When it comes to quick and satisfying meals, few dishes can beat a classic chicken teriyaki. With its savory and slightly sweet glaze, this easy chicken teriyaki recipe brings together bold flavors in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a busy professional or just looking for a weeknight dinner that’s simple but full of flavor, this dish is your go-to. Best of all, it’s adaptable! Pair it with rice, noodles, or even steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this quick teriyaki chicken at home, you only need a few staple ingredients, many of which are likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work well for this recipe. Thighs tend to stay juicier, but breasts are a leaner option.
- Soy sauce: The base of the teriyaki sauce, providing that salty umami flavor.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and balances out the saltiness of the soy sauce.
- Garlic and ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger are key to adding depth and warmth to the sauce.
- Sesame oil: Provides a nutty, toasty flavor.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, giving it that classic teriyaki glaze.
- Water: To adjust the consistency of the sauce.
- Optional garnishes: Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.
Ingredient Adjustments:
- Soy sauce substitute: For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos.
- Sweeteners: You can replace honey with brown sugar or maple syrup if desired.
- Oil alternatives: Olive oil works as a substitute for sesame oil, though you’ll lose the nutty depth.
How to Make Easy Chicken Teriyaki
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s jump into the simple chicken teriyaki cooking process. It’s straightforward and doesn’t require any special kitchen equipment—just a pan and a mixing bowl.
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and water. Set it aside. This homemade teriyaki sauce will serve as the base for the dish, delivering that mouthwatering balance of sweet and savory.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces (whether you’ve chosen thighs or breasts) and cook them until they’re golden on the outside and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
In the same pan, pour the prepared teriyaki sauce mixture. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken. Stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water to help it reach the perfect consistency. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon without being too runny.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the pan, turning it to coat evenly in the glossy teriyaki glaze. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes so the chicken can absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Serve!
Serve the chicken teriyaki over a bed of steamed rice, noodles, or with a side of stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Teriyaki
- Marinate for more flavor: If you have extra time, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the meat to absorb more flavor.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch: Cornstarch is essential for giving the sauce that rich, thick consistency that coats the chicken perfectly.
- Use a non-stick pan: This helps to prevent the sauce from sticking and burning, making cleanup much easier.
- Customize your veggies: Pair your chicken teriyaki with whatever vegetables you like. Broccoli, carrots, and snap peas are popular choices.
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of this quick chicken teriyaki is in its simplicity. You don’t need any advanced culinary skills to make it, and the ingredients are widely available. What makes this recipe so flavorful is the balance between salty soy sauce, sweet honey, and fragrant garlic and ginger. The chicken soaks up the sauce beautifully, leaving every bite tender and juicy.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or feeding the family on a busy night, this easy chicken teriyaki can be your culinary lifesaver. Plus, it’s easy to customize depending on what you have in the fridge.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the approximate nutrition for one serving of this chicken teriyaki (assuming four servings):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 23g
- Sugars: 15g
- Sodium: 900mg
If you’re looking to lower the calorie count, consider using chicken breasts or reducing the amount of sauce. You can also substitute low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on salt.
Variations to Try
This teriyaki chicken recipe is highly adaptable, and you can try a few different versions to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:
- Teriyaki Chicken Stir-fry: Add bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas directly to the skillet with the chicken for a colorful stir-fry.
- Grilled Chicken Teriyaki: Instead of pan-frying, grill the chicken over medium heat for a smoky twist.
- Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki: Toss in pineapple chunks for a sweet and tropical touch to the dish.
FAQs
Is chicken teriyaki healthy?
Chicken teriyaki can be a healthy meal when made with lean chicken breasts, moderate amounts of soy sauce, and plenty of veggies. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and limit added sugar to make it even healthier.
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, you can! However, making your own sauce from scratch gives you more control over the flavors and allows you to adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your preference.
How long does chicken teriyaki last in the fridge?
Leftover chicken teriyaki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Can I freeze chicken teriyaki?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken teriyaki. Simply place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What should I serve with chicken teriyaki?
Steamed rice, noodles, or a side of vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy work well with chicken teriyaki.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish. Simply pan-fry the tofu in the same way you would cook the chicken.
Conclusion
This easy chicken teriyaki recipe is the ultimate solution for anyone seeking a flavorful, homemade meal in under 30 minutes. The sweet and savory sauce, combined with tender chicken, creates a dish that is both comforting and delicious. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple to follow, with guaranteed tasty results.