Teriyaki Chicken
A Flavorful, Easy-to-Make Recipe
When it comes to weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead, few dishes are as simple, satisfying, and universally loved as teriyaki chicken. With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, teriyaki chicken has become a go-to dish for anyone craving a quick and delicious dinner. Whether served over rice, in a stir-fry, or as part of a salad, this iconic Japanese-inspired dish is both versatile and incredibly easy to make.
In this post, we’ll dive into the origins of teriyaki chicken, why it’s so beloved, and how you can prepare a mouthwatering batch of teriyaki chicken at home—no need for takeout!
What is Teriyaki Chicken?
The term "teriyaki" refers to both a cooking technique and a type of sauce commonly used in Japanese cuisine. "Teri" means "shine" or "glaze," referring to the glossy finish the sauce gives when cooked on the meat, while "yaki" means "grill" or "broil." When it comes to teriyaki chicken, the chicken is typically marinated in a savory-sweet sauce made from soy sauce, sugar (or honey), sake (or a similar liquid), and mirin (a sweet rice wine), then grilled, broiled, or pan-cooked until it’s beautifully glazed.
While teriyaki sauce originally hails from Japan, the dish has become a popular staple in various parts of the world, especially in the U.S. and throughout Asia, where it has been adapted to suit local tastes. The perfect teriyaki chicken boasts tender, juicy chicken with a perfectly caramelized, slightly tangy, and sweet glaze that pairs wonderfully with rice or vegetables.
Why You’ll Love Teriyaki Chicken
Quick & Easy: Teriyaki chicken is incredibly fast to prepare. With a quick marinade (or even a 15-minute rest), you can have a flavorful dish on the table in under 30 minutes.
Flavor-packed: The marinade is what really makes teriyaki chicken stand out. The combination of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that's both savory and sweet. Plus, the glaze thickens beautifully during cooking, coating the chicken in a glossy, caramelized finish.
Customizable: While the classic teriyaki chicken is made with boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, the sauce works wonderfully with other proteins such as pork, beef, tofu, or even seafood. It’s also a versatile dish—serve it with steamed rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or even in wraps and bowls.
Meal Prep-Friendly: Teriyaki chicken is a great option for meal prepping. The chicken can be marinated in advance, and once cooked, it stores well in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. It's perfect for making lunches for the week or quick, ready-to-eat dinners.
Variations & Tips for the Perfect Teriyaki Chicken
For extra flavor: Marinate your chicken overnight to allow the flavors to really soak in. The longer it sits, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
Grilling option: If you're in the mood for grilled teriyaki chicken, you can marinate the chicken and cook it on the grill for a slightly smoky, charred flavor that complements the sweet glaze. Brush with extra sauce as it grills for a nice glaze.
Spicy twist: For a spicy kick, add a small spoonful of sriracha, chili flakes, or fresh sliced chili peppers to the sauce. You can also add a drizzle of spicy mayo when serving.
Add vegetables: Teriyaki chicken pairs wonderfully with stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Add them into the pan during the last few minutes of cooking for a one-pan meal.
Meal Prep with Teriyaki Chicken
If you're looking to prep your meals for the week, teriyaki chicken is a fantastic option. Here’s how you can make it meal-prep friendly:
Cook the chicken: Follow the recipe above, cooking a larger batch of chicken.
Store: Let the chicken cool, then slice it and store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: When ready to eat, reheat the chicken in the microwave or in a skillet with a little extra teriyaki sauce. Serve with your choice of sides (rice, noodles, or vegetables).
Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, packing it into lunch bowls, or serving it at a family gathering, teriyaki chicken will always deliver on flavor.
Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 Tbsp packed light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tsp peeled and minced fresh ginger
- 2 peeled and minced fresh garlic cloves
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Mix turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil to the bottom of your pot and heat on medium-low heat.
- Hand roll meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place on the bottom of the pot.
- Once they have all been added, pour marinara sauce over the meatballs, cover and simmer on low for about 45 minutes.
- Half way through the cooking time, salt and boil your water. Once water is boiling, add spaghetti or pasta of choice and cook according the package directions.
- Serve cooked meatballs over spaghetti and garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve with salad and garlic bread. Enjoy!
- Heat olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add in chicken and let brown on bottom about 3 - 4 minutes then flip and continue to cook until center registers about 160 degrees, about 3 minutes longer.
- While chicken is cooking, in a small mixing bowl (or liquid measuring cup) whisk together soy sauce, water, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic and cornstarch.
- Stir the sauce in with the cooked chicken and continue to cook and toss until sauce has thickened, about 30 - 60 seconds longer.
- Slice chicken, serve with rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
