Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Tender, glossy bites of chicken cloaked in a sweet-salty glaze—nothing says “weeknight win” like Easy Teriyaki Chicken. The dish is a picture-perfect balance of flavor and convenience, pairing juicy chicken with a homemade teriyaki sauce that comes together in minutes. Whether you’re craving familiar comfort or introducing a friend to delicious Asian-inspired cooking, this recipe is bound to become a favorite on your regular rotation. It’s soul-satisfying and seriously easy: just one pan and simple pantry staples, but the taste is like a reward for a busy day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Easy Teriyaki Chicken is all in the thoughtfully chosen ingredients—just a handful, each pulling their flavorful weight. You’ll love how each one layers on flavor or brings out that signature glossy finish, making every bite memorable.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: The star of the show—thighs are juicier, but breasts work great if you prefer a lighter bite.
- Vegetable oil: Just a quick drizzle helps brown the chicken and keeps everything from sticking to the skillet.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The essential salty foundation, offering loads of umami without overpowering the dish.
- Honey: Provides the signature sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish, balancing the savory notes.
- Brown sugar: Adds warmth and depth to the sauce, making every bite richer and more complex.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a gentle tang that brightens the sauce and keeps things from feeling too heavy.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for punchy, aromatic flavor in every delicious bite.
- Fresh ginger: Just a teaspoon, but it’s enough to add that unmistakable zesty kick.
- Cornstarch: Mixes with water to give the sauce its luscious, clingy texture—no watery teriyaki here!
- Water: Just a splash to activate the cornstarch slurry for thickening.
- Sesame seeds & chopped green onions: Optional, but irresistibly pretty and another source of crunch and freshness.
How to Make Easy Teriyaki Chicken
Step 1: Mix the Teriyaki Sauce
First things first: grab a bowl and whisk up your homemade teriyaki sauce. Combine the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and fresh ginger. This fragrant, glossy mixture is the heart of Easy Teriyaki Chicken, creating those irresistible flavors you crave. Set the bowl aside while you move on to the chicken.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan in an even layer, and let them get a nice golden sear. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, so each piece browns nicely and cooks through. Juicy, slightly caramelized chicken is what makes this dish so irresistible.
Step 3: Add and Simmer the Sauce
Pour the vibrant teriyaki sauce right over the sizzling chicken. The aroma will have everyone wandering into your kitchen! Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer—this lets the chicken drink up all those sweet, salty, deeply savory notes.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the skillet and let the sauce simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Like magic, the sauce thickens and starts coating the chicken with a shiny, sticky glaze. The transformation is quick but oh-so-satisfying.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the Easy Teriyaki Chicken is glossy and delicious, remove it from the heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor, color, and that final restaurant-style touch. Serve it hot, preferably over a fluffy bowl of steamed rice or a tangle of noodles for the ultimate comforting meal.
How to Serve Easy Teriyaki Chicken
Garnishes
A handful of sesame seeds and a shower of fresh green onions make Easy Teriyaki Chicken extra special—adding crunch, color, and a little pop of freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny drizzle of toasted sesame oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes can amplify the flavors and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
You really can’t go wrong with a steaming bowl of jasmine rice or even brown rice to soak up that amazing teriyaki sauce. Stir-fried or roasted veggies—think broccoli, snap peas, or carrots—add balance and round out your plate beautifully. For noodle lovers, toss your chicken atop soba or lo mein noodles for a slurp-worthy twist!
Creative Ways to Present
Easy Teriyaki Chicken is wonderfully versatile for meal prep bowls, lettuce wraps, or even as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Layer it over a rainbow of vegetables for a fresh grain bowl, or serve it over quinoa for a protein-packed lunch. For appetizers, try threading the cooked chicken onto skewers with veggies—finger food perfection!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Teriyaki Chicken stores like a dream. Pop it into an airtight container and it’ll stay delicious in the fridge for up to four days. The sauce may thicken more as it chills, but a quick stir brings it right back to silky life when reheated.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish! Cool the chicken and sauce completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It keeps well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results; this way, the chicken stays tender and the sauce doesn’t separate.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, just add a splash of water to loosen it up. The microwave also works in a pinch—cover with a damp paper towel for best results.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both cuts work beautifully in Easy Teriyaki Chicken. Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts can offer a leaner choice. Just keep an eye on the cook time to avoid overcooking breast meat.
What can I substitute for honey?
If you’re out of honey or looking for a plant-based option, maple syrup or agave syrup make great substitutes. They’ll deliver a similar sweetness and help achieve that luscious glaze.
Is it gluten-free?
The recipe isn’t gluten-free as written, since soy sauce contains wheat. To make it gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli florets, or even baby bok choy are all wonderful choices. You can sauté them in the same pan before adding the sauce for a one-pan meal packed with color and crunch.
How spicy is Easy Teriyaki Chicken?
The base recipe is mild and family-friendly, but it’s super easy to spice things up. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a swirl of sriracha in the sauce will give it a gentle kick without overpowering the teriyaki flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that’s fast, flavorful, and pleasing for everyone, give Easy Teriyaki Chicken a whirl. It’s everything weeknight dinners should be: cozy, crave-worthy, and sincerely simple. I hope this becomes your new go-to for effortless, delicious homemade comfort!
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Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delicious homemade teriyaki chicken with this easy recipe. Tender chicken pieces cooked in a flavorful teriyaki sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying Asian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Teriyaki Sauce:
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Slurry:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish:
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add Sauce: Pour teriyaki sauce over chicken and simmer. Combine cornstarch and water, stir into skillet, and continue simmering until sauce thickens.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
- This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Maple syrup or agave can be used as substitutes for honey.
- For a spicy variation, add red pepper flakes to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
