Experience the ultimate weeknight convenience and flavor with this incredible Fast and Easy Chicken Teriyaki recipe! A beloved family classic, this dish features succulent diced chicken enveloped in a super simple, yet incredibly scrumptious, homemade teriyaki sauce, perfectly served alongside fluffy rice. Forget bland takeout – this recipe brings authentic, restaurant-quality taste right to your dinner table in minutes.
A DELICIOUSLY GLAZED CHICKEN RECIPE FOR BUSY WEEKNIGHTS
For many home cooks, quick and satisfying chicken recipes are always in high demand. Beyond the convenience of slow cooker meals, a delicious chicken dish that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen or an extensive shopping list is a true gem. We all seek those fuss-free options that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. This homemade Chicken Teriyaki perfectly fits the bill, promising a mouthwatering meal without the usual culinary complexities.
This recipe champions simplicity, utilizing a small handful of everyday ingredients to craft an exceptionally flavorful dish. Forget the notion that authentic taste requires a pantry full of exotic items or a mountain of dirty dishes. Our goal is to provide a swift, delicious solution that allows you to enjoy a complete and satisfying dinner with ease. Just add your favorite rice and a vibrant side of steamed vegetables, and you’ve got a perfectly balanced, incredibly appealing meal that the entire family will adore.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS EASY CHICKEN TERIYAKI
This Easy Chicken Teriyaki recipe isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s a culinary triumph that will quickly earn a permanent spot in your rotation. Here’s why this dish stands out and why you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again:
- Effortlessly Delicious: The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With minimal prep time and quick cooking, you can whip up a gourmet-tasting meal even on your busiest evenings. It’s perfect for those spontaneous dinner plans or when you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing option.
- Superior Homemade Flavor: Ditch the overly sweet or artificial taste of store-bought teriyaki sauces. Our homemade version uses fresh, balanced ingredients that come together to create a rich, savory, and perfectly glazed sauce that tastes like you spent hours perfecting it. You’ll be amazed at the depth of flavor achieved with such ease.
- Budget-Friendly: Making your own teriyaki chicken at home is not only healthier but also significantly more cost-effective than ordering takeout. You control the quality of ingredients, making it a smart choice for your wallet and your health.
- Versatile and Adaptable: This recipe is incredibly flexible. While chicken breast is fantastic, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully too. You can also customize the sauce to your liking, adding a touch more ginger for zest or a hint of chili for a kick. Pair it with white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or even noodles.
- Family-Favorite Appeal: Teriyaki chicken is universally loved. The sweet and savory glaze appeals to palates of all ages, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, gatherings, or even picky eaters. It’s a guaranteed hit every time.
- Excellent for Meal Prep: This dish reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prepping. Cook a larger batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have delicious, ready-to-eat lunches or quick dinners for days to come.
- Minimal Cleanup: With just one skillet for the chicken and sauce, plus a pot for rice and another for steaming vegetables, cleanup is a breeze. Spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your delicious creation.
Embrace the joy of cooking a fantastic meal that’s both simple and spectacular. This Easy Chicken Teriyaki is more than just a recipe; it’s a gateway to delicious, stress-free dining.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Absolutely, it’s incredibly worth it! This homemade sauce isn’t just easy; it’s leagues beyond any bottled teriyaki sauce you’ll find on supermarket shelves. It boasts a fresher, more vibrant flavor profile, free from the artificial preservatives and excessive sodium often found in commercial versions. The rich, glossy glaze tastes like it took ages to create, yet it comes together remarkably quickly. You get to control the sweetness and saltiness, ensuring a perfectly balanced dish every time. It’s a simple change that makes a dramatic difference to the overall quality and taste of your meal.
Yes, it reheats beautifully! Chicken Teriyaki is an excellent dish for meal prepping. I often make a larger batch specifically so I can enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day. To reheat, you can gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Alternatively, the microwave works perfectly for a quick reheat. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken during reheating to maintain its tenderness. It’s definitely a meal that stands up well to a second (or even third!) serving.
