Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken

Pinterest Facebook WhatsApp X Yummly

This Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken is tender, flavorful, and coated in a deliciously sticky teriyaki glaze. A classic Japanese dish, it’s simple to make at home in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Flavorful: Ready in just 25 minutes, with bold teriyaki flavors.
Restaurant Quality: Sake, mirin, and soy sauce combine to create an authentic teriyaki glaze.
Versatile: Perfect over rice, noodles, or veggies for a balanced meal.
Meal Prep-Friendly: Makes great leftovers for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs (or with skin-on)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (or substitute with potato or tapioca starch)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral-tasting oil)
½ green onion, finely sliced (optional garnish)
½ teaspoon sesame seeds (optional garnish)

For the Teriyaki Sauce

¼ cup sake
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon white granulated sugar (or substitute with honey)
¼ cup mirin
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools

Sharp Knife: For slicing chicken thighs into even portions.
Small Saucepan: To prepare the teriyaki glaze.
Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken and reducing the sauce.
Cooking Brush: For dusting chicken with cornstarch.
Tongs: Makes flipping chicken easier while cooking.

Preparation Tips

Prepare Sauce First: Pre-cooking the teriyaki sauce ensures it’s ready to pour over the chicken at the perfect moment.
Slice Chicken Evenly: Cutting the chicken thighs into equal thirds helps them cook evenly.
Cornstarch for Coating: Lightly dusting the chicken with cornstarch creates a slight crust that holds the sauce better.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Make the Teriyaki Sauce

Combine sake, soy sauce, sugar, mirin, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan.
Heat the mixture to a boil and let it bubble for 2 minutes to evaporate the alcohol.
Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken thighs horizontally into thirds for even cooking.
Lightly dust both sides of the chicken pieces with cornstarch using a cooking brush. Avoid over-coating, as this can create a gummy texture.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces and fry for 3–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

4. Glaze the Chicken

Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
Let the sauce bubble and thicken for 1–3 minutes, spooning it over the chicken to coat evenly.
Flip the chicken and simmer for another 30 seconds.

5. Garnish and Serve

Optional: Sprinkle the finished dish with sesame seeds and garnish with sliced green onions.
Serve hot over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

These tender, flavorful teriyaki chicken pieces are now ready to enjoy—perfect for a quick and delicious meal!

Serving Suggestions

1. Classic Pairings

Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed white or brown rice to soak up the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
Pair with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a complete and colorful meal.

2. Noodle Bowls

Toss the teriyaki chicken with soba noodles, udon noodles, or rice noodles for a hearty noodle dish.
Add shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired noodle bowl.

3. Bento Box Style

Pack teriyaki chicken in a bento box with:
- Steamed edamame
- Japanese pickled vegetables
- Onigiri (rice balls)
- A small serving of fresh fruit like orange slices or apple wedges.

4. Salad Topping

Chop the teriyaki chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve over a mixed greens salad with sesame dressing. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and crunchy wonton strips for extra texture.

5. Leftover Ideas

Use the chicken as a filling for lettuce wraps or in a teriyaki chicken sandwich with a toasted bun and coleslaw.
Add diced chicken to a fried rice dish for a quick and easy second meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

1. Overcooking the Chicken

Mistake: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry.
Solution: Cook just until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Thighs are forgiving but should still be monitored closely.

2. Skipping the Sauce Reduction

Mistake: Pouring the sauce over without reducing it can leave it watery and not sticky enough.
Solution: Let the sauce bubble and thicken for 1–3 minutes in the pan with the chicken for the perfect glaze.

3. Coating Chicken Too Heavily

Mistake: Using too much cornstarch creates a gummy texture instead of a light crust.
Solution: Lightly dust the chicken with cornstarch using a brush or by sprinkling it on, and tap off any excess.

4. Burning the Sauce

Mistake: Leaving the sauce on high heat for too long can cause it to burn.
Solution: Reduce heat to medium once the sauce begins to thicken, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Unevenly Cooked Chicken

Mistake: Thick pieces of chicken may cook unevenly.
Solution: Slice the chicken thighs into equal-sized portions for consistent cooking.

Side Dish Recommendations

1. Rice Options

Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic pairing that balances the bold teriyaki flavors.
Fried Rice: Add scrambled eggs, peas, and carrots for a hearty side dish.
Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb option that pairs well with the sweet and savory glaze.

2. Vegetable Sides

Stir-Fried Vegetables: A quick sauté of broccoli, carrots, and snap peas with garlic and soy sauce.
Steamed Bok Choy: Drizzle with sesame oil and soy sauce for a simple, flavorful side.
Roasted Asparagus: Toss with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

3. Appetizers or Small Plates

Gyoza (Japanese Dumplings): Serve as a starter for a Japanese-inspired meal.
Miso Soup: A comforting and light first course.
Seaweed Salad: Adds a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the rich chicken.

Tips for Success

Taste and Adjust the Sauce: Before pouring over the chicken, taste the sauce. Add a little more sugar for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness as needed.
Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger enhance the flavor of the teriyaki sauce significantly.
Opt for Skin-On Thighs: For extra flavor, use skin-on chicken thighs and start by searing them skin-side down for crispy, golden skin.
Make It a One-Pan Meal: Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet after flipping the chicken for a convenient, all-in-one dish.

With these serving ideas and expert tips, your Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken will be a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal every time!

Recipe Tips

1. Use Quality Ingredients

For the best flavor, opt for authentic Japanese ingredients like sake, mirin, and soy sauce. Low-quality substitutes can alter the dish’s taste.

2. Don’t Skip the Sauce Prep

Simmering the sauce to reduce the alcohol and enhance the sweetness is crucial for achieving a balanced, restaurant-quality glaze.

3. Light Cornstarch Coating

Dusting the chicken with a light layer of cornstarch helps create a slightly crispy exterior and allows the sauce to adhere better.

4. Monitor the Sauce Thickness

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out to your preferred consistency.

5. Garnish for Extra Flavor

A sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions adds freshness and texture to the dish, elevating its presentation.

Storage Instructions

1. Refrigeration

Store leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Freezing

Cooked Chicken: Freeze the cooked chicken with the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

3. Meal Prep

Divide the cooked chicken and sauce into individual portions with rice and vegetables. Store in meal prep containers for a quick and balanced lunch or dinner option.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?

Yes! Chicken breasts work well but may require slightly less cooking time to prevent drying out. Slice them into thinner pieces for even cooking.

2. What If I Don’t Have Sake?

Substitute sake with dry white wine or chicken broth. The flavor will differ slightly, but it will still complement the dish.

3. How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and ensure all other ingredients, such as mirin, are certified gluten-free.

4. Can I Add Vegetables?

Absolutely! Add bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking for a complete one-pan meal.

5. How Do I Prevent the Sauce from Burning?

Lower the heat once the sauce starts to bubble and thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching.

6. Can I Double the Recipe?

Yes! Simply double all the ingredients, but cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause uneven cooking.

7. What Can I Substitute for Mirin?

Use a combination of rice vinegar and a small amount of sugar (1 tablespoon of rice vinegar + 1 teaspoon sugar for every ¼ cup of mirin).

8. Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?

Yes! Prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat before using.

9. Can I Use Frozen Chicken?

Thaw frozen chicken completely before cooking to ensure even browning and proper sauce absorption.

10. How Do I Make the Dish Spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken is a versatile, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or elegant meals at home. With its sticky-sweet glaze and tender chicken, this Japanese classic is both comforting and impressive.

Serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a balanced meal, and enjoy the authentic taste of homemade teriyaki anytime. Make a batch today and elevate your dinner routine in under 30 minutes!