Teriyaki Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken is a classic Japanese-inspired dish known for its savory-sweet glaze made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. Tender chicken thighs or breasts are cooked until golden and coated with the glossy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken thighs or breastssoy saucemirin (or substitute with a mix of rice vinegar and sugar)brownsugargarlicgingergreens onionssesame seedsvegetable oil

directions

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through.

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.

Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken.

Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier results.

Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a stir-fry version.

Substitute honey for brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.

Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce saltiness.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, though thighs are juicier, breasts work well if cooked carefully to avoid drying out.

What is mirin?

Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine used in cooking. If unavailable, mix rice vinegar with a bit of sugar.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Absolutely, grilled teriyaki chicken has great flavor—just baste with the sauce as it cooks.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, it reheats well and the flavors deepen over time.

What sides go best with Teriyaki Chicken?

Steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or stir-fried vegetables are ideal.

Can I make this spicy?

Add a bit of chili paste or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes, kids typically enjoy the sweet-savory flavor.

Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?

Yes, but homemade sauce offers fresher and more customizable flavor.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken is a quick, versatile, and flavor-packed dish that brings the taste of Japan to your table. Whether you’re cooking for family or preparing meals in advance, its rich glaze and tender chicken make it a reliable favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort.

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