Yes, absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative to chicken breasts. In fact, traditionally, many teriyaki chicken recipes are made with chicken thighs, as they tend to be more flavorful, stay juicier, and have a richer texture due to their higher fat content. They are also often a more affordable option, making this recipe even more budget-friendly. Feel free to use whichever you have on hand or prefer. The cooking method remains the same.
The versatility of Teriyaki Chicken means it pairs well with a wide variety of sides. My personal go-to is classic white rice, which soaks up the delicious teriyaki glaze perfectly, along with a side of steamed broccoli for a fresh, crisp contrast. However, don’t limit yourself! Brown rice, quinoa, or even my Fried Rice recipe would be fantastic alternatives to white rice. For vegetables, consider Hibachi Vegetables, roasted asparagus, green beans, or even a simple mixed green salad. Adding some colorful bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas directly into the skillet with the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking also turns it into a delicious one-pan stir-fry.
Proper storage is key to enjoying your leftovers. Place any leftover Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty ziptop freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Yes, absolutely! To make this Chicken Teriyaki gluten-free, simply substitute the low-sodium soy sauce with an equal amount of tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels, especially for ingredients like cornstarch if you have a severe allergy.
The cornstarch in the recipe is key for thickening the sauce into that beautiful, shiny glaze. If your sauce isn’t thickening, it might be due to insufficient heat or not enough cornstarch. Ensure your skillet is hot enough (medium-high heat) and that the sauce has come to a simmer. If it still seems too thin after a few minutes of simmering, you can create a quick slurry by mixing an additional 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Whisk this into the simmering sauce gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Avoid adding dry cornstarch directly, as it will clump.
KEY INGREDIENTS FOR THE PERFECT HOMEMADE TERIYAKI
Crafting this quick and flavorful Chicken Teriyaki requires just a few pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the signature sweet, savory, and tangy profile of the sauce and ensuring perfectly cooked chicken. For precise measurements and the full recipe, please refer to the detailed recipe card below.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: We prefer to cut these into 1-inch chunks for even cooking and optimal sauce coating. If you’re looking for a more traditional or budget-friendly option, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative, offering a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture. Check out the FAQ section above for more details on substitutions.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken before cooking. A simple dash enhances the chicken’s natural flavors, creating a delicious base for the teriyaki sauce.
- Light Brown Sugar: This is a crucial component of our homemade teriyaki sauce. It doesn’t make the sauce overly sweet but rather contributes a subtle caramel note and balances the savory and tangy elements, creating that beloved sweet and sour complexity that defines teriyaki.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce gives you better control over the overall saltiness of your dish. You can always add more salt if needed, but it’s impossible to remove it once it’s in. This also makes the recipe more adaptable to various dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, consider using tamari.
- Seasoned Rice Vinegar: This vinegar is milder and less pungent than standard white vinegar, contributing a delicate tang that brightens the sauce without overpowering other flavors. It’s a versatile ingredient that’s great to keep on hand for many Asian-inspired dishes.
- Ground Ginger: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that is fundamental to teriyaki flavor. While ground ginger works perfectly, if you have fresh ginger root on hand, a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger will elevate the flavor even further, adding a zesty, potent kick.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a true star ingredient here. Its pungent, aromatic flavor is indispensable for an authentic and robust teriyaki sauce. While jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch for convenience, fresh garlic delivers a superior, more vibrant taste that truly shines in this dish.
- Cornstarch: This acts as our thickening agent, transforming the liquid sauce into a beautiful, glossy glaze that clings perfectly to the chicken. We highly recommend cornstarch over flour for this recipe, as flour tends to make the sauce cloudy and can impart a raw flour taste if not cooked long enough.
HOW TO MASTER HOMEMADE CHICKEN TERIYAKI: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Preparing this delightful Chicken Teriyaki is incredibly straightforward, designed for efficiency without sacrificing flavor. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal:
First, get your side dishes going. Cook your rice according to the package instructions; a rice cooker makes this even easier! While the rice simmers, steam your broccoli or prepare any other vegetables you plan to serve. Having these ready or nearly ready by the time your chicken is done ensures a seamless meal assembly.
Next, turn your attention to the chicken. Season your diced chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. If your skillet isn’t non-stick, you might want to add a tablespoon of cooking oil to prevent sticking and aid in browning. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook until it’s fully done, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking and a beautiful golden sear on all sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken chunks. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, reserving any drippings in the pan.
Now for the star of the show: the homemade teriyaki sauce! In a small bowl or a liquid measuring cup, combine the light brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, ground ginger, minced garlic, seasoned rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and there are no lumps. A smooth sauce is a delicious sauce!
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet over medium heat (or use the same skillet with the reserved drippings). Pour the whisked sauce mixture over the chicken. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2-4 minutes. As the sauce heats, the cornstarch will activate, causing the mixture to thicken into a beautiful, shiny, and flavorful glaze that perfectly coats every piece of chicken. Keep stirring to prevent the sauce from sticking or clumping.
Once the sauce has reached your desired glazed consistency, remove the skillet from the heat immediately. Serve the glistening Chicken Teriyaki hot, nestled alongside your fluffy white rice and vibrant steamed broccoli. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra touch of color and flavor, if desired. Enjoy your incredibly delicious and satisfying homemade meal!
PRO TIPS FOR THE BEST CHICKEN TERIYAKI
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, ensure you’re not overcrowding the skillet. Cooking in batches, if necessary, allows the chicken to sear properly and brown beautifully, rather than steam. This creates a more flavorful chicken base.
- Achieve the Perfect Glaze: The key to a shiny, thick teriyaki glaze is the cornstarch and consistent stirring. Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly, and allow it to come to a gentle simmer. It will thicken quickly once it reaches the right temperature. If it gets too thick, you can thin it with a tablespoon of water or broth.
- Customize Sweetness: While the recipe calls for light brown sugar, feel free to adjust the amount to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with slightly less brown sugar and add more if needed after tasting.
- Fresh is Best for Aromatics: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic and ginger. The flavor difference is noticeable and will significantly enhance your homemade teriyaki sauce. If using ground ginger, consider adding it a bit earlier to allow its flavor to bloom.
- Garnish for Impact: A simple garnish can elevate your dish. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely nutty crunch and visual appeal, while thinly sliced green onions provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
- Meal Prep Hack: Double the sauce recipe! You can store extra teriyaki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, ready to quickly toss with cooked chicken, shrimp, or even vegetables for another lightning-fast meal.
CRAVING MORE DELICIOUS ASIAN-INSPIRED RECIPES?
- Baked Teriyaki Salmon
- Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
- Hamburger Ramen Noodle Skillet
- Chicken Egg Roll In A Bowl
- Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Ham Fried Rice
- Beef Fried Rice
- Air Fryer Orange Chicken
- Honey Garlic Chicken
- Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken
- Beef Egg Roll In A Bowl
- Easy Sesame Chicken
- Vegetable Fried Rice
- Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Chicken Lo Mein
- Creamy Butter Chicken
- Hibachi Chicken
- Hibachi Steak
- Hibachi Fried Rice
- Cream Cheese Wontons
Originally published: June 2017
Updated photos & republished: September 2024
There you have it – an incredibly simple yet profoundly delicious Chicken Teriyaki recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this dish promises a rewarding cooking experience and a meal that will leave everyone asking for more. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and discover your new favorite weeknight dinner!
Easy Chicken Teriyaki
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Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks (or chicken thighs)
- salt and pepper, to taste
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
For serving:
- cooked white rice
- steamed broccoli
Instructions
- Season 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. If using a skillet that isn’t nonstick skillet, you may need to add about a Tablespoon of oil. Add chicken pieces and cook until done, stirring often.
- In a small bowl or a measuring cup, combine 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 Tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 2 cloves garlic, minced and 1 Tablespoon cornstarch. Whisk together until there are no cornstarch lumps.
- Add sauce to chicken and cook stirring constantly, until it thickens into shiny glaze.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately with cooked white rice and steamed broccoli (or your favorite sides)
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Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.