Teriyaki Chicken (Sweet, Savory, Best Ever)

by
Teriyaki chicken served with rice and vegetables

** A plate of teriyaki chicken with tender chicken breasts glazed in a glossy teriyaki sauce, served with steamed rice and vegetables.

Teriyaki chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish made with tender chicken glazed in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Introduction

Teriyaki chicken is a popular dish that’s known for its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The homemade teriyaki sauce is made with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger, which create a rich, flavorful glaze that perfectly coats the chicken.

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, vegetables, or noodles for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken

  • Sweet and savory: The teriyaki sauce is perfectly balanced with sweetness and saltiness.
  • Juicy chicken: The chicken is tender and perfectly cooked.
  • Quick and easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes.
  • Customizable: Add vegetables or serve with your favorite side dish.
  • Meal prep friendly: Great for making ahead and storing for later.

Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken

Ingredients for teriyaki chicken including soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil
The ingredients for teriyaki chicken chicken, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil

Ingredients:

  • Chicken breasts (4, boneless, skinless): The protein for the dish.
  • Soy sauce (1/4 cup): The base of the teriyaki sauce.
  • Honey (2 tablespoons): Adds sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce.
  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a savory, aromatic flavor.
  • Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): For warmth and spice.
  • Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a nutty flavor.
  • Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): For cooking the chicken.
  • Green onions (for garnish): Optional, for freshness.
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish): Optional, for extra crunch.

Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Step-by-Step

Four-panel collage showing steps to make teriyaki chicken, from marinating to serving
Marinate, cook, and glaze the chicken for teriyaki perfection

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

  • 1. Prepare the chicken. Slice the chicken breasts into strips or leave them whole depending on your preference.
  • 2. Make the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
  • 3. Marinate the chicken. Coat the chicken in the marinade and let it sit for at least 10 minutes, or longer for more flavor.
  • 4. Cook the chicken. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
  • 5. Glaze the chicken. Pour the remaining marinade into the skillet with the chicken and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  • 6. Serve. Serve the teriyaki chicken over rice or noodles, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Reader Review: “This teriyaki chicken is so flavorful and tender! It’s the perfect weeknight dinner.”

Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

  • Marinate the chicken: Marinating adds extra flavor and tenderness.
  • Use fresh ginger and garlic: Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken should be cooked to 165°F internally.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Add vegetables: Try adding bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for extra texture and flavor.
  • Use chicken thighs: For a juicier alternative, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

Storing & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

  • Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.
  • Pair with a light white wine or green tea.

If you make this teriyaki chicken, leave a rating and comment! How did you make it your own?

Leave a Comment