Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with your new weeknight favorite! This Teriyaki Chicken Recipe combines juicy, golden-browned chicken pieces coated in a glossy, savory-sweet homemade sauce. With a perfect balance of bold ginger, aromatic garlic, and a touch of honey, it transforms simple ingredients into a comforting dish that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself, this recipe will have you skipping the takeout menu for good.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe plays a key role, bringing maximum flavor with minimal effort. The beauty is in the harmony of pantry staples and a few finishing touches that ensure every bite delivers irresistible taste and texture.

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless pieces for faster cooking and maximum tenderness.
• Soy sauce: Delivers salty depth and that iconic umami punch essential to teriyaki flavor.
• Honey or brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the sauce achieve its trademark glossy finish.
• Rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): Brightens up the sauce with a mild tang, balancing the sweetness.
• Water: Helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
• Fresh ginger, minced: Infuses the sauce with a warm, zesty kick—fresh is best here!
• Garlic, minced: Enhances the base flavors and brings out a savory aroma.
• Cornstarch mixed with water: Thickens the sauce so it clings lovingly to every piece of chicken.
• Vegetable oil: Used for sautéing, ensuring the chicken turns beautifully golden and juicy.
• Salt and pepper: For that essential layer of seasoning before cooking begins.
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions: Classic garnishes that add crunch and color to finish the dish.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Make the Sauce

Start things off by combining the soy sauce, sweetener of choice (honey or brown sugar), rice vinegar, water, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. This liquid gold is your homemade teriyaki sauce, perfectly layered with savory, sweet, gingery flavors. Give it a quick stir until everything is dissolved and evenly blended—this ensures every bite of chicken gets the full teriyaki treatment.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it warms, sprinkle your chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper. Once the oil shimmers, slide the chicken in, arranging in a single layer so each piece gets a chance to brown. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, flipping once, until the chicken is cooked through and golden on the edges. This simple browning step builds delicious flavor and locks in juiciness.

Step 3: Add the Teriyaki Sauce

Once the chicken is ready, pour your prepared sauce straight into the pan. The aroma as it hits the heat is absolutely mouthwatering! Stir everything together so the chicken is fully coated in that glossy, flavorful sauce.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Turn the heat down to low and whisk up your cornstarch slurry (just cornstarch mixed with water). Pour it into the skillet, stirring well. In just a couple of minutes, you’ll notice the sauce thickening to the perfect clingy, shiny consistency. Let it bubble gently until every piece of chicken is beautifully glazed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat, and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top. Serve the Teriyaki Chicken Recipe hot, spooned over fluffy rice or bouncy noodles. The finishing touches not only add color but make the dish restaurant-worthy!

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

No Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is complete without a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions—these simple garnishes add a nutty crunch and a pop of color. If you really want to impress, a few julienned carrots or a scatter of red chili slices can bring both flair and flavor to your plate.

Side Dishes

This dish shines brightest alongside the classics: think steamed white jasmine or sushi rice. For a lighter twist, try it with cauliflower rice or spooned over stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or broccoli. Don’t be afraid to offer a simple green salad dressed with Asian vinaigrette to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your friends or family, turn this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe into an elegant rice bowl layered with pickled veggies and edamame, or skewer the chicken pieces and grill for a fun party appetizer. It also makes a fantastic filling for bao buns or lettuce wraps—perfect for a hands-on dinner experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The beauty of this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is that it stores like a dream. Place any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate—it’ll stay fresh for up to three days. This means quick, delicious lunches are only a microwave zap away!

Freezing

If you find yourself with extras (lucky you!), let the chicken cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers. The flavor holds up nicely, so you can freeze it for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge, and you’re halfway to dinner without any fuss.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your teriyaki chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce looks thick. The microwave works too—just cover loosely to prevent splattering. Either way, your chicken will bounce right back to that glossy, saucy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work beautifully in this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier, but breasts offer a leaner option—just be sure not to overcook them for maximum tenderness.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all you need to do is swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos. All the other ingredients in this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe are naturally gluten-free.

What can I use instead of rice vinegar?

If you’re out of rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a great substitute. It lends a similar tang and brightness to the sauce while keeping the signature teriyaki flavor intact.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Certainly! You can mix up the sauce for this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe up to three days in advance and keep it refrigerated in a jar. It’s a smart move for busy nights—you’ll just need to give it a quick stir before using.

How do I get an extra-thick, sticky teriyaki sauce?

The secret is the cornstarch slurry—if you prefer a thicker sauce, simply let it simmer for an extra minute or two, watching carefully so it doesn’t go past the glossy stage. That way, your Teriyaki Chicken Recipe will be as sticky and irresistible as your favorite takeout version.

Final Thoughts

With its irresistible sweet-salty glaze and unbeatable weeknight simplicity, this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is a must-try for any home cook. Give it a whirl, tweak it to your tastes, and share it with someone you love—you’ll have your own signature version in no time!

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