If you’re looking for a flavorful, quick, and satisfying dinner that’s sure to impress, look no further than this chicken teriyaki recipe! With its irresistible blend of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, this dish brings the taste of Japan right to your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or craving something delicious after a long day, this recipe is your go-to.
In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to try this chicken teriyaki recipe today! — from step-by-step instructions and practical tips to serving ideas and variations perfect for any taste.
Let’s get cooking! 🍗🍱
🍜 What Is Chicken Teriyaki?
Before you try this chicken teriyaki recipe today, let’s start with the basics. Teriyaki is a traditional Japanese cooking technique where meat, fish, or tofu is glazed with a sauce made of soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake. The word “teriyaki” comes from “teri” (meaning shine or luster) and “yaki” (meaning grilled or pan-fried).
In Western cuisine, chicken teriyaki has become a favorite comfort food — often served over steamed rice or noodles, paired with vegetables, and topped with sesame seeds or green onions for an authentic touch.
It’s flavorful, easy to make, and requires only a few pantry staples.
🍗 Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this chicken teriyaki recipe is that it uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
🌟 For the Chicken:
1 ½ lbs (about 700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
Salt and black pepper to taste
🍶 For the Teriyaki Sauce:
¼ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
3 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
2 tbsp mirin (or rice vinegar for substitution)
1 tbsp sake (optional, for authentic flavor)
1 tbsp cornstarch
¼ cup water
1 tsp grated ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
🌿 For Garnish:
Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions
Steamed rice or noodles, for serving
💡 Pro Tip: Chicken thighs give the best flavor and tenderness, but you can also use chicken breast for a leaner version.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that your ingredients are ready, let’s walk through how to try this chicken teriyaki recipe today!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
Cut into bite-sized chunks or thin strips for quicker cooking.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
💡 Pro Tip: Drying the chicken helps it brown nicely and absorb the sauce better.
Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small bowl or saucepan, whisk together:
Soy sauce
Brown sugar
Mirin
Sake (if using)
Grated ginger
Garlic
Water and cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
Heat this mixture over medium heat in a small pan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Once done, set aside.
💡 Pro Tip: The cornstarch-water mixture (a “slurry”) ensures a perfect, restaurant-style glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 4–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove excess oil if necessary.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even browning.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken. Toss well to coat all the pieces evenly. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 2–3 minutes, letting it absorb all the flavors and develop that shiny, sticky glaze.
💡 Pro Tip: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your delicious chicken teriyaki is now ready! Serve it hot over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or soba noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for the perfect finishing touch.
🍱 Variations of Chicken Teriyaki
One of the best things about this chicken teriyaki recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few creative variations to try:
🥦 1. Chicken Teriyaki Stir-Fry
Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas to your pan while cooking the chicken. This adds color, crunch, and extra nutrition.
🍍 2. Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken
For a tropical twist, toss in pineapple chunks during the last few minutes of cooking. The sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory sauce.
🍗 3. Grilled Chicken Teriyaki
If you prefer smoky flavors, grill the chicken first and brush it with teriyaki sauce as it cooks. This version is perfect for summer barbecues.
🍜 4. Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Serve chicken teriyaki with rice, sautéed vegetables, avocado slices, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a satisfying one-bowl meal.
🥢 5. Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps
For a lighter meal, spoon the chicken mixture into fresh lettuce leaves and top with shredded carrots or sesame seeds.
🧂 Tips for Perfect Chicken Teriyaki
Want to make your chicken teriyaki recipe taste like it came from a Japanese restaurant? Here are a few pro tips:
🔸 Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic
Fresh ingredients give a much deeper flavor than powdered versions.
🔸 Adjust Sweetness
Some prefer a sweeter teriyaki sauce — add more brown sugar or honey to taste.
🔸 Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Chicken breast, especially, can dry out easily. Remove it from heat once it’s just cooked through.
🔸 Make Extra Sauce
Teriyaki sauce stores well in the fridge for up to a week. You can use it later for grilled meats, tofu, or even stir-fried veggies.
🔸 Try Different Proteins
This same sauce works great with salmon, beef, shrimp, or tofu!
🍚 What to Serve with Chicken Teriyaki
Pair your chicken teriyaki recipe with these sides for a complete, well-balanced meal:
Steamed white or brown rice
Stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
Asian cucumber salad with sesame dressing
Miso soup for a classic Japanese touch
Pickled ginger or kimchi for a tangy contrast
💡 Pro Tip: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds texture and flavor.
🧊 Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers (though you probably won’t!), this chicken teriyaki recipe stores beautifully.
How to Store:
Cool completely before storing.
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to Reheat:
Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Or microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
💡 Pro Tip: Chicken teriyaki also freezes well for up to 2 months — perfect for meal prep!
🍱 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
When you try this chicken teriyaki recipe today, you’re not just making dinner — you’re creating a dish that’s:
Quick and easy (ready in under 30 minutes!)
Flavor-packed and family-approved
Healthy and high in protein
Great for meal prep or weeknight dinners
Versatile for all tastes and occasions
From busy weeknights to special occasions, chicken teriyaki never fails to impress.
🥢 Conclusion: Try This Chicken Teriyaki Recipe Today!
Now that you know how simple it is, there’s no reason to wait — try this chicken teriyaki recipe today! With its rich glaze, tender chicken, and perfectly balanced flavor, it’s the kind of dish that brings joy to every bite.
Whether you serve it over rice, in a bowl, or wrapped in lettuce leaves, chicken teriyaki is a timeless favorite that always satisfies. So grab your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy homemade teriyaki magic — right in your kitchen!
Meta Description:
Try this chicken teriyaki recipe today! Learn how to make tender chicken in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze. Easy, quick, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.