Craving a delicious, savory meal that tastes even better than takeout? This authentic Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is your answer. It’s incredibly simple to make, packed with flavor, and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. We’re skipping the bottled stuff and making a rich, glossy, homemade teriyaki sauce with just a few pantry staples. Get ready for this to become a new family favorite!
This recipe focuses on simple ingredients and a straightforward method to create that signature sweet and savory glaze everyone loves. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. For another fantastic weeknight meal, try our Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Better Than Takeout: The homemade sauce has a depth of flavor you just can’t get from a bottle.
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this entire dish is ready in less than 30 minutes.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of what you need in your pantry right now.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults! The sweet and savory profile is irresistible.
Key Ingredients for Authentic Flavor
The magic of this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe lies in the sauce. Using fresh, quality ingredients makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need.
For the Chicken
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the star. They stay incredibly juicy and tender.
- Cornstarch: A light coating gives the chicken a slightly crisp exterior and helps thicken the sauce.
- Avocado Oil: A neutral, high-heat oil perfect for searing the chicken. Vegetable or canola oil also work.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the chicken before cooking.
For the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
- Soy Sauce: The savory, umami base of our sauce. Use a low-sodium version if you prefer.
- Mirin: A sweet Japanese rice wine that adds authentic flavor and a beautiful sheen.
- Sake: Adds depth and helps to tenderize the chicken.
- Brown Sugar: Provides the perfect balance of sweetness to the salty soy sauce.
- Fresh Ginger & Garlic: These aromatics are essential for a vibrant, flavorful sauce. Don’t substitute with powders!
How to Make The Best Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering meal. The process is quick, easy, and yields a perfectly glazed chicken every time.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and cut them into 1-inch, bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss the chicken with salt, pepper, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly as the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve your delicious homemade teriyaki chicken immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Glaze
Achieving that perfect, sticky teriyaki glaze is the goal. Here are a few expert tips to ensure success.
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: The light coating on the chicken is crucial for helping the sauce cling and thicken.
- Control the Heat: Once you add the sauce, keep the heat at a steady simmer. If it gets too hot, the sugar can burn.
- Use Fresh Aromatics: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger provide a much brighter, more potent flavor than their dried counterparts.
- Mirin is Key: For that authentic Japanese flavor and glossy finish, mirin is a must-have ingredient.
What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken
This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a classic meal, serve it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans. It’s also fantastic in a Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with edamame, carrots, and avocado. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. If you enjoy this, you might also love our Garlic Butter Steak Bites.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. The sauce will thicken further upon cooling, but will loosen up again when reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the homemade teriyaki sauce can be made up to a week in advance. Just combine all the sauce ingredients and store it in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. Give it a good shake before using.
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well, but it’s leaner and can dry out more easily. To avoid this, cut the breast into slightly larger chunks and be careful not to overcook it. Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
The cornstarch on the chicken and the simmering process should naturally thicken the sauce. If you prefer an even thicker sauce, you can create a slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water. Whisk it into the simmering sauce and cook for another minute until it reaches your desired consistency.
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prep.
If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with dry sherry or marsala wine, adding an extra teaspoon of sugar to replicate its sweetness. For sake, you can use dry white wine, rice wine vinegar, or simply omit it.
Discover More Delicious Recipes
If you loved this easy dinner, be sure to check out some of our other popular recipes! Our Crispy Orange Chicken (coming soon) is another takeout classic made easy, and our Garlic Chicken Noodles are always a huge hit.
We hope you love this simple and authentic Teriyaki Chicken Recipe! It’s a dish that proves homemade can be just as easy—and so much more delicious—than ordering out. If you try it, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. Don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest!
Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Teriyaki Chicken Recipe (Easy & Authentic)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch, bite-sized pieces. Place them in a medium bowl and add the salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Toss well until each piece is lightly coated.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown, crisp, and cooked through. Avoid moving the chicken too much to get a good sear.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. The sauce will thicken and coat the chicken in a beautiful glaze.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with rice and your favorite vegetables.
Notes
Mirin Substitute: If you don't have mirin, you can use dry sherry or marsala wine with an extra teaspoon of sugar.
Make it Spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
