce visual appeal and flavor. Don’t skip these simple additions!

Refrigerator Storage

Store Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Allow it to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Teriyaki Chicken

Place cooled Teriyaki Chicken in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Teriyaki Chicken

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently until heated through.
Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Teriyaki Chicken?

Teriyaki Chicken is a popular Japanese dish that features tender chicken coated in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, honey, and ginger.

How can I customize my Teriyaki Chicken?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas during cooking or serve with different side dishes such as quinoa or cauliflower rice.

Can I use different meats for Teriyaki?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses chicken, you can easily substitute with beef, turkey, or lamb depending on your preference.

Is Teriyaki Chicken healthy?

Yes! Using lean cuts of chicken and low sodium soy sauce makes this dish a healthier option while still being delicious.

What should I serve with Teriyaki Chicken?

Pair it with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad to complement the flavors of the dish perfectly.

Conclusion

This Teriyaki Chicken recipe is not only quick and easy but also versatile and full of flavor. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or side dishes. Enjoy this family favorite that’s sure to please everyone at the table!