Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe with Homemade Sauce

Looking for a quick, delicious dinner that’s better than takeout? This teriyaki chicken recipe, featuring a rich and flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce, combines savory, sweet, and umami flavors perfectly. Perfect for home cooks, busy families, and fans of Asian cuisine, this dish is easy to whip up and guaranteed to satisfy.

By the end of this article, you’ll know how to prepare tender, juicy teriyaki chicken and create your own teriyaki sauce from scratch using simple, everyday ingredients. Plus, you’ll get tips for perfecting the dish and pairing it with sides that elevate your meal.

What Makes Teriyaki Chicken a Favorite?

Teriyaki chicken is a staple in Japanese-inspired cooking. The combination of sticky, caramelized sauce with perfectly cooked chicken creates a mouthwatering experience. Its simplicity and the adaptability of flavors make it a go-to for busy weeknights or when hosting guests. Plus, making it at home gives you full control over the ingredients, making it healthier and fresher than any store-bought alternative.

Now, let's get started on this easy and rewarding recipe!

Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken

For four servings of this delicious meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 ¼ lbs (around 600g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any cooking oil you prefer)
• A pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning

For the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium is best)
• 1/4 cup mirin (a sweet Japanese rice wine; substitute with honey if unavailable)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust for desired sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon sake (optional, but recommended for authentic flavor)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
• 1 tablespoon water (to mix with cornstarch)

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken

Cooking teriyaki chicken is straightforward and comes together in four easy steps.

Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

• Combine soy sauce, mirin, sugar, water, sake, ginger, and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly add the slurry to the saucepan while stirring constantly.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

• Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
• Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken thighs in the pan, smooth-side down.
• Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden-brown and cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C is ideal).

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce

• Once your chicken is cooked, lower the heat and pour the homemade teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the pan.
• Simmer while spooning the sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce becomes sticky and glazes the chicken.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

• Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Drizzle any remaining sauce over the sliced chicken for extra flavor.

Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

• Don’t Overcook: Chicken thighs remain juicy when cooked correctly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure you're not overcooking the chicken.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer your teriyaki sauce sweeter, add an extra teaspoon of sugar or honey to taste.
• Meal Prep Hero: Teriyaki chicken is great for meal prepping—it reheats well and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki chicken pairs wonderfully with these easy side options for a complete meal:

• Steamed Rice: The classic pairing! The sticky sauce complements fluffy white or brown rice perfectly.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Lightly stir-fried broccoli, carrots, or snap peas add crunch and freshness.
• Pickled Vegetables: Japanese pickles (tsukemono) add a tangy contrast to the savory chicken.
• Miso Soup: A comforting bowl of miso soup ties your meal together beautifully.

Why Make Teriyaki Sauce at Home?

Homemade teriyaki sauce isn’t just fresher; it’s also customizable. By tweaking sweetness, saltiness, or even spiciness, you can match your family’s tastes perfectly. Plus, you avoid preservatives and unnecessary additives often found in store-bought sauces.

Final Thoughts – Elevate Your Dinner Game

Making teriyaki chicken with a homemade teriyaki sauce is easier than you think. With its mix of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with your family or dinner guests. Plus, the ability to customize the sauce ensures this dish fits perfectly into your tastes and meal plans.

Give this recipe a try and elevate your weeknight dinner to restaurant-quality. If you’re feeling extra inspired, share your creation on social media, and tag us—we’d love to see your teriyaki triumphs!

Happy cooking (and eating)!