Chicken Teriyaki Recipe: A Flavorful, Quick, and Easy Meal

If you’re craving a quick, flavorful meal, this Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a must-try! In just 15 minutes, you’ll have juicy, tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze. It’s incredibly easy to make and requires only one pan, making cleanup a breeze. 

Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether cooking for one or many, you’ll love the simplicity and deliciousness of this quick meal. You can also pair it with Chicken Parmesan as a satisfying meal. Here’s how to make it!

Ingredients You Will Need for Chicken Teriyaki recipe

This simple recipe calls for a few pantry staples that work together perfectly to create that signature teriyaki flavor.

• 1 1/4 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes – Tender and juicy chicken breasts are the base of this recipe. Make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces to cook them evenly.
• 1 Tbsp olive oil – This helps sauté the chicken, giving it a light crispness without overpowering the flavor.
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce – The saltiness of the soy sauce is balanced with other ingredients, creating a perfect savory base for the sauce.
• 1/4 cup water – Adds volume to the sauce without adding extra salt.
• 2 Tbsp honey – Sweetens the sauce and gives it that lovely glaze.
• 1 1/2 Tbsp packed light brown sugar – Adds more depth to the sweetness and helps the sauce thicken.
• 1 Tbsp rice vinegar – Gives the sauce a touch of tanginess to balance the sweetness.
• 1/4 tsp toasted sesame oil – Enhances the flavor with a nutty richness.
• 2 tsp peeled and minced fresh ginger – Adds a warm, slightly spicy note that’s crucial in a good teriyaki sauce.
• 2 tsp peeled and minced fresh garlic (2 cloves) – A classic addition that brings an aromatic depth.
• 2 tsp cornstarch – Thickens the sauce, giving it that glossy finish.
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for serving (optional) – These optional garnishes elevate the dish with some added texture and flavor.

Note: This recipe makes 4 servings, so feel free to adjust the portions based on your needs.

Variations to Try

While this Teriyaki Chicken is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to tweak the recipe based on your preferences:

• For a sugar-free version: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit instead of the brown sugar and honey.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• Add extra veggies: If you want to pack in more nutrients, feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the skillet.
• Spicy option: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce to give it a little heat.

Looking for inspiration? You can explore more from our kitchen and check our chicken recipes for something new.

Cooking Time

This Teriyaki Chicken is quick to make, which is perfect for a busy weeknight:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Equipment You Need

Before you get started, here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

• 12-inch non-stick skillet – This is where you’ll cook the chicken and make the sauce.
• Mixing bowl or liquid measuring cup – For whisking the sauce ingredients together.
• Measuring spoons – To ensure accurate measurements for the sauce ingredients.
• Knife and cutting board – To chop the chicken and prepare the garlic and ginger.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken?

Here is the step by step instructions to make the delicious Chicken Teriyaki.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First, heat the olive oil in your 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add in your diced chicken pieces. Let the chicken brown on the bottom for about 3 to 4 minutes. After that, flip the pieces and continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, which should take about another 3 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, water, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger, minced garlic, and cornstarch in a small mixing bowl or liquid measuring cup. This is the perfect time to get your sauce ready so that you can quickly toss it with the chicken when it’s done.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken, and continue to cook for another 30 to 60 seconds. You’ll notice that the sauce will thicken up, creating a beautiful glaze that coats each piece of chicken perfectly.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Teriyaki Chicken warm, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. This adds a nice crunch and fresh flavor to complement the rich teriyaki sauce.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tricks to make it even better:

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken as it cooks to avoid dryness. Chicken breasts can become tough if overcooked.
• Whisk the sauce well: Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent clumps in your sauce.
• Let the sauce thicken properly: Allow the sauce to cook for at least 30 seconds to ensure it becomes nice and glossy.
• Serve with steamed rice or noodles: This dish is perfect over a bed of rice or noodles to soak up all the teriyaki goodness.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken?

When serving Teriyaki Chicken, consider these presentation tips:

• Over steamed rice: This is the classic pairing. The fluffy rice soaks up the savory sauce and makes for a complete meal.
• With a side of veggies: Serve the chicken with sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, grape salad or carrots for a balanced meal.
• Top with garnishes: A sprinkle of sesame seeds and some chopped green onions not only add flavor but also make the dish visually appealing.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional content of one serving of Teriyaki Chicken:

• Calories: 258
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 7g

How to Store the Teriyaki Chicken

• Refrigerating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for best results.
• Freezing: You can freeze the Teriyaki Chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up in a skillet.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist, or microwave in short bursts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Teriyaki Chicken recipe is truly a winner! Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Quick and easy: It’s ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Packed with flavor: The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors is irresistible.
• Customizable: Make it sugar-free, gluten-free, or add your favorite vegetables.
• One-pan meal: Less cleanup is always a plus!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just cook the chicken when you’re ready to serve.

Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas would be delicious additions. Simply sauté them with the chicken or add them into the skillet when the sauce is added.