The Best Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Teriyaki is a classic Japanese-inspired dish that’s both flavorful and easy to make at home. With a sweet and savory marinade, this recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken thighs perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken Thighs
- ⅓ cup Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
- 4 cloves Garlic, chopped
- ⅓ cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- ½ cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Canola Oil
- Sesame Seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cube the chicken thighs into pieces about 1-2 inches thick.
- Step 2: Place the chicken in a large bowl and add all the ingredients except for the canola oil and sesame seeds.
- Step 3: Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl and marinate the chicken overnight. If you’re short on time, marinate for at least two hours.
- Step 5: When ready to cook, drain the chicken completely from the marinade.
- Step 6: Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken pieces.
- Step 7: Cook for 5-10 minutes, turning as needed, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned.
- Step 8: Plate the chicken and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, simmer the leftover marinade with cornstarch and water to make a thick teriyaki sauce to drizzle over the chicken.
- Use boneless skinless chicken breasts if preferred, but reduce cooking time to avoid drying out.
- Add some steamed vegetables or serve over rice for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to preserve moisture. The marinated raw chicken can be kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works well but can dry out faster, so watch the cooking time closely and avoid overcooking.
Do I need to marinate the chicken overnight?
Marinating overnight gives the best flavor, but if short on time, at least 2 hours will still impart good taste.
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The Best Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Best Chicken Teriyaki recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and sweeteners, then cooked to perfection in a skillet. Easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish delivers a classic balance of savory and sweet teriyaki flavors garnished with optional sesame seeds for an authentic touch.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs Chicken Thighs, cubed into 1–2 inch pieces
Marinade & Sauce
- ⅓ cup Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
- 4 cloves Garlic, chopped
- ⅓ cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- ½ cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon Canola Oil
- Sesame Seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cube the chicken thighs into uniform pieces about 1 to 2 inches thick to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, rice vinegar, chopped garlic, brown sugar, honey, water, and cornstarch. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the marinade and mix until the chicken pieces are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor infusion. If short on time, marinate for at least two hours to allow the flavors to develop.
- Drain the Chicken: When ready to cook, drain the chicken completely from the marinade, reserving the marinade if you choose to reduce it into a sauce separately (not specified in the recipe).
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired as a garnish. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade chicken teriyaki!
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to allow flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- If you want a thicker teriyaki sauce, you can simmer the leftover marinade in a pan until reduced and pour over the cooked chicken.
- Use skinless, boneless chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful meat compared to chicken breasts.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar and honey based on your preference.
- Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Keywords: Chicken Teriyaki, Teriyaki Sauce, Asian Chicken Recipe, Easy Chicken Dinner, Skillet Chicken, Japanese Cuisine
