There is nothing quite as satisfying as a home-cooked meal that delivers big on flavor while staying simple and quick. This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe brings together tender chicken pieces coated in a luscious, sticky teriyaki glaze that’s sweet, savory, and just a little tangy. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights yet special enough to impress family and friends. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your go-to recipes for a tasty dinner in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish right means having the essential ingredients that balance flavor, texture, and color perfectly. Each component is simple but plays a vital role in elevating your Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe from good to unforgettable.
- Chicken breasts: Using large chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces ensures tender, juicy bites that cook evenly.
- Garlic powder and minced garlic: These add depth and warmth with fragrant garlic notes throughout the dish.
- Black pepper: Just a touch for subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the sauce.
- Soy sauce (low sodium preferred): Central to the teriyaki’s umami richness and savory backbone.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and enhances the authentic Asian flavor profile.
- Cornstarch: Used twice — first to coat the chicken for a crisp exterior, then to thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for searing the chicken, helping to develop that irresistible golden crust.
- Fresh ginger: Grated ginger brings a fresh, zesty kick that brightens the sauce.
- Brown sugar and honey: These natural sweeteners create that signature glossy, caramelized finish.
- White wine vinegar and rice vinegar: The acids balance sweetness with a hint of tanginess, rounding out the flavors perfectly.
- Water: Used to create the right sauce consistency, ensuring every bite is luscious but not runny.
How to Make Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Coat the Chicken
Start by tossing the chicken pieces in garlic powder, freshly cracked black pepper, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Letting it rest for about 10 minutes allows those flavors to soak in deeply. Then, coat the pieces evenly with cornstarch, which will give you a wonderfully crispy texture once seared. Be sure to shake off any excess cornstarch so the chicken doesn’t end up gummy.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Magical Teriyaki Sauce
In a small bowl, combine your brown sugar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauces, vinegars, and water. Whisk everything together until perfectly blended. This mixture is the heart of your Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe, boasting the sweet, tangy, and umami flavors that make teriyaki so beloved.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches so each piece gets a nice crispy crust instead of steaming. Cook the first batch for about four minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside, then repeat with the second batch, adding the remaining oil as needed.
Step 4: Gently Thicken the Sauce
Give your sauce a quick whisk again — cornstarch tends to settle quickly — and pour it right into the hot pan. Keep stirring for a minute or two until the sauce bubbles and thickens up to a glossy glaze. This step is key to making sure your Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe has that perfect coating without being watery.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the seared chicken to the skillet and toss it in that delicious sauce to coat each piece lovingly. Cook for an additional minute to let the flavors marry and the chicken warm through. At this point, your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly, and you’re just moments away from diving into this comforting dish.
How to Serve Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To finish your dish with flair, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and vibrant chopped scallions on top. These simple garnishes provide a delightful crunch, a burst of color, and a fresh flavor boost that perfectly complements the rich teriyaki sauce.
Side Dishes
Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed white or jasmine rice, naan, or even quinoa for a healthy twist. You can also serve it alongside sautéed greens like bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas for added freshness and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests or simply enjoy a beautiful meal, serve the chicken over a bed of spiralized vegetables or noodles. For a fun, family-style platter, add bright sliced bell peppers and carrot ribbons around the chicken. Drizzle extra sauce for extra indulgence and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid the microwave if possible to preserve the crispness of the chicken coating and keep that fresh-from-the-pan taste.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if you worry about drying out the meat. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and follow the same seasoning and cooking steps.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute firm tofu or tempeh for chicken. Press and slice the tofu, then coat and cook it the same way for a delicious vegetarian-friendly meal with all the classic teriyaki flavors.
What can I substitute for mirin?
If you don’t have mirin, mixing white wine vinegar with honey, as suggested in the ingredients, works wonderfully. It replicates the sweetness and slight acidity mirin brings without changing the overall flavor profile.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken pieces like a glossy glaze but not so thick that it becomes sticky or clumpy. Adjust the amount of cornstarch mixture to reach your preferred consistency.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Just be sure the other ingredients you use (like vinegar and honey) are gluten-free as well for a safe, delicious dish.
Final Thoughts
Making this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is like inviting a little piece of deliciousness into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. The combination of tender, crispy chicken bathed in a sweet-savory glaze is sure to brighten up any mealtime. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner party, it’s a recipe that feels both comforting and exciting. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
This Easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a homemade, glossy teriyaki sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar to create a sweet and savory glaze. Ready in just 30 minutes, it serves 4 people and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and garnishes like scallions and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil (or neutral oil)
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
Cooking Oil
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (white wine vinegar and honey can be substituted with 3 tablespoons mirin)
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/3 cup water
- 2–3 teaspoons cornstarch (depending on preferred sauce thickness)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with garlic powder, black pepper, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and ½ teaspoon sesame or neutral oil. Toss to coat and let the chicken marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce. Then add 3 to 4 tablespoons cornstarch and toss again until the chicken is evenly coated; shake off any excess cornstarch.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together grated ginger, minced garlic, brown sugar, white wine vinegar, honey, low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, and 2 to 3 teaspoons cornstarch. Mix well until the cornstarch is fully incorporated and set aside.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in two batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook the first batch for about 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken, adding the last 1 tablespoon of oil as necessary.
- Add the sauce: Whisk the prepared sauce again to redistribute the cornstarch since it quickly settles, then pour it into the skillet. Allow the sauce to bubble and thicken for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and ensure even thickening.
- Finish it up: Return all the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Toss to coat the chicken thoroughly in the thickened teriyaki sauce. Cook together for an additional 1 minute to heat everything through. Serve immediately with optional garnishes like sliced scallions, sesame seeds, and steamed rice.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- If mirin is used instead of white wine vinegar and honey, adjust the sweetness to taste.
- Ensure you cook the chicken in batches to prevent steaming and achieve a nice sear.
- Adjust cornstarch in the sauce depending on desired thickness.
- For added vegetables, stir fry bell peppers or broccoli separately and combine before serving.
