(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken thighs or chicken breasts
Soy sauce
Brown sugar or honey
Garlic
Fresh ginger
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Cornstarch
Water
Green onions
Sesame seeds
Cooked rice
Directions
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, water, and cornstarch.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of oil.
Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
Pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet and stir well.
Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve hot over rice or noodles with your favorite vegetables.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
Use shrimp, beef, or tofu instead of chicken.
Add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra vegetables.
Make it spicy with sriracha or red pepper flakes.
Use pineapple chunks for a sweet tropical twist.
Serve over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Try gluten-free soy sauce if needed.
Add a drizzle of spicy mayo for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, both work well, though chicken thighs tend to stay juicier.
What makes teriyaki sauce thick?
Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce into a glossy coating.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, teriyaki chicken is excellent for meal prep and reheats well.
Is teriyaki sauce sweet?
Yes, it has a balanced sweet and savory flavor profile.
Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes, you can bake the chicken and toss it with the sauce afterward.
What sides go best with teriyaki chicken?
Rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or stir-fried vegetables pair perfectly.
Can I freeze teriyaki chicken?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce if preferred and balance with sweetness.
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, though homemade sauce often tastes fresher and more flavorful.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweet and savory flavors are usually very popular with kids.
Conclusion
Teriyaki chicken is a delicious and easy meal that combines juicy chicken with a rich homemade sauce full of sweet and savory flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this comforting dish is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
This easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe features juicy chicken coated in a rich homemade teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. Ready in just 25 minutes, this better-than-takeout dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and family-friendly meals served over rice or noodles.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Dinner / Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Japanese-Inspired
Ingredients
1½ pounds chicken thighs or chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
¼ cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¼ cup water
2 green onions, sliced
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Cooked rice, for serving
1 tablespoon cooking oil
Instructions
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and lightly season with salt and black pepper if desired.
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the chicken evenly.
Simmer for 2–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens into a glossy coating.
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles with steamed or stir-fried vegetables.
Notes
Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful, but chicken breasts work well too.Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce saltiness if preferred.Add broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a complete one-pan meal.For a spicy version, stir in sriracha or red pepper flakes.Pineapple chunks add a delicious sweet tropical flavor.This recipe is excellent for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
