Name: Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 500 g (1 lb) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 1-2 tsp sesame oil; ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup sake or mirin (optional, can be replaced with water); ¼ cup rice vinegar; 2 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 garlic clove, crushed; 1 tsp crushed fresh ginger; Sesame seeds

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If you’ve been craving a delicious, restaurant-style dish that’s ready in a flash, this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is the answer. It’s packed with savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors that make every bite a little celebration. With tender, juicy chicken nestled in a glossy, sticky sauce and finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, this dish transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a total winner that’s both comforting and exciting at the same time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface holds a dark, thick sauce with a shiny, glossy texture. The sauce is smooth and viscous, showing waves and reflections of light. A metal spoon is dipped into the sauce, lifting some as it curves along the edges of the bowl. The sauce is deep brown to almost black, with a reddish tint near the edges where it thins out. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe relies on straightforward, accessible ingredients that come together beautifully to deliver a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and rich color. Each element plays a meaningful role, from the hint of garlic to the sweet depth of brown sugar, ensuring your dish shines without fuss.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts (500 g/1 lb): Cubed for quick, even cooking and tenderness.
Sesame oil (1-2 tsp): Adds a subtle nutty aroma that elevates the dish instantly.
Soy sauce (½ cup): I prefer low-sodium to control saltiness while packing umami.
Sake or Mirin (¼ cup, optional): Gives a gentle sweetness and depth, replaceable with water if you prefer.
Rice vinegar (¼ cup): Brings bright acidity to balance the sauce’s sweetness.
Honey (2 tbsp): Natural sweetness that melts perfectly into the savory base.
Brown sugar (2 tbsp): Deepens the caramelized flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Garlic (1 clove, crushed): Infuses the sauce with fragrant warmth.
Fresh ginger (1 tsp, crushed): Adds a zesty, slightly spicy lift to brighten the flavors.
Sesame seeds (to serve): For that final crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Start by heating a large frying pan over high heat to get it smoking hot — this is key for that delicious sear. Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels to ensure they brown properly instead of steaming. Then add your sesame oil to the pan and toss in the chicken, frying until each piece is beautifully golden on all sides. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside. This step locks in juiciness and builds a flavorful base.

Step 2: Crafting the Sauce

Next, gather the remaining ingredients (except the sesame seeds) and give them a good mix before pouring them into the hot pan. Let the mixture come to a boil and cook for 1 to 2 minutes; you’ll notice it beginning to thicken and take on a glossy sheen. This reduction concentrates the sweet and savory notes, creating that luscious teriyaki glaze everyone loves.

Step 3: Bringing it All Together

Now, add your browned chicken and any juices that have accumulated back into the pan. Stir well so every piece is coated with that sticky sauce. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce clings beautifully. This step melds the flavors and ensures each bite is a perfect balance of tender meat and sauce.

Step 4: The Finishing Touch

Before serving, sprinkle over those toasted sesame seeds — they add a lovely textural contrast and a subtle nutty flavor that rounds out the dish wonderfully. And just like that, your Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is ready to delight!

How to Serve Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

This image shows a round metal pan filled with many small chunks of golden-brown cooked meat coated in a dark, glossy sauce. The pieces have a shiny texture with some light reflections, and are sprinkled with white sesame seeds. A wooden spoon rests in the middle of the pan, lifting one piece of meat. The pan sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like sliced green onions or a scattering of chopped cilantro add vibrant color and freshness that contrast beautifully with the richness of the teriyaki glaze. A wedge of lime on the side can also elevate the flavors with a bright citrus zing.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs perfectly with classic steamed white rice or fluffy jasmine rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce like a dream. For a healthier twist, serve alongside sautéed broccoli or steamed green beans for a pop of color and crunch. Even a simple cucumber salad with a light dressing complements the savory-sweet notes brilliantly.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests or jazz up your weeknight dinner? Serve the chicken on a bed of warm quinoa or alongside roasted sweet potatoes. Wrap the teriyaki chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for fresh, handheld bites or pile it high on a bowl of cold soba noodles with shredded carrots and cucumbers — it’s vibrant and so inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen as it rests — perfect for quick lunches or dinner the next day.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, freezing the chicken in a sealed container is a great option. Freeze for up to 2 months, and make sure to label your container so you remember this treasure in your freezer stash. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave works too for convenience, but stirring halfway through helps maintain the sauce’s lovely texture and ensures the chicken warms through evenly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay juicy thanks to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a couple more minutes to cook through.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh cubes. Press and dry the tofu well, then follow the same steps for cooking. The rich sauce pairs beautifully with plant-based proteins.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

You sure can. Prepare the sauce mixture in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to cook, brown your chicken and then add the cold sauce directly to the pan, allowing extra time for it to heat through and thicken.

What if I don’t have sake or mirin?

No worries! You can substitute with water or a splash of apple juice for subtle sweetness. The flavor will still be delicious and satisfy that teriyaki craving.

How sticky should the sauce be?

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken pieces well, creating a glossy, clingy finish—not too runny, but not overly syrupy either. Cooking it 1 to 2 minutes after boiling usually gets it just right.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is a real keeper — quick, simple, and bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a pro in the kitchen, even on busy nights. Give it a go, invite some friends over, and watch it disappear plate after plate. You’re going to love how effortlessly delicious this becomes a new favorite in your cooking rotation.

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need