If you’re craving something delicious, comforting, and surprisingly quick to whip up, this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is going to become your new go-to weeknight favorite. Juicy chunks of chicken soak up a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce that’s silky and luscious without requiring any fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Whether you’re a kitchen rookie or a seasoned home cook, this recipe offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly for a satisfying meal everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a special role in giving the dish its classic teriyaki flavor, tender texture, and appealing color. You likely have most of them on hand already, making this recipe not just easy but very accessible.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ lbs): Cubed into bite-sized pieces to cook quickly and absorb the sauce perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (2 tsp): For sautéing the chicken while adding a subtle richness.
- Water (1 cup): Forms the base of the sauce and keeps it from becoming too thick too fast.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (¼ cup): The key ingredient delivering that classic salty depth.
- Light brown sugar (2 tbsp): Adds sweetness and a slight molasses note for balance.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Elevates the sweetness and adds a sticky glaze — you can swap it for more brown sugar if preferred.
- Garlic, minced (1 clove): Brings aromatic warmth that wakes up the sauce.
- Fresh ginger, grated (1 tsp): Or ground ginger if fresh isn’t available, adding a gentle spicy zing.
- Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Helps thicken the sauce into that perfect shiny glaze.
- Cold water (¼ cup): Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry that thickens the sauce evenly.
How to Make Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by cutting your chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and seasoning them liberally with salt and black pepper. This simple step ensures every bite has a well-rounded flavor and sets the stage for the juicy, tender result you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces and cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes without moving them too much, letting one side brown nicely. Then flip to cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through. This quick sear locks in moisture and adds that beautiful golden color.
Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce in a small saucepan. Combine water, soy sauce, light brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger over medium heat. Whisk gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes fragrant — about one minute. This quick warming melds the flavors into that signature teriyaki balance of sweet and savory.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry. Slowly whisk this into the sauce pan, continuing to cook over medium heat. Stir consistently for about 5 to 6 minutes as the sauce thickens into a silky glaze that clings beautifully to each piece of chicken.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Pour the thickened sauce directly over the chicken in the skillet. Let it cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking through and the sauce to reduce slightly. This final step ensures every morsel is infused with that rich, sticky teriyaki glaze.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Dish out the chicken with extra sauce spooned on top and get ready for a flavor-packed meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple. This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is ready to impress with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness.
How to Serve Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top to add a pop of color, crunch, and a hint of freshness. These little flourishes make the dish not only prettier but also add layers of texture and complementary flavors that elevate the overall experience.
Side Dishes
Serve your teriyaki chicken with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers make perfect companions, providing a fresh, crisp contrast and gorgeous bright colors on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn this into a fun teriyaki bowl? Layer the chicken over rice, add crunchy pickled cucumbers or carrots, and drizzle a touch of sriracha mayo for an exciting twist. Or pile it into a lettuce wrap for a light, handheld meal that’s perfect for warm days and casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce-rich chicken keeps well, making it easy to reheat a quick meal during a busy week.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked teriyaki chicken for up to 2 months. For best results, place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally to evenly warm.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully due to their higher fat content, offering a richer and juicier result. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is there a substitute for corn starch in the sauce?
Yes, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch in the same amount to thicken the sauce. Alternatively, flour can work but may result in a less glossy sauce.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The teriyaki sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat it gently before adding it to the cooked chicken for convenience.
How spicy is this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe?
This version is mild and primarily sweet-savory. However, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce if you want a spicy twist.
What’s the best way to get a sticky glaze on the chicken?
Cooking the sauce separately and then tossing it with the chicken in the skillet as it reduces helps create that wonderfully sticky, glossy glaze that clings beautifully to each piece.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe because it truly brings together simplicity and flavor like no other. It’s a fantastic dish to satisfy your cravings, impress guests, or simply enjoy a comforting, homemade meal any day of the week. Once you make it, I bet you’ll keep coming back to it again and again!
Print
Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Description
This Easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breast cubes are sautéed and then coated in a homemade, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Ready in just 15 minutes, it makes a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or more brown sugar)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup cold water
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the cubed chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is almost fully cooked through.
- Prepare the teriyaki sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine the water, low-sodium soy sauce, light brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk frequently and heat until the sugar dissolves, about 1 minute.
- Thicken the sauce: In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the simmering sauce and continue whisking over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 5-6 minutes.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has reduced slightly, coating the chicken beautifully.
- Serve: Transfer the teriyaki chicken to plates, drizzle with any remaining sauce from the skillet, and enjoy immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Substitute honey with additional brown sugar if a vegan or honey-free option is preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce during cooking.
- Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Adjust salt to taste, especially if using regular soy sauce rather than low-sodium.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
