Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

This Easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. With a perfect balance of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of sweetness, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen in under 30 minutes. Serve it over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make—ready in under 30 minutes
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners
• Customizable with vegetables or protein alternatives
• Sweet, savory, and perfectly sticky teriyaki glaze

Ingredients

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

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Soy sauce
• Honey or brown sugar
• Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Fresh garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• Cornstarch (for thickening)
• Water
• Sesame oil (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: sesame seeds, chopped green onions

Directions

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, pour in the teriyaki sauce mixture. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce until it thickens.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable Teriyaki: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a veggie-packed version.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.
• Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: Marinate the chicken in the sauce and grill for a smoky flavor.
• Tofu Teriyaki: Swap the chicken for firm tofu for a vegetarian option.

Storage/Reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, thighs are juicier and add extra flavor to the dish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

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

Can I make this without cornstarch?

Yes, simply let the sauce simmer longer until it thickens naturally or use arrowroot powder as a substitute.

What’s the best way to serve teriyaki chicken?

Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside stir-fried vegetables.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

How do I adjust the sweetness?

Reduce the honey or brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet sauce.

Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, then toss it in the sauce.

What vegetables pair well with teriyaki chicken?

Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas complement this dish well.

How do I prevent the sauce from burning?

Keep the heat at medium and stir frequently once the sauce starts thickening.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

This Easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a flavorful homemade meal. With its quick preparation, simple ingredients, and deliciously sticky sauce, it’s a dish that will become a family favorite in no time. Serve it with rice or veggies for a complete and satisfying meal!

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