Teriyaki Chicken Recipe with Simple Sweet and Savory Sauce

Name: Teriyaki Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts diced into 1-inch cubes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup water (can substitute 2 tablespoons water and 2 tablespoons Mirin); 2 tablespoons honey; 1 1/2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 teaspoons peeled and minced fresh ginger; 2 teaspoons peeled and minced fresh garlic (about 2 cloves); 2 teaspoons cornstarch; Sesame seeds for garnish (optional); Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

By:

Brandi Oshea

Published:

September 25, 2025

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Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken

This teriyaki chicken recipe is perfect for anyone craving a quick meal that’s full of flavor without much fuss. It’s simple to whip up on busy nights, using ingredients you might already have on hand. You’ll appreciate how the sweet and savory sauce turns ordinary chicken into something truly special.

One of the best parts is its ease of preparation, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a delicious dish ready in under 30 minutes. It’s also packed with lean protein and essential nutrients, supporting a balanced diet while using low-sodium soy sauce and natural sweeteners to cut down on processed sugars and salts.

This recipe shines in its versatility, adapting easily to various dietary needs like gluten-free or low-calorie options by swapping a few ingredients. The blend of sweet and savory flavors makes it a standout choice, turning it into a family favorite that’s easy to customize. For more ideas on tasty chicken dishes, check out our easy orange chicken recipe for another flavorful option.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken
2. Essential Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Teriyaki Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Teriyaki Chicken
5. Mastering Teriyaki Chicken: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Teriyaki Chicken: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Teriyaki Chicken
8. Teriyaki Chicken

Essential Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken

Getting the ingredients right is key to making this teriyaki chicken recipe a success. We’ll focus on fresh, simple items that create that irresistible sweet and savory sauce. Below is a complete list based on the recipe, with exact measurements to help you shop and prepare without any guesswork.

1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup water (can substitute 2 tablespoons water and 2 tablespoons Mirin)
2 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons peeled and minced fresh ginger
2 teaspoons peeled and minced fresh garlic (about 2 cloves)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

These ingredients come together quickly to form a dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. For more on how garlic and ginger boost your meals, visit garlic and ginger benefits.

How to Prepare the Perfect Teriyaki Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering teriyaki chicken that’s ready in no time. Start by gathering everything you need to keep things smooth and stress-free. This method ensures juicy chicken with a glossy sauce that ties it all together.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces, spacing them out, and cook until browned on the bottom, about 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook until the center reaches about 160 degrees Fahrenheit, about 3 minutes longer.

While the chicken cooks, whisk together 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup water (or the substitute), 2 tablespoons honey, 1 1/2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil, 2 teaspoons peeled and minced fresh ginger, 2 teaspoons peeled and minced fresh garlic, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch in a small bowl.
Stir the sauce into the skillet with the chicken and cook while tossing until the sauce thickens, about 30-60 seconds.
Serve warm over brown or white rice with steamed vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

This quick process takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook, making it ideal for busy days. For another easy chicken idea, explore our grilled shrimp tacos recipe for a fun twist.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Teriyaki Chicken

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Swapping proteins can make this recipe fit your needs perfectly. For instance, use firm tofu or tempeh if you’re going vegan, as they absorb the teriyaki flavors just as well. To keep things light, opt for skinless chicken breasts instead of the original cut.

Fish like salmon or shrimp also work great, adding a fresh twist while maintaining that teriyaki taste. These changes help tailor the dish for different diets without losing what makes it special.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Adjust the sauce for various preferences by swapping soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free options. If you’re watching calories, try coconut sugar or honey in place of brown sugar to sweeten things up naturally.

Add veggies like bell peppers or broccoli to boost nutrition and texture. Tweak ginger and garlic amounts to match your flavor likes, ensuring everyone enjoys the meal.

Mastering Teriyaki Chicken: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your teriyaki chicken to the next level is easier than you think. Use pro cooking techniques like searing on high heat for that perfect caramelization, then simmer to lock in juices. A cast iron skillet helps with even browning, and marinating overnight really amps up the taste.

Play with flavor variations by adding pineapple juice for a fruity note or chili flakes for some spice. Swap sweeteners like maple syrup to change the sweetness profile and keep things exciting.

For presentation, serve the chicken sliced over rice with sesame seeds, scallions, and maybe cilantro for color. If you’re prepping ahead, marinate the chicken and store the sauce separately to keep flavors fresh, then reheat gently.

Some handy tips include using vegetable oil instead of olive oil, or substituting arrowroot starch for cornstarch if needed. Cut the chicken into even pieces for consistent cooking, and don’t overcook to keep it moist. Remember, fresh ginger and garlic work best, but dried versions can work in a pinch with half the amount.

How to Store Teriyaki Chicken: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your teriyaki chicken tasty and safe for later. Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to hold onto that fresh flavor. If you want it to last longer, freeze portions in sealed bags for up to 2 months.

When reheating, use the stovetop or microwave on medium heat to avoid drying it out, and add a little water or sauce for moisture. For meal prep, cook a big batch and divide into single servings for quick weekday meals, always checking temperatures for safety.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Teriyaki Chicken

What ingredients do I need to make authentic Teriyaki Chicken at home?

To make authentic Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll need boneless chicken thighs or breasts, soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), sake or dry sherry, and sugar. Garlic and ginger are optional but add depth to the flavor. Combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar in a saucepan and simmer until slightly thickened to create the teriyaki sauce. Marinate the chicken briefly, then cook it by grilling, pan-frying, or broiling. Brush with extra sauce during cooking for a glossy finish.

How do I make Teriyaki Chicken sauce without mirin?

If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute with a mix of dry white wine or sake and a little sugar. For every 1/4 cup of mirin, use 3 tablespoons dry white wine or sake plus 1 teaspoon sugar. This combo replicates mirin’s sweet and slightly tangy flavor. Combine it with soy sauce, sugar, and optionally ginger and garlic to make a balanced teriyaki sauce.

Can I bake Teriyaki Chicken, and what’s the best method?

Yes, baking Teriyaki Chicken is an easy, hands-off method. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and pour enough teriyaki sauce to cover the pieces. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For a caramelized finish, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. This method keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Is Teriyaki Chicken healthy, and how can I make it better for a balanced diet?

Teriyaki Chicken can be part of a healthy meal when prepared with lean cuts and controlled sauce portions. The chicken provides protein, while the sauce adds sodium and sugar, so use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added sugar to balance flavors. Pair the dish with steamed vegetables and brown rice for fiber and nutrients. Grilling or baking rather than frying keeps it lower in fat.

What side dishes go well with Teriyaki Chicken?

Teriyaki Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides that complement its sweet and savory flavor. Popular choices include steamed white or brown rice, sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas, and pickled salad for acidity. You can also serve it with noodles or a simple miso soup for a well-rounded meal. Including a crisp vegetable side helps balance the richness of the sauce.