Easy Teriyaki Chicken: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy teriyaki chicken recipe that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal for yourself, this teriyaki chicken recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. With minimal ingredients, a simple cooking process, and a homemade teriyaki sauce that’s both sticky and savory, you’ll love how easy and tasty this dish is to make.

What Is Teriyaki Chicken?

Teriyaki chicken is a beloved Japanese dish made by grilling or pan-frying chicken that has been marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. The word "teriyaki" refers to the cooking method—teriyaki sauce—which is a blend of soy sauce, sugar, and often other seasonings like ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. This sauce caramelizes as it cooks, giving the chicken a beautiful, glossy finish and a mouthwatering flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

There are many reasons why this easy teriyaki chicken recipe is a hit with so many home cooks:

• Quick and Simple: With just a few ingredients and a few steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: It pairs well with a variety of sides, such as steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a simple salad.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavor by tweaking the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to your liking.

This easy teriyaki chicken comes together in no time and is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients for Easy Teriyaki Chicken

To make this easy teriyaki chicken, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (both work well)
• Soy sauce – the base for the marinade and sauce
• Brown sugar – for the sweetness
• Honey – an optional ingredient to add extra richness to the sauce
• Ginger – fresh or ground for added flavor
• Garlic – to enhance the taste of the sauce
• Cornstarch – to thicken the sauce and give it that sticky texture
• Sesame oil (optional) – for extra depth of flavor
• Rice vinegar or mirin – for acidity to balance the sweetness
• Water – to adjust the consistency of the sauce
• Sesame seeds (optional) – for garnish
• Green onions – to garnish and add a fresh flavor

These ingredients combine to create a teriyaki sauce that’s both sweet and savory, perfectly complementing the tender chicken.

How to Make Easy Teriyaki Chicken

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to create this easy teriyaki chicken.

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by making the teriyaki marinade. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (if using), ginger, garlic, and rice vinegar or mirin. Whisk until the sugar dissolves. You can add a little sesame oil to enhance the flavor, but it’s optional.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and seal the bag (or cover the dish). Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best results, marinate for 1-2 hours. If you’re in a rush, you can skip this step and proceed directly to cooking, but marinating will deepen the flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

You can cook the chicken in a few different ways depending on your preference. For a simple stovetop version, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade for the sauce) and place it in the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and browned. If you’re using chicken thighs, they may take a little longer.

Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, you can make the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the reserved marinade with a little water and cornstarch. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken as it heats. Once it’s reached your desired thickness, remove it from the heat.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked through, pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Let it simmer for a minute or two so that the sauce can coat the chicken and caramelize. The sauce should be glossy and sticky.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once the chicken is coated with the teriyaki sauce, remove it from the heat. Slice the chicken into strips or serve it whole, depending on your preference. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and color. Serve the easy teriyaki chicken over steamed rice or with your favorite side dishes.

Variations of Easy Teriyaki Chicken

While this recipe is straightforward, you can make a few adjustments based on your tastes or what you have in your kitchen. Here are a few ideas:

• Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: Instead of cooking the chicken in a skillet, grill it for a smoky flavor. Brush the chicken with some of the marinade during the grilling process, and serve with fresh veggies and rice.
• Baked Teriyaki Chicken: You can also bake the marinated chicken in the oven for a hands-off cooking method. Simply place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, basting with the sauce halfway through.
• Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry: For a more vegetable-packed version, slice the cooked chicken and stir-fry it with your favorite vegetables. Add the teriyaki sauce and serve over rice or noodles.

What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken

Easy teriyaki chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside this dish:

• Steamed rice: A classic pairing, the fluffy rice soaks up the sticky sauce beautifully.
• Vegetables: Serve with sautéed vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas, to balance the richness of the chicken.
• Noodles: For a fun twist, serve the teriyaki chicken over noodles. Rice noodles or soba noodles work especially well.
• Salads: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the richness of the chicken.

Tips for the Best Easy Teriyaki Chicken

To make sure your easy teriyaki chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooking can lead to dry chicken, so be sure to monitor the cooking time and check the internal temperature. Chicken should be cooked to 165°F (75°C).
• Use Cornstarch for the Perfect Sauce: Adding cornstarch to the sauce helps thicken it to a sticky consistency. Make sure to mix it with water first before adding it to the sauce to avoid clumps.
• Customize the Flavor: If you like a sweeter sauce, add more honey or brown sugar. If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the sugar or use low-sodium soy sauce.
• Make it a Meal: To turn this into a full meal, serve the chicken with steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or a simple cucumber salad.

FAQs About Easy Teriyaki Chicken

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful version of this recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work especially well.

Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it on the stovetop before serving.

Can I Freeze the Teriyaki Chicken?

Yes, easy teriyaki chicken can be frozen. To freeze, let the cooked chicken cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Conclusion

This easy teriyaki chicken recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and flavorful meal. With just a few ingredients, minimal effort, and plenty of customization options, this dish will become a staple in your dinner rotation. Serve it with rice, vegetables, or noodles for a satisfying meal your whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, easy teriyaki chicken is a surefire way to impress and fill everyone’s belly with delicious flavors.