Some nights all that sounds good is a big bowl of glossy, saucy comfort, and this Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is exactly that kind of meal. Tender bites of chicken coated in a sticky sweet and savory glaze, spooned over hot rice, feel like takeout but come together in your own kitchen in about 30 minutes. The sauce clings to every piece, the ginger and garlic hit your nose as soon as the pan gets hot, and the edges of the chicken get just a little caramelized and charred in the best way. This easy teriyaki chicken is the kind of dish that has everyone wandering into the kitchen asking what smells so good. It also fits right into busy weeknights, especially if you love quick chicken dinner recipes and want something that still tastes special.

Best Teriyaki Chicken Recipe with Simple Pantry Ingredients

This chicken teriyaki recipe keeps things really straightforward so you can pull it off even when you are tired and hungry. You only need basic pantry sauces like soy, a touch of sweetener, and a bit of rice vinegar to get that classic Asian dishes flavor without anything fussy. The balance of salty, sweet, and tangy makes the sauce taste like it could have come from your favorite takeout spot, but you control how saucy, how sweet, and how thick it gets.

For this version, juicy chicken breast pieces are seared until lightly golden, then simmered in homemade teriyaki sauce until the glaze turns shiny and thick. The result is one of those chicken breast recipes that actually stays moist and flavorful instead of drying out on you. Serve it over rice with some steamed broccoli or stir fried veggies and you have one of the easiest chicken dishes recipes for weeknight dinners.

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Ingredients (Numbered List)

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup water or low sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (optional but recommended)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced or grated
1 1/2 tablespoons neutral oil for cooking (canola, vegetable, or avocado)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups cooked white or brown rice, for serving
2 tablespoons sliced green onions, for garnish
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

How to Make This Chicken Teriyaki Recipe Step by Step

Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels so it sears instead of steaming in the pan. Add a light sprinkle of salt and pepper, keeping in mind that the soy sauce will add more salt later. This quick step gives you better browning and helps the sauce cling more nicely to the surface of each piece.

Next, whisk together the soy sauce, water or broth, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl until the honey is dissolved and everything looks smooth. In a separate little dish, stir the cornstarch with a splash of cold water to make a slurry so it does not clump when it hits the heat. Having the sauce and slurry ready before you start cooking keeps this easy teriyaki chicken moving quickly once the pan is hot.

Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers. Add the chicken in an even layer and let it sit for a minute or two before stirring so you get those tasty golden spots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is mostly cooked through and lightly browned on the edges.

Once the chicken is mostly cooked, pour the teriyaki sauce mixture into the skillet and stir to coat every piece. Let it come up to a gentle simmer, then drizzle in the cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly. The sauce will start out thin and then suddenly turn thick, shiny, and sticky, clinging to the chicken and bubbling around the edges of the pan.

When the sauce has thickened to your liking and the chicken is cooked through, turn off the heat and toss in the sliced green onions. Taste and adjust if needed with a tiny splash of vinegar for brightness or a drizzle more honey for sweetness. Spoon the best teriyaki chicken recipe you just made over hot rice and finish with sesame seeds for a little nutty crunch.

Pro Tips for the Best Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Cut the chicken into even pieces so everything cooks at the same speed and stays juicy.
Let the pan get properly hot before adding the chicken so you get some caramelization instead of pale, steamy pieces.
Do not walk away once you add the cornstarch slurry because the sauce can go from thin to thick quickly.
Thin the sauce with a splash of water or broth if it gets thicker than you like after sitting.

Flavor Variations for Easy Teriyaki Chicken

There are lots of fun ways to switch up this teriyaki chicken so it never gets boring. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of sriracha if you like a little heat with your sweet and savory sauce. Stir in a handful of snow peas, bell pepper strips, or broccoli florets during the last few minutes of cooking for a simple Asian dishes style stir fry.

You can also swap the chicken breast for boneless chicken thighs if that is what you have on hand, just cook them a bit longer until tender. Try serving the chicken teriyaki recipe in lettuce wraps, over noodles instead of rice, or piled into a rice bowl with cucumber, shredded carrot, and avocado for a fresh twist on chicken dinner recipes.

Troubleshooting Tips for Teriyaki Chicken

If the sauce will not thicken, simmer it a few minutes longer or add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water.
If the sauce turns too thick and sticky, whisk in a tablespoon or two of warm water until it loosens again.
If the dish tastes too salty, balance it with a drizzle more honey and a squeeze of lime or lemon.
If the chicken dries out, cut slightly larger chunks next time and avoid overcooking after the sauce goes in.

Ingredient Substitutions for This Chicken Teriyaki Recipe

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce if you need a gluten friendly or slightly lower sodium option.
Swap honey for brown sugar or even maple syrup if that is what you keep in your pantry.
Replace rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in a pinch.
Use garlic powder and ