Easy Homemade Teriyaki Chicken: A Quick Weeknight Dinner!

Teriyaki Chicken is a classic dish that brings a beautiful combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors to your table.

This dish, with its glossy and sticky sauce, is not only a hit at family dinners but also a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.

The perfect Teriyaki Chicken is easy to make and comes together in a few simple steps.

Whether you’re cooking for one or preparing for a family meal, this recipe ensures delicious results every time.

In this post, you’ll learn everything from the ingredients to cooking techniques, along with tips to get the perfect glaze on your chicken.

Let’s dive into making the best Teriyaki Chicken that you can enjoy any day of the week.

What is Teriyaki Chicken?

Teriyaki Chicken is a Japanese-inspired dish that features chicken glazed with a flavorful, sweet, and savory sauce known as teriyaki.

The word “teriyaki” comes from two Japanese words: “teri,” which means the shine or luster from the sugar in the sauce, and “yaki,” meaning to grill or broil.

This results in a dish that has both a shiny appearance and rich flavor.

Traditionally, Teriyaki Chicken is made by marinating the chicken in a sauce that is primarily composed of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar.

The dish has evolved over time, and variations can be found all over the world, each with its own twist on the marinade and cooking method.

At its core, Teriyaki Chicken is about achieving the perfect balance between the sweetness of the sugar or honey and the saltiness of the soy sauce.

This combination creates a rich and well-rounded flavor that enhances the natural taste of the chicken.

Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken

To create the best Teriyaki Chicken, you’ll need a few essential ingredients that work together to build the dish’s signature flavor.

Let’s break them down:

Chicken: You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.

Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, while chicken breasts are leaner.

Choose whichever you prefer, but keep in mind that thighs offer a more tender and flavorful result.

Teriyaki Sauce: While you can buy pre-made teriyaki sauce, homemade versions often yield better results.

The store-bought sauces may contain added preservatives and artificial flavors, so making it from scratch can give you full control over the taste and consistency.

Soy Sauce: This is the base of your Teriyaki sauce and brings a deep, salty umami flavor.

You can use regular soy sauce or opt for a low-sodium version to adjust the saltiness to your preference.

Sweeteners: Sugar, honey, or maple syrup are commonly used to add sweetness to the Teriyaki sauce.

The sweetness is essential for balancing the salty soy sauce, giving the sauce its characteristic flavor.

Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics add depth and complexity to the sauce.

Freshly minced garlic and ginger bring a fragrant and slightly spicy kick to the dish.

Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder: This is used to thicken the sauce, giving it the sticky consistency that coats the chicken perfectly.

How to Make Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Making your own Teriyaki sauce from scratch is easier than you might think and it’s worth the effort for the fresh, authentic taste it provides.

Here’s how to create the sauce in just a few simple steps:

1. Combine the ingredients: In a small saucepan, mix together soy sauce, honey (or your sweetener of choice), minced garlic, and grated ginger.

Add a splash of rice vinegar or mirin if you prefer a tangier flavor.

2. Heat the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring it to a simmer.

Stir occasionally to ensure the ingredients blend together well.

3. Thicken the sauce: Once the sauce begins to simmer, stir in a small amount of cornstarch or arrowroot powder.

This will help thicken the sauce to a glossy, sticky consistency that will coat the chicken perfectly.

4. Adjust flavors: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

You can add more honey for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, or a bit of rice vinegar for acidity.

Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and develop its flavor.

5. Cool and use: Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly before using it on your chicken.

The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Homemade Teriyaki sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, so feel free to make extra for future meals.

How to Cook Teriyaki Chicken

Cooking Teriyaki Chicken is simple, and you can choose from a few different methods to achieve a flavorful and tender result. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking Teriyaki Chicken:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
Begin by marinating your chicken in the homemade teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes, but ideally, 2-3 hours for deeper flavor.

If you have time, marinating overnight in the fridge is even better.

2. Choose Your Cooking Method:
You can cook the chicken using several methods, depending on your preference and available equipment.

Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Pan-Searing: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked.

3. Apply the Teriyaki Sauce:
During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken generously with the remaining teriyaki sauce.

This allows the sauce to caramelize and form a flavorful, sticky coating on the chicken.

4. Rest and Slice:
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the chicken moist and juicy.

Serve with extra teriyaki sauce drizzled over the top for added flavor.

Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

To make sure your Teriyaki Chicken comes out perfect every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
The longer you marinate your chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, marinate it for several hours or overnight for the best flavor infusion.

2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken:
Be careful not to overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

3. Cook at the Right Temperature:
If you’re pan-searing or grilling, ensure the cooking surface is at the right temperature. Too high, and the sauce might burn before the chicken is cooked through; too low, and the chicken will cook unevenly.

4. Use Fresh Ingredients:
Fresh garlic and ginger give the sauce a fragrant punch that bottled versions can’t replicate. Using fresh aromatics enhances the overall flavor of your dish.

5. Adjust the Sauce Consistency:
If your teriyaki sauce isn’t thickening as you’d like, add a bit more cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with water. Let it simmer until it reaches the desired glossy texture.

6. Let the Chicken Rest:
After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender and juicy.

7. Serve with the Right Sides:
Teriyaki Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, sautéed vegetables, or even a crisp green salad. The sauce works great to drizzle over these sides too.

With these tips, your Teriyaki Chicken will turn out flavorful, juicy, and delicious each time!

Healthier Alternatives for Teriyaki Chicken

If you’re looking to make Teriyaki Chicken a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor, there are several substitutions and adjustments you can make:

1. Lighten Up the Sauce:
You can reduce the amount of sugar or honey used in the sauce, or even substitute with a healthier alternative like stevia, monk fruit, or maple syrup.

For a lower-sodium option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce. These alternatives offer a similar flavor but with less sodium.

2. Leaner Protein:
While chicken breast is already a leaner option, you can also consider using turkey breast or fish like salmon, which pairs well with Teriyaki sauce and provides healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

3. Avoid Fried Options:
Instead of deep-frying the chicken, opt for grilling, baking, or pan-searing with a small amount of oil. These methods reduce unnecessary fats and calories while still providing great flavor.

4. More Veggies:
Add more vegetables to your dish to increase the fiber and nutrient content. Steamed or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots make a great side to Teriyaki Chicken. You can even toss some into the dish itself for added texture and color.

5. Gluten-Free Version:
To make Teriyaki Chicken gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari, which is naturally gluten-free. This is an excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, the balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors always impresses.

With the option to adjust the ingredients, you can make the dish as healthy as you like while still keeping that signature Teriyaki taste.

By following the simple steps and tips in this guide, you can master Teriyaki Chicken and enjoy it as a regular part of your meal rotation, offering both flavor and nourishment.

So, why wait? Get cooking and enjoy the perfect Teriyaki Chicken with your favorite sides today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long should you marinate the chicken for?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, though 2-3 hours is ideal. If you have time, marinating overnight will give even better results.

2. Can you make Teriyaki Chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time. It can be marinated and cooked, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months.

3. Can you freeze Teriyaki Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze Teriyaki Chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up in the oven or on the stovetop.

4. What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also keep the sauce separate to prevent the chicken from becoming too soggy.

5. Can I use store-bought Teriyaki sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought Teriyaki sauce for a quicker option. However, homemade sauce tends to offer a fresher, more balanced flavor with fewer preservatives and added sugars. If using store-bought sauce, consider adjusting the sweetness and saltiness to your taste.