Teriyaki Chicken: Easy & Delicious 30-Minute!

Servings: 4 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner
A quick and flavorful teriyaki chicken recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights. Sweet, savory, and satisfying in every bite!

Craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal? This Teriyaki Chicken recipe is just what you need! Made with tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, glossy teriyaki glaze, this dish brings the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you’re a busy professional or a home cook looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is both delicious and hassle-free.

Teriyaki chicken is a classic Japanese-inspired dish that has gained popularity worldwide. The sauce, made with a blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic, creates a caramelized coating that pairs beautifully with rice and crisp vegetables. Best of all, this dish takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent choice for quick meals.

If you’re looking for a versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite ingredients, this Teriyaki Chicken is the answer. Read on for all the tips and tricks to make it restaurant-quality at home!

Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken Recipe ❤️

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Healthy & Nutritious: High in protein, and can be made lower in sodium and sugar.
  • Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spiciness, or add veggies for extra flavor.
  • Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and savory taste!
  • Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples, costing around $15 for four servings.

What is Teriyaki Sauce? 🍶

Teriyaki sauce is a popular Japanese condiment that combines soy sauce, sugar, and mirin to create a sweet and savory glaze. Traditionally used in grilling and stir-frying, teriyaki sauce is known for its thick, glossy texture and umami-packed flavor.

Nutritional Benefits of Teriyaki Sauce:

  • Soy Sauce: Provides essential amino acids and antioxidants.
  • Ginger & Garlic: Boosts immunity and aids digestion.
  • Brown Sugar: A natural sweetener that caramelizes beautifully.
  • Sesame Oil: Rich in healthy fats and enhances the nutty flavor of the dish.

Key Ingredients 🛒

This simple teriyaki chicken recipe requires only a few key ingredients:

  • Chicken Thighs: Juicy and tender, perfect for absorbing flavors.
  • Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
  • Brown Sugar: Balances the salty and umami flavors.
  • Garlic & Ginger: Fresh ingredients provide depth and authenticity.
  • Cornstarch & Water: Helps create a thick, silky sauce.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma and enhances flavor.
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for searing the chicken to perfection.
  • Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: For garnish and a fresh, crunchy texture.

Possible Substitutions:

  • Chicken Breast: If you prefer leaner meat.
  • Honey or Maple Syrup: Instead of brown sugar for a natural sweetener.
  • Tamari or Coconut Aminos: For a gluten-free option.
  • Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a kick!

Chef’s Tips 👩‍🍳

  • Marinate for More Flavor: Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes or overnight for extra tenderness.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches to ensure even searing.
  • Thicken the Sauce: Simmer until it reaches a glossy consistency.
  • Garnish for Freshness: Green onions and sesame seeds elevate the dish.
  • Pair with Steamed Rice or Noodles: Complements the rich teriyaki sauce beautifully.

More Recipes You’ll Love 🍽️

If you enjoyed this Teriyaki Chicken recipe, don’t miss these other easy and delicious dishes:

  1. Easy Lemon Chicken
  2. Honey Garlic Shrimp
  3. Easy Spicy Korean Chicken (Fast & Tasty!)
  4. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
  5. Miso Glazed Salmon
  6. Sesame Ginger Stir-Fry

Try them out and let us know which one is your favorite! 😊

Teriyaki Chicken Recipe - Easy & Delicious 30-Minute
5 from 1 vote

Teriyaki Chicken: Easy & Delicious 30-Minute!

Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 320 kcal Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Juicy chicken coated in a glossy teriyaki glaze, served with steamed rice and crisp vegetables. A classic Japanese-inspired dish made simple.

Ingredients

Cooking Mode Disabled

Teriyaki Chicken Ingredients

Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

  1. Prepare the Chicken
    Cut boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
    Thighs work best for their juicy tenderness.
  2. Marinate the Chicken
    Combine soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Add the chicken and marinate for 15-20 minutes.
    Marinating enhances flavor and tenderness.

Cooking the Teriyaki Chicken

  1. Sear the Chicken
    Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken until browned.
    Don't overcrowd the pan for a nice sear.
  2. Add the Sauce
    Pour in the teriyaki sauce, bring to a simmer, and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
    Stir occasionally to ensure even coating.
  3. Garnish and Serve
    Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
    The garnishes add a pop of flavor and freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 397kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 23.7g37%
Saturated Fat 3.8g19%
Trans Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 134.4mg45%
Sodium 1334mg56%
Potassium 509.6mg15%
Total Carbohydrate 13.8g5%
Dietary Fiber 0.7g3%
Sugars 8.8g
Protein 31.8g64%

Calcium 56.7 mg
Iron 2.1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ____ (*Keep in mind that these are approximate values and may vary slightly depending on the brands and exact proportions of ingredients used. For more precise measurements, it’s best to use a specific nutritional calculator or product labels for the ingredients you’re using.)

Note

  • For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
  • Customize the sweetness of the sauce by adjusting the amount of honey or sugar used.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • To make it spicy, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Marinating the chicken for a few hours or overnight will enhance the flavor.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a beautiful presentation.
  • Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Teriyaki Chicken, Easy Recipe, 30 Minutes, Japanese Cuisine, Weeknight Dinner
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The Secret to Perfect Teriyaki Chicken 🍽️

For the best teriyaki chicken, caramelization is key! Achieve this by allowing the sauce to reduce naturally, thickening without rushing the process. Using bone-in thighs can also add extra juiciness, while grilling the chicken instead of pan-searing creates a smoky depth of flavor.

Want to elevate the dish? Pair it with a homemade miso soup or a refreshing Asian slaw for a complete, restaurant-quality meal! 🍜

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute the chicken with tofu or your favorite vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.

Can I use low-sodium soy sauce for this recipe?

Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall salt content of the dish without compromising on flavor.

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  1. Michael

    Dude, this teriyaki chicken is legit amazing—so easy but tastes like it took hours. The sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and the chicken stays crazy juicy. I added extra garlic (because why not?) and threw in some bell peppers for crunch. Even my picky little sister went back for seconds. 10/10, will definitely make this again.

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