Teriyaki Chicken

Name: Teriyaki Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar; 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 1/4 cup water; 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced; 1 tsp garlic, minced; 1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening); 1 tbsp vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish

kate

Update : April 30, 2026

Delicious teriyaki chicken served with rice and vegetables

why make this recipe

Teriyaki chicken is a delicious and popular dish that comes from Japanese cuisine. It is sweet, savory, and easy to make at home. The combination of tender chicken and a flavorful teriyaki sauce makes it a favorite for family dinners or quick weeknight meals. Plus, it can be enjoyed with rice or noodles, making it versatile for any meal.

how to make Teriyaki Chicken

Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1/4 cup water
1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish

Directions:

In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, water, ginger, and garlic. Stir until the honey is dissolved and everything is well combined.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil.
Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Add this to the skillet, stirring well until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top.
Serve the teriyaki chicken hot with rice or noodles.

how to serve Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki chicken is best served hot. You can place it over a bed of steamed rice or toss it with cooked noodles for a complete meal. Adding a side of vegetables, like steamed broccoli or snap peas, can also enhance the dish and add some color to your plate.

how to store Teriyaki Chicken

If you have leftovers, store the teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.

tips to make Teriyaki Chicken

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
Use fresh ginger and garlic for a stronger taste.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or brown sugar based on your preference.
For a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.

variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli during the cooking process. You could also substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different twist on the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily than thighs.

2. Is teriyaki chicken spicy?
No, teriyaki chicken is not typically spicy. It is sweet and savory. However, you can add chili flakes or hot sauce if you like some heat.

3. Can I freeze teriyaki chicken?
Yes, you can freeze teriyaki chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.