I have tried all kinds of chicken and have looked around for the best chicken dish I could find to impress my family and kids, which was in vain for a while until I found this teriyaki chicken recipe.
Over the years, I have perfected the recipe and made it my own, and now, my family and friends are always asking me to make this teriyaki chicken.
The chicken is glossy, sweet, savory, and a definite crowd pleaser, no matter the age. It takes about 30 minutes to make because the prep time is short, and the homemade sauce is very easy to make.
So, today, I am about to share this recipe with you, along with everything you need to know about it, like its history, variations, storage methods, what to serve it with, and so much more. Let’s start without further ado!
Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Get a sticky glaze with tender chicken.
- Easy teriyaki chicken recipe.
- Pantry-friendly ingredients to make the sauce.
- Extremely flexible cooking methods.
- Pairs well with veggies and rice.
- Sweet and savory flavors.
What Is Teriyaki Chicken?
Teriyaki Chicken is a popular Japanese dish made by cooking chicken in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. This homemade teriyaki chicken looks extra shiny because of the soy sauce glaze. The flavor profile is both sweet and savory, giving it a unique vibe.
The flavor of this is also very much like umami, which makes it all the more delicious. This Japanese teriyaki chicken’s sweet and savory sauce is much better than any other store-bought alternative. You can expect amazing texture and shine from the chicken.
Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Chicken: You can use boneless chicken from the thighs or breasts. I prefer using chicken breasts.
- Salt: A bit of salt in the chicken helps with seasoning.
- Vegetable Oil: You need oil for preparing both the chicken and the sauce.
- Soy Sauce: This is what gives the chicken its glaze and aroma.
- Water: This is to make the sauce a bit runny.
- Brown Sugar: You can add brown sugar to give your sticky teriyaki sauce its sweetness.
- Cornstarch: This makes the sauce thicker.
- Vinegar: You can use either rice vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Sesame Oil: This will add more flavor and aroma to the sauce.
- Garlic and Ginger: For added flavor, you need to use a bit of minced garlic and ginger.
Teriyaki Sauce Tips
- You need to balance the sweet and savory flavors by using the right amount of brown sugar and soy sauce.
- To thicken the chicken teriyaki sauce without clumps, you need to add the cornstarch slowly and stir continuously.
- To prevent the sugar from burning, you need to keep the heat on medium and check if the sauce is getting too hot.
- You need to adjust the saltiness of the sauce by taste testing.
Cooking Method Options
- You can cook your pan-fried teriyaki chicken on the stovetop, which is the fastest option.
- If you grill your Japanese teriyaki chicken. Grilled teriyaki chicken gives off an extra smoky flavor and aroma.
- You can also bake your chicken. Baked teriyaki chicken is a hands-off option if that’s what you want.
- Using an air-fryer makes your chicken healthier and crispier.
Storage, Freezing & Meal Prep Tips
- If you have leftover homemade teriyaki chicken, it will last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- To reheat the Asian-inspired chicken to keep the chicken marinade glossy, you need to add a splash of soy sauce before microwaving or putting it in the oven.
- You can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time, combine the two and cook before serving.
- If you want to freeze the leftovers, you need to put it in an airtight and freezer-friendly container.
How to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken
- You can serve the yummy ginger garlic chicken with boiled or fried rice.
- You can even turn it into a teriyaki chicken bowl by adding veggies.
- Serve this chicken with noodles, which is also how this Japanese weeknight dinner recipe works.
- This teriyaki chicken is also a great meal prep lunch option.
Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe – Ready in 15 Minutes
Ingredients
- 600 gm Boneless Chicken Breast
- ¼ tsp / 1.5 g Salt
- 2 tbsp / 30 ml Vegetable Oil
Teriyaki Sauce:
- ¼ cup / 60 ml Soy Sauce (low- sodium)
- ¼ cup / 60 ml Water
- 3 tbsp / 36 g Brown Sugar (Honey)
- 2 tsp / 4 g Cornstarch
- 2 tsp / 10 ml Rice Vinegar (White Wine Vinegar)
- ½ tsp / 3 ml Sesame Oil
- 2 tsp / 6 g Garlic (minced )
- 2 tsp / 4 g Ginger (minced )
For Garnish:
- Sesame Seeds
Instructions
Make the Teriyaki Sauce
- Add the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and sesame oil into a bowl and give it a good mix.
Cook the Chicken
- Place 600 grams of cubes of boneless chicken breast in a bowl
- Add salt and give it a good mix.
- Sprinkle a tablespoon of vegetable oil on the stovetop on medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook each side for 3-4 minutes.
- Set the chicken aside.
Sauté the Aromatics & Add the Sauce
- Add vegetable oil to the same pan on medium heat.
- Sauté minced garlic and ginger in the pan.
- Add the teriyaki sauce and cook it until it thickens.
Thicken, Serve & Enjoy
- When the sauce has thickened, add the chicken.
- Cook the chicken in the sauce for another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy.
Recipe FAQs
What cut of chicken is best for teriyaki chicken?
You can use either the chicken thighs or the chicken breasts to make this teriyaki chicken. But it’s best to use chicken breasts for this recipe. Just make sure the chicken is boneless and cut into cubes.
How do I thicken teriyaki sauce?
Simply cook the teriyaki chicken in a pan over medium heat until the sauce thickens. If it’s still too thin, add a small amount of cornstarch slurry and stir while cooking until it thickens.
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, you can absolutely buy store-bought teriyaki sauce to make teriyaki chicken. But using this recipe to make homemade teriyaki sauce is so much better and more flavorful than the store-bought alternative.
How do I fix the teriyaki sauce that tastes too salty?
If your teriyaki sauce comes out too salty, you can dilute it with water or chicken broth and re-thicken the sauce with cornstarch if needed.
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