Name: Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred); 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce); 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch); Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready to fall in love with a meal that’s equal parts savory, sweet, and utterly satisfying, this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is going to become a fast favorite! Each bite showcases juicy chicken bathed in a glossy, homemade teriyaki sauce that packs all the rich umami flavor you crave, but with only a handful of pantry staples and one skillet required. Perfect for busy weeknights yet classically crowd-pleasing, this recipe is as fuss-free as it is crave-worthy.

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe: every ingredient is simple, but together they deliver restaurant-quality flavor and that irresistible sticky-sweet glaze. Each element brings something essential to the party, so you can count on bold flavor, tender texture, and gorgeous color in every serving.

Chicken breasts (or thighs): Choose boneless, skinless cuts for the juiciest and most tender results; thighs add extra richness while breasts keep it lean.
Olive oil: A little oil helps sear the chicken until perfectly golden while keeping it moist inside.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and letting the natural flavors of the chicken shine.
Soy sauce (low-sodium preferred): The deep, salty base that defines classic teriyaki flavor; using low-sodium keeps it balanced.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that beautifully lacquered glaze.
Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity brightens the sauce and makes every bite pop.
Brown sugar: Lends a rich caramel note, deepening the overall flavor profile.
Fresh ginger (or ground ginger): Ginger gives the sauce its signature zing; fresh is best, but ground is a great quick fix.
Garlic cloves, minced: Delivers aromatic depth that mingles perfectly with the sweetness of the sauce.
Cornstarch (optional): Whisked in with water, it helps thicken the sauce to that classic sticky consistency.
Water (if using cornstarch): Helps dissolve the cornstarch for a lump-free finish.
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional): For garnish, these add nutty crunch and a burst of fresh color.

How to Make Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Let’s kick things off by getting your chicken perfectly seasoned. Lay out the chicken breasts (or thighs) and sprinkle both sides evenly with salt and pepper. This step might seem simple, but that little bit of seasoning is key to bringing out all the delicious flavors in this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe as it cooks!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and let it sizzle away. Cook each piece for about 6-7 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s ready when it boasts a lovely golden crust and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside—resting keeps it juicy!

Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

Time to create that mouthwatering sauce! Using the same skillet (no need to wash, those brown bits are flavor gold), add the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant. If you love an extra-sticky sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then pour it into the sauce and let it bubble for another 1-2 minutes until luxuriously thick.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Now, nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning plenty of that glossy teriyaki sauce over each piece. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes so the flavors can really soak in. Every piece should be shiny and beautifully coated—this is what makes an Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe so irresistible!

Step 5: Serve

Turn off the heat and move the chicken to plates, making sure to drizzle any extra sauce on top. If you want to go the extra mile, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve right away for the best experience—the juicy, savory-sweet flavors are absolutely unbeatable fresh out of the pan!

How to Serve Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A classic garnishing trick never fails: a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for subtle crunch, and a handful of bright green onions for a fresh, lively finish. These little extras bring color and pop to the plate, making your Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe look as amazing as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Steamed white or brown rice is always a winner to soak up that luscious sauce, but don’t stop there—try serving it alongside crisp steamed broccoli, stir-fried veggies, or a simple Asian slaw. Roasted sweet potatoes or even udon noodles make fantastic companions for this flavorful main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to level up your dinner, thinly slice the chicken and arrange it over a bed of greens for a teriyaki chicken salad, or fill lettuce wraps for a lighter, hand-held meal. For lunchboxes or a fun twist, skewer the sliced chicken and drizzle with sauce for easy-to-eat teriyaki chicken sticks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep leftovers tasting fresh, transfer the cooled chicken and sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next-day Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe just as (if not more) delicious.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well—simply place cooked, sauced chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag. Store for up to two months. When you’re ready, let it thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are fantastic in this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. They’re naturally juicy and soak up the sauce beautifully, so use whichever cut you love most.

What’s the best way to tell when the chicken is cooked through?

The safest method is to use a meat thermometer: you’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken should also be golden outside and no longer pink in the center.

Can I double the sauce if I like it extra-saucy?

Yes! If you love your Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe swimming in sauce, just double all the sauce ingredients. Consider thickening with a bit more cornstarch and be sure to simmer long enough for the flavors to meld.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. Just substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce and double-check your other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free—then you’re all set to enjoy!

Can I make this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe in advance?

You sure can. Cook and sauce the chicken, then store it in the fridge. Gently reheat and cook through when ready to serve. It’s great for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a satisfying, no-fuss dinner that delivers big on taste and comfort, give this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe a try. It’s quick, customizable, and packed with flavor—great for family dinners or an impressive meal with friends. Once you taste that homemade sauce, you’ll want it on repeat!