Sweet, savory, and bursting with flavor — your new favorite dinner is here!
Craving a meal that’s quick, comforting, and absolutely delicious? Look no further! This homemade chicken teriyaki recipe is tender, glossy, and full of that perfect balance of salty-sweet umami flavor. Whether you’re in the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada, you can whip this up with everyday ingredients in under 30 minutes.
Let’s dive into how to make the best chicken teriyaki recipe ever — a dish that’s perfect for weeknights but tastes like your favorite Japanese restaurant special! 🍚✨
🍜 What Is Chicken Teriyaki?
Teriyaki is a classic Japanese cooking style where foods are grilled or pan-fried and coated in a shiny glaze made of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin (sweet rice wine). “Teri” means “shine,” and “yaki” means “grill.”
This chicken teriyaki recipe captures that same glossy, caramelized goodness with easy-to-find pantry staples.
🥢 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect chicken teriyaki recipe at home:
🍗 For the Chicken:
1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast)
1 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
🍯 For the Teriyaki Sauce:
½ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp mirin (optional, for authentic flavor)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
🍶 Optional garnish: Sesame seeds, green onions, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
🥘 Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
🍳 Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Add chicken pieces and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
🍶 Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In the same pan, add:
Soy sauce
Brown sugar
Honey
Vinegar
Garlic and ginger
Bring to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes until sugar dissolves and the sauce starts to thicken.
Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) and stir until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly sticky.
🍗 Step 4: Combine & Coat
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Toss well to coat every piece with the teriyaki glaze.
Cook for another 2 minutes to let the sauce soak in.
✨ Pro Tip: If you like your sauce extra sticky and rich, reduce it a little longer until it clings beautifully to the chicken.
🍚 Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Serve your chicken teriyaki over:
Steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice
With a side of stir-fried veggies, edamame, or pickled ginger
Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for the perfect finishing touch!
🌸 Easy Variations
🥦 Teriyaki Chicken with Vegetables:
Add broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the pan for extra crunch and color.
🍍 Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken:
Mix in pineapple chunks for a sweet tropical twist!
🥢 Spicy Teriyaki Chicken:
Add sriracha or chili flakes to your sauce for a bold, fiery flavor.
🍜 Teriyaki Chicken Noodles:
Toss the glazed chicken with cooked ramen or rice noodles for a street-style meal.
🕒 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Ready in just 25 minutes
✅ Uses simple pantry staples
✅ Works great for meal prep and leftovers
✅ Healthier than takeout — and more flavorful!
🍱 Meal Prep Tips
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
💡 Hack: Make a double batch of teriyaki sauce — it’s great for glazing salmon, tofu, or veggies later in the week!
🍶 Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 320
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 10g
This makes a balanced and satisfying dinner you can feel good about!
🌺 Fun Facts About Teriyaki
Teriyaki sauce originated in Japan, but became a global favorite thanks to Hawaiian and American adaptations.
Authentic Japanese teriyaki often uses mirin and sake for depth of flavor.
The glaze’s famous “shine” comes from sugar caramelizing as it cooks — the secret behind that irresistible look!
🍗 Conclusion: Try This Chicken Teriyaki Recipe Today!
There you have it — your ultimate guide to the best chicken teriyaki recipe ever! 🍱
It’s sweet, savory, quick to make, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Once you taste that silky-smooth teriyaki glaze coating tender chicken pieces, you’ll never need takeout again. So grab your skillet and try this chicken teriyaki recipe today! 🌸
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