Dinner

Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Name: Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar; 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 1/4 cup water; 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced; 1 tsp garlic, minced; 1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening); Sesame seeds, for garnish; Chopped green onions, for garnish

ByCharlotte Montgomery December 16, 2025December 16, 2025

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Introduction

Teriyaki chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe brings the taste of Japanese cuisine right to your kitchen.

A white bowl filled with a base layer of white rice that looks fluffy and soft, topped with several pieces of glazed chicken that are golden brown with a shiny, sticky texture. The chicken pieces are coated in a dark, rich sauce and sprinkled with white sesame seeds and chopped green onions, adding small pops of green color on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1/4 cup water
1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, water, ginger, and garlic. Stir until the honey dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken and stir to coat evenly.
Step 4: Reduce heat to low. Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet, stirring well until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
Substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer juicier meat.
Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a balanced meal.
Use brown sugar instead of honey for a deeper caramel flavor.

Storage

Store leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the sauce moist.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with several pieces of glossy, dark brown glazed chicken chunks that have a shiny texture. The chicken is sprinkled generously with small white sesame seeds and chopped bright green onions scattered evenly across the top. The background is a white marbled texture, and the photo appears close-up, showing the moist and rich sauce covering the chicken pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well, though thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Adjust cooking time to avoid drying out the breasts.

How do I thicken the teriyaki sauce?

The cornstarch slurry added at the end helps thicken the sauce. Make sure to stir continuously while adding it to avoid lumps.

Charlotte Montgomery