Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Table of Contents

• Why This is an Easy Recipe You’ll Make Again
• What Makes Teriyaki Chicken So Special?
• Essential Tips for the Perfect Teriyaki Sauce
• How to Customize Your Easy Weeknight Dinner
• Planning Ahead for Effortless Quick Recipes
• Simple Sides for a Complete Meal
• The Recipe
• Notes & Tips

Key Takeaways

This quick and easy teriyaki chicken recipe is a fantastic weeknight staple. You’ll master a delicious homemade sauce that’s superior to store-bought, learn how to get tender, juicy chicken every time, and discover endless ways to customize the dish to your taste. It’s a family-friendly meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Why This is an Easy Recipe You’ll Make Again

Hello from Patricia Universe! I’m Patricia, and I believe that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. The search for a truly easy recipe ends here. If you’re looking for a reliable, family-friendly weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss, this teriyaki chicken is a perfect choice. It’s one of those simple dishes that proves you can create amazing flavor with straightforward ingredients you likely already have.

What Makes Teriyaki Chicken So Special?

Teriyaki’s magic lies in its perfect balance of sweet and savory, or umami. It’s a flavor profile that’s universally loved, making it an ideal choice for a quick family dinner that pleases everyone. Unlike some takeout versions that can be overly sweet or gloppy, this homemade version gives you control over the quality of ingredients and the final texture, resulting in a beautifully glazed, flavorful dish. This is more than just a simple chicken recipe; it’s a versatile base for countless meals.

Essential Tips for the Perfect Teriyaki Sauce

The heart of this dish is, of course, the sauce. Getting it right is simpler than you think. The key is to build layers of flavor. Start with a good base of soy sauce, then add sweetness with honey or brown sugar, a touch of tang from rice vinegar, and aromatic depth from fresh ginger and garlic. The final step—thickening with a cornstarch slurry—transforms it from a thin liquid into that glossy, clingy glaze we all love. For the best easy dinner recipes, mastering a sauce like this is a game-changer.

How to Customize Your Easy Weeknight Dinner

One of the joys of this easy teriyaki chicken recipe is its flexibility. Don’t have chicken breasts? Thighs work wonderfully for a richer taste. Need a gluten-free option? Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari. You can also amp up the veggies by tossing in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking. This adaptability makes it a perfect candidate for quick and easy meal prep.

Planning Ahead for Effortless Quick Recipes

Making weeknights smoother is all about strategy. This dish is a prime example of a simple dinner idea you can prepare in advance. The sauce can be whisked together and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also cut the chicken ahead of time. When you’re ready to cook, everything comes together in about 15 minutes. This kind of prep is the secret to consistently getting a healthy and satisfying dinner on the table without stress.

Simple Sides for a Complete Meal

While the chicken is the star, the right sides turn it into a feast. For a classic pairing, steamed jasmine or brown rice is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, try cauliflower rice or a simple green salad with a ginger-sesame dressing. Stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or carrots also complement the flavors beautifully. The goal is to keep it easy and delicious from start to finish.

The Recipe

Find the full, detailed recipe card with ingredients and step-by-step instructions above.

Notes & Tips

Refer to the “Notes & Tips” section in the recipe card for helpful advice on storage, substitutions, and how to achieve the perfect sauce consistency every time.

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Keywords: chicken recipes, dinner recipes, easy recipes, family meals, quick and easy recipes, teriyaki chicken

Servings: 4

Author: Patricia

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Chicken

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish
• 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. In a small separate bowl, make a slurry by whisking the water and cornstarch together until smooth. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Finish the Dish

1. Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet.
2. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry.
3. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the thickened sauce. Heat for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.