Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe : Quick & Flavorful Dinner

If you’re craving a delicious homemade meal that’s better than takeout, this teriyaki chicken recipe is for you! Juicy, tender chicken is coated in a rich, sweet, and savory teriyaki sauce that pairs perfectly with rice and vegetables. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes!

Teriyaki chicken is a staple in Japanese-inspired cooking, loved for its balance of flavors and glossy, caramelized sauce. While store-bought teriyaki sauce can work in a pinch, making it from scratch ensures a fresh and preservative-free meal. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even impressing guests.

With simple ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, honey, and ginger, this teriyaki chicken recipe brings authentic flavors to your table with minimal effort. Serve it with rice, steamed vegetables, or even noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Why You Will Love Making This Recipe

1. Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
2. Better Than Takeout: Freshly made teriyaki sauce gives this dish an unbeatable depth of flavor.
3. Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, and honey.
4. Customizable: Swap out chicken for tofu, shrimp, or beef.
5. Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and reheats beautifully.
6. Kid-Friendly: A sweet and savory sauce that even picky eaters love.
7. Healthier Alternative: No artificial preservatives or excessive sugar.

This teriyaki chicken recipe will quickly become a go-to in your home. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or making extra for leftovers, it’s a meal that never disappoints.

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
• For the Teriyaki Sauce:
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup water
  • 3 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
• For Serving:
  • Cooked white or brown rice
  • Steamed broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers
  • Sesame seeds & chopped green onions for garnish

Equipment Used:

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Directions & Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.

2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
• In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry.

3. Combine & Simmer:

• Pour the teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken and stir well.
• Add the cornstarch slurry and bring the sauce to a simmer.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

4. Serve & Garnish:

• Serve hot over rice with steamed vegetables.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (without rice):

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 8g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Sugar: 10g

This recipe provides lean protein and can be adjusted for lower sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce. Pairing it with brown rice and vegetables makes it a balanced, healthy meal.

Prep Time and Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations:

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Vegetarian: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh.
• Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or sriracha.
• Sweeter: Increase honey or brown sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions (200 words)

1. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes! However, making your own allows for a fresher taste and healthier ingredients.

2. What type of chicken is best for teriyaki?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier, but chicken breasts work well too.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

4. Can I freeze teriyaki chicken?

Yes! Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Pro Tips By Lyndy

• Marinate for More Flavor: Marinate the chicken in half the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Don’t Overcook the Sauce: Once thickened, remove from heat to prevent burning.
• Use Fresh Ginger & Garlic: They add a more authentic flavor than powdered versions.
• Double the Sauce: Perfect for drizzling over rice and veggies!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice.
• Pair with stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Enjoy with miso soup or a side salad.