Why You’ll Love Easy Chicken Teriyaki Recipe

It’s quick and simple — with minimal prep and easy-to-find ingredients.
Flexibility: you can grill, bake, or stir‑fry depending on your mood or kitchen setup.
Balanced flavor: the lightly sweet, savory, and umami-rich teriyaki marinade gives tender, juicy chicken every time.
Perfect for pairing with rice and veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken — boneless skin‑on or skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast, flattened to about ¾ inch thick for even cooking
Vegetable oil (for cooking)
Toasted white sesame seeds (for garnish)

Chicken Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce

Low‑sodium soy sauce
Mirin
Sugar
(Optional) 1 teaspoon minced garlic or ginger

Directions

Flatten the chicken to about ¾ inch thickness for even cooking.
In a bowl or bag, mix soy sauce, mirin, and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Set aside half the mixture as your glaze. Marinate the chicken with the other half for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Choose your cooking method:
- Grill or Pan-Fry: Heat oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove excess marinade from the chicken. Cook skin-side down first if using skin-on. Flip and continue cooking. Brush with the reserved sauce during the last few minutes to create a thick glaze. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until fully cooked. In the last 5–7 minutes, brush with the reserved sauce and let it caramelize into a glaze.
Remove from heat, slice if desired, and serve over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and drizzle with any remaining sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes (grill/pan) or 20–25 minutes (bake)
Total time: 23 minutes (grill/pan) or 35–40 minutes (bake)

Variations

Replace mirin with sake or white wine; for a non-alcoholic version, use water or stock with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
Use honey, brown sugar, or agave in place of white sugar for a richer sweetness.
For a stir-fry: dice chicken and stir-fry it with half the marinade until fully cooked. Add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli in the final 5 minutes.
Add spice with red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chopped jalapeños or serranos to the marinade.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or sauce to retain moisture.
Avoid overheating to preserve texture — warm just until heated through.

FAQs

What kind of chicken is best: thighs or breasts?

Both work well. Thighs stay juicier, while breasts are leaner. Flattening helps ensure even cooking.

Can I make the recipe without mirin?

Yes, substitute with sake, white wine, or a mix of stock and vinegar for a non-alcoholic option.

Can I use something other than sugar to sweeten the teriyaki sauce?

You can use honey, brown sugar, or agave instead of white sugar. Adjust to your taste.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 15 minutes. For more flavor, marinate up to 24 hours in the fridge.

Can I stir‑fry instead of grill or bake?

Absolutely. Cut chicken into small pieces and stir-fry with marinade until cooked and glazed.

Can I make the sauce spicier?

Yes, add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chopped spicy peppers to the marinade.

What should I serve with this teriyaki chicken?

It pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried or steamed vegetables, or a light salad.

How do I avoid burning the sugar when baking?

Brush sauce on during the last few minutes of baking and watch closely to prevent burning.

How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C), and juices should run clear.

Can I store leftover sauce for later?

Yes, as long as it wasn’t used to marinate raw chicken. Keep it refrigerated and use within a few days.

Conclusion

This chicken teriyaki recipe is a fantastic go-to for anyone craving bold flavor with minimal effort. Whether grilled, baked, or stir-fried, it delivers juicy, glazed chicken that’s deeply satisfying. Pair it with rice and vegetables for a well-rounded meal, and enjoy customizing it to suit your tastes. This is a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.