Have you ever tasted a dish so comforting that it instantly becomes a family favorite? That’s exactly what you’ll get with homemade Teriyaki Chicken. Juicy, tender chicken glazed with a glossy, sweet-and-savory teriyaki sauce is a recipe that never fails to impress.
This Japanese-inspired dish is not only incredibly delicious but also quick, versatile, and budget-friendly. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner for your family or serving guests, this teriyaki chicken recipe is guaranteed to please.
Unlike restaurant versions that can be overly sweet or loaded with sodium, this homemade version lets you control the ingredients, making it healthier and fresher while keeping all the irresistible flavors.
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Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken
✔️ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
✔️ Restaurant Quality: Juicy chicken coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce.
✔️ Versatile Dish: Serve it with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate in advance for maximum flavor.
✔️ Family Approved: Kids and adults both love its sweet-savory taste.
Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make the best homemade teriyaki chicken:
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier results)
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola, for cooking)
Teriyaki Sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce – balances saltiness without overpowering.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – caramelizes beautifully for sweetness.
- 2 tbsp honey – adds depth and a glossy finish.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar – enhances tanginess.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil – for nutty aroma.
- 2 tsp fresh garlic, minced – rich flavor base.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated – subtle warmth.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening).
Garnish (Optional but Recommended)
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps for perfect teriyaki chicken every time:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Place chicken breasts in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade (reserve the liquid).
- Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 75°C).
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Pour the reserved marinade into the same pan.
- Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and whisk until glossy.
Step 4: Coat and Serve
- Slice chicken into strips.
- Return to the pan and toss in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Recipe Card
📌 Quick Reference Recipe
Easy Teriyaki Chicken
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 4 | Calories (per serving): ~320
Ingredients:
- 3–4 chicken breasts (or thighs)
- ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional)
- Oil for cooking
- Sesame seeds & green onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Mix marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add chicken and refrigerate for 30 min.
- Heat oil in skillet, cook chicken until golden and cooked through.
- In the same pan, simmer marinade until thickened.
- Slice chicken, toss with sauce, garnish, and serve.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Teriyaki Chicken
⭐ Use thighs for juiciness: Chicken thighs stay tender and flavorful.
⭐ Don’t skip marinating: Even 30 minutes makes a huge difference.
⭐ Balance sweetness & saltiness: Taste the sauce before finishing.
⭐ Cook on medium heat: Prevents burning sugar in the sauce.
⭐ Add veggies: Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas work perfectly.
Serving Ideas
This versatile dish pairs well with many sides:
🍚 Steamed Rice: Classic pairing to soak up the sauce.
🥦 Stir-Fried Vegetables: Adds color, crunch, and nutrients.
🍜 Noodles: Try soba, udon, or egg noodles.
🥗 Fresh Salad: A light contrast to the rich sauce.
🥔 Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Comfort-food fusion.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Make Ahead: Prepare the marinade a day in advance. Store in the fridge until ready.
- Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked teriyaki chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
(Values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients.)
Variations of Teriyaki Chicken
🌟 Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry: Add broccoli, peppers, carrots.
🌟 Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: Grill instead of pan-fry for smoky flavor.
🌟 Crispy Teriyaki Chicken: Coat chicken in cornstarch before frying.
🌟 Baked Teriyaki Chicken: Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
🌟 Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
FAQs About Teriyaki Chicken
Q1: Can I make teriyaki chicken without sugar?
Yes! Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a natural sweetener.
Q2: Can I use beef or pork instead of chicken?
Absolutely. The same teriyaki marinade works beautifully with beef, pork, or even tofu.
Q3: Is teriyaki chicken healthy?
Homemade teriyaki chicken is much healthier than restaurant versions since you control sugar and sodium. Pair it with veggies for a balanced meal.
Q4: How do I thicken teriyaki sauce naturally?
Reduce the sauce longer over low heat or add a little cornstarch slurry for a glossy, restaurant-style glaze.
Q5: What is the difference between Japanese teriyaki and Western versions?
Traditional Japanese teriyaki uses soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, while Western versions often add garlic, ginger, and cornstarch for thickness.
Conclusion
Homemade Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami-rich flavors that make every bite unforgettable. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a dish that tastes better than takeout—and at a fraction of the cost.
Serve it with rice, veggies, or noodles, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress.
👉 So grab your skillet, whisk up that glossy sauce, and treat yourself to a bowl of authentic, homemade Teriyaki Chicken tonight!
