Teriyaki Chicken has become a favorite in my kitchen for its delightful flavors and straightforward preparation. This popular Japanese dish encapsulates the essence of Asian cuisine with its rich, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce. Whether you’re preparing a quick weekday dinner or hosting a special occasion, this easy-to-follow recipe will impress your family and friends. With tender chicken thighs marinated in a savory sauce, each bite is a burst of flavor that transports you to Japan. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this delicious dish!
Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken
This Teriyaki Chicken recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore making it:
- Quick preparation: Ready in just 45 minutes!
- Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
- A family-friendly dish that appeals to all ages.
- Can be served over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
- Offers healthy options with a focus on fresh ingredients.
- Features a homemade teriyaki chicken marinade that’s better than store-bought.
This dish represents the best of Japanese Teriyaki Chicken, making it a staple in my home.
Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken
Gather these items:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and green onions (for garnish)
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Marinate the chicken: Whisk together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Add chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Cook the chicken: In a hot skillet, cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from heat and let rest.
- Step 3: Make the teriyaki sauce: Use remaining marinade in the skillet; bring to a boil then simmer. Mix cornstarch with water and whisk into sauce until thickened.
- Step 4: Combine: Slice the cooked chicken and return to skillet with sauce. Toss to coat and serve over warm rice garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Pro Tips for the Best Teriyaki Chicken
Keep these in mind:
- This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Serve it over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar.
- For a smoky flavor, try making grilled teriyaki chicken on the barbecue.
Best Ways to Serve Teriyaki Chicken
Here are some serving suggestions that elevate your meal:
- Serve it over fluffy white or brown rice.
- Pair with steamed vegetables for a healthy meal.
- Try it in a teriyaki chicken stir fry with your favorite veggies.

How to Store and Reheat Teriyaki Chicken
For meal prep, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through. This makes it great for Teriyaki Chicken for Meal Prep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teriyaki Chicken
What’s the secret to perfect Teriyaki Chicken?
The secret lies in the marinade! A good teriyaki chicken marinade enhances the flavor and tenderizes the chicken, ensuring a juicy result every time.
Can I make Teriyaki Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a few hours or even a day in advance. This allows the flavors to develop even more, making it taste even better.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Teriyaki Chicken?
To avoid common mistakes, make sure not to overcook the chicken. Keep an eye on the cooking time, and ensure your skillet is hot enough to achieve a nice sear.
Variations of Teriyaki Chicken You Can Try
Get creative with these variations:
- Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade for some heat.
- Healthy Teriyaki Chicken Options: Use skinless chicken breasts or substitute with tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Teriyaki Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe: Place all ingredients in a slow cooker for an even easier preparation method.
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out Slow Cooker Korean Beef or Creamy Potato Soup. You can also explore Korean BBQ Meatballs for a delightful twist!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken: 5 Steps to Homemade Perfection
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Savor the delectable flavors of Teriyaki Chicken, a delightful Japanese dish that brings the essence of Asian cuisine right to your dining table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Whisk together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Add chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: In a hot skillet, cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from heat and let rest.
- Make the teriyaki sauce: Use remaining marinade in the skillet; bring to a boil then simmer. Mix cornstarch with water and whisk into sauce until thickened.
- Combine: Slice the cooked chicken and return to skillet with sauce. Toss to coat and serve over warm rice garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Serve it over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Teriyaki Chicken, Japanese cuisine, chicken recipe, easy dinner








