Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe: Cook At Home!

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 44 views

Hey guys! Ever wondered how to whip up some delicious teriyaki chicken right in your own kitchen? Well, you're in the right place! This recipe is super easy, totally flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Let's get cooking!

What You'll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Having everything prepped and ready to go will make the entire experience smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me, a little organization goes a long way in the kitchen!

Ingredients:

Chicken: About 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier, but chicken breasts work just as well if you prefer them.
Soy Sauce: 1/2 cup. This is the base of our teriyaki sauce, so make sure you have a good quality soy sauce on hand. Low-sodium is a great option if you're watching your salt intake.
Mirin: 1/4 cup. Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine that adds a unique flavor to the sauce. If you can’t find mirin, you can substitute it with a mixture of sake or dry sherry and a bit of sugar.
Sake: 1/4 cup. Sake adds depth and complexity to the teriyaki sauce. Similar to mirin, if you don't have sake, you can use dry sherry as an alternative.
Sugar: 2 tablespoons. Sugar balances the savory flavors and gives the sauce that glossy, syrupy texture we all love. You can use white sugar, brown sugar, or even honey for a slightly different flavor profile.
Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated. Fresh ginger adds a zesty and aromatic element to the sauce. Grating it finely ensures that the flavor is evenly distributed.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Garlic brings a pungent and savory note to the teriyaki sauce. Minced garlic incorporates well into the sauce, providing a burst of flavor in every bite.
Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon, mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. This slurry will help thicken the sauce, giving it that perfect consistency.
Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon, for garnish. Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a nice visual appeal to the finished dish. Toasted sesame seeds are even better!
Green Onions: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish. Green onions provide a fresh and mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the teriyaki sauce. They also add a pop of color to the dish.
Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon, for cooking. Vegetable oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it ideal for sautéing the chicken.

Equipment:

Large Skillet or Pan: To cook the chicken and simmer the sauce.
Small Bowl: To mix the cornstarch slurry.
Grater or Microplane: For grating the ginger.
Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping the chicken, garlic, and green onions.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Alright, now that we have all our ingredients and equipment ready, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of cooking this fantastic teriyaki chicken. Follow these steps carefully, and you'll have a restaurant-quality dish in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First things first, let's get the chicken ready. If you're using chicken breasts, you might want to consider slicing them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This helps them cook more evenly and absorb the teriyaki sauce better. If you're using chicken thighs, you can leave them as they are. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step because it helps the chicken get a nice sear when it hits the pan. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper. Don't overdo it, as the teriyaki sauce will be quite flavorful.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Now, let’s get that skillet hot! Add the vegetable oil to a large skillet or pan and heat it over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully place the chicken pieces in the skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you might need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure proper browning. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

With the chicken out of the pan, it’s time to create that luscious teriyaki sauce. In the same skillet, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir everything together well. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to reduce slightly. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. This will help thicken the sauce to the desired consistency. Continue to simmer for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Now for the grand finale! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the teriyaki sauce. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the sauce, ensuring every piece is glistening with that sweet and savory goodness. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a couple of minutes, allowing it to absorb even more flavor. This step also helps the sauce cling to the chicken, creating a beautiful glaze.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Alright, guys, we're almost there! Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the teriyaki chicken to a serving plate. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top for garnish. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also make the dish look more appealing. Serve the teriyaki chicken hot with a side of steamed rice, quinoa, or your favorite vegetables. It's also fantastic with a side of stir-fried noodles or a fresh salad.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

To elevate your teriyaki chicken game, here are some insider tips and tricks that will ensure you nail this recipe every single time. Trust me, these little tweaks can make a world of difference!

Marinate the Chicken: For an even more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in a portion of the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deep into the chicken, making it incredibly delicious.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic will always provide a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to their powdered counterparts. The difference is truly noticeable.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet teriyaki sauce, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Control the Heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the sauce. This will add a delightful warmth to the dish.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the oil and result in the chicken steaming instead of browning properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C). This will prevent you from overcooking or undercooking the chicken.
Toast the Sesame Seeds: Toasting the sesame seeds before garnishing will enhance their nutty flavor and add a pleasant aroma to the dish. Simply toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they turn golden brown.

Variations on Teriyaki Chicken

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some fun and creative variations on teriyaki chicken that you can try:

Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry: Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas, to the skillet along with the chicken and sauce. Stir-fry everything together until the vegetables are tender-crisp for a complete and satisfying meal.
Teriyaki Chicken Bowls: Serve the teriyaki chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa, and top it with avocado slices, pickled ginger, and a sprinkle of furikake (Japanese seasoning). This is a great way to create a balanced and nutritious meal.
Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto skewers. Grill or bake the skewers, basting them with teriyaki sauce as they cook. These are perfect for appetizers or summer barbecues.
Teriyaki Chicken Salad: Toss the teriyaki chicken with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing. This is a lighter and refreshing way to enjoy teriyaki chicken.
Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Add chunks of pineapple to the skillet along with the chicken and sauce. The pineapple adds a tropical sweetness and a juicy texture to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Teriyaki chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to create a complete and delicious meal:

Steamed Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the flavorful teriyaki sauce.
Quinoa: A healthier alternative to rice that’s packed with protein and nutrients.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas are great choices.
Noodles: Udon or soba noodles tossed in a light sauce complement the teriyaki chicken perfectly.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the teriyaki chicken.
Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes a simple and healthy side dish.
Miso Soup: A comforting and flavorful soup that’s a staple in Japanese cuisine.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks! A super easy and incredibly delicious teriyaki chicken recipe that you can make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that will impress your family and friends. So, grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! Enjoy!