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.

Teriyaki Chicken Recipe With Sweet And Savory Sauce

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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Instructions

1-Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

2-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.

3-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.

4-Stir the sauce into the skillet with the chicken and cook while tossing until the sauce thickens, about 30-60 seconds.

5-Serve warm over brown or white rice with steamed vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍖 Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts but need slightly longer cooking.
🥄 Use vegetable oil if olive oil is unavailable.
🌿 Fresh ginger and garlic yield the best flavor; dried versions can be used in smaller amounts if necessary.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 258
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 698mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg