Easy Teriyaki Chicken – Quick, Juicy, and Flavor-Packed Dinner

Easy Teriyaki Chicken is that magical recipe every busy home cook dreams about—sweet, savory, ready in 30 minutes, and family-approved. Picture this: juicy chicken bites sizzling in a glossy, golden sauce that clings to every piece like a flavor hug. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner rush or you’re just craving something comforting but not complicated, this Easy Teriyaki Chicken has your back.

You don’t need fancy ingredients or a culinary degree—just a skillet, a handful of pantry staples, and a little time. It’s the kind of dish that makes you look like you really have it together, even when dinner was decided at 5:45 p.m. Pair it with some jasmine rice, toss in steamed veggies, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

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What is Easy Teriyaki Chicken?

Easy Teriyaki Chicken is a Japanese-inspired dish made with tender chicken glazed in a homemade teriyaki sauce—a sweet and salty combination of soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. Traditionally, “teriyaki” refers to a cooking technique where meat is grilled or pan-fried and then coated with a shiny soy-based glaze. The name literally means “shine-grilled,” which perfectly describes that irresistible glossy finish.

The version we’re making today keeps things simple, skipping the grill for a quick skillet method while keeping all that classic flavor. You’ll love how the sauce thickens and caramelizes as it cooks, wrapping each piece of chicken in pure umami goodness. It’s a foolproof recipe that feels fancy without any fuss—and it’s ready faster than takeout.

Reasons to Try Easy Teriyaki Chicken

Let’s be real—there are plenty of chicken recipes out there. But Easy Teriyaki Chicken stands out because it’s quick, foolproof, and delivers big flavor without complicated steps. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something that tastes like effort but takes minimal work. The ingredients are pantry staples—soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger—so there’s a good chance you already have everything on hand.

It’s also family-friendly; even picky eaters love the slightly sweet sauce. Bonus: it’s easy to meal prep, reheats beautifully, and pairs with anything from rice to noodles or even lettuce wraps. If you liked recipes like Teriyaki Ground Turkey Bowl or Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, this one’s right up your alley.

Ingredients Needed to Make Easy Teriyaki Chicken

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions to Make Easy Teriyaki Chicken – Step by Step

Making Easy Teriyaki Chicken is simple and rewarding, especially when you follow this step-by-step guide. You’ll go from a handful of ingredients to a glossy, flavor-packed dinner that tastes better than takeout in under 30 minutes. Let’s walk through each step together so you can get it right every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients Like a Pro

Before you even turn on the stove, take a few minutes to prep everything. Cut your boneless chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and soak up more sauce later. Mince the garlic and ginger—fresh is best because it adds a punch of authentic Japanese flavor. If you love the aromatic kick from garlic-based dishes, you might also enjoy trying my Garlic Chicken Lo Mein, which pairs perfectly with the teriyaki flavor profile.

Once everything’s chopped and ready, line up your ingredients on the counter. This small act of organization makes cooking smoother and stress-free. It’s also a great time to start your side—rice, noodles, or even steamed broccoli—so everything finishes together.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Teriyaki Sauce

Now let’s build the heart of this dish—the glossy, crave-worthy teriyaki sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, water, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir until the honey dissolves and everything looks uniform. This is your homemade teriyaki base, and trust me, it beats the bottled stuff any day.
The soy sauce gives salty depth, honey brings sweetness, vinegar adds tang, and garlic and ginger provide that unmistakable warmth and balance. If you ever want to experiment with other sauces, check out my Spicy Maple Chicken and Coconut Rice for another sweet-salty twist. Keep this sauce nearby—you’ll be adding it soon.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Give it a minute to get nice and hot—you want that satisfying sizzle when the chicken hits the pan. Season your chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet in a single layer.

This is where the magic starts. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes on one side so it develops a golden crust. Resist the urge to stir too soon; that sear adds tons of flavor and texture. Flip each piece and cook for another 3–4 minutes until browned on the other side and cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are slightly crisp and the inside is juicy.

If you love quick skillet meals like this, my Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry offers the same kind of bold, high-heat cooking with incredible flavor payoff.

Step 4: Add the Teriyaki Sauce and Simmer

Once your chicken is fully cooked, pour the teriyaki sauce mixture right into the skillet. The second it hits the pan, you’ll catch that sweet-savory aroma—garlic, soy, and honey mingling into something irresistible. Use a spatula or spoon to stir, coating each piece of chicken in the sauce.
Let the sauce bubble gently over medium heat for a few minutes. This helps it start to reduce and cling to the chicken. Keep stirring occasionally to make sure it doesn’t burn or stick. At this point, your kitchen should smell like a cozy Japanese restaurant—warm, inviting, and a little addictive.

If you’re into cozy one-pan dinners, this dish pairs beautifully with Easy Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole for a flavorful weeknight lineup.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce for That Signature Glaze

To get that signature shiny coating that makes Easy Teriyaki Chicken so appealing, we’ll use a simple step-by-step thickening technique. In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Slowly pour this mixture into the skillet while stirring constantly. Within a minute or two, the sauce will start to thicken and turn glossy.
Keep the heat low to medium and continue to stir until the sauce evenly coats every chicken piece. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it up. The result should be a silky, sticky glaze that clings beautifully to your chicken.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Like a Restaurant Chef

You’ve made it to the best part—presentation. Turn off the heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions on top. These little touches add both flavor and that Instagram-worthy look. Serve your Easy Teriyaki Chicken hot over a bed of jasmine or brown rice, or toss it with noodles for a satisfying twist.

If you’re looking to turn this into a full meal, pair it with a fresh salad like my Quick Southwest Chicken Salad or a warming bowl of Delicious Curry Dumpling Soup. Both options balance out the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce beautifully.

Step 7: Make It Your Own

Here’s where you can get creative. If you like a bit of spice, add a dash of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of sriracha. For a tropical twist, mix in a splash of pineapple juice. Want extra protein? Toss in some tofu cubes or shrimp toward the end of cooking. This recipe is flexible enough to adapt to your mood or what’s in your fridge.

For more easy customizable chicken dinners, check out High Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken—it’s another family favorite that balances sweet, savory, and comforting flavors.

Step 8: Enjoy and Savor Every Bite

Serve your Easy Teriyaki Chicken immediately while it’s still warm and glossy. Each bite should be tender, flavorful, and satisfyingly sticky. It’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to double the batch. This step-by-step recipe makes cooking dinner fast, stress-free, and genuinely delicious—just the way weeknights should be.

And if you loved this recipe, you might also like my 20-Minute Chicken Ramen for another quick, comforting meal that’ll become part of your regular rotation.

What to Serve with Easy Teriyaki Chicken

Easy Teriyaki Chicken plays well with almost anything. It’s a dream over jasmine or brown rice, but you can also toss it with soba noodles or quinoa for something a little different. For veggies, try steamed broccoli, edamame, or even roasted carrots. Want to go lighter? Wrap it up in lettuce cups for a fun, fresh dinner idea. If you’re building a full meal plan, you could pair it with Spicy Maple Chicken and Coconut Rice for another delicious, balanced option.

Key Tips for Making Easy Teriyaki Chicken

Use chicken thighs for the juiciest result—they stay tender and soak up flavor beautifully. If you’re using chicken breasts, slice them thinly so they don’t dry out. Always make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken; that sear locks in flavor. When thickening the sauce, don’t walk away—cornstarch works fast, and you don’t want it to overcook. For a little twist, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat, or a splash of orange juice for citrusy brightness. And don’t skip the garnish! A sprinkle of sesame and green onion makes this dish look and taste like takeout perfection.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Easy Teriyaki Chicken

Leftovers? Lucky you. Store Easy Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the sauce from thickening too much. It also freezes well—just portion it out, freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Perfect for meal prep or those nights you just don’t feel like cooking.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the sauce up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it in a sealed jar.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
You can, but homemade tastes fresher and has fewer additives.

What’s the best cut of chicken for teriyaki?
Chicken thighs stay moist and flavorful, but breasts work if you prefer leaner meat.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Final Thoughts

Easy Teriyaki Chicken proves that weeknight dinners don’t need to be stressful to be satisfying. It’s fast, flavorful, and totally doable—even on your busiest days. The sauce hits that perfect balance of sweet and savory, and the leftovers taste just as good the next day. Once you try it, it’ll become one of those recipes you keep coming back to—comforting, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable. If you loved this, check out my Grilled California Avocado Chicken next for another healthy, flavor-packed meal idea.

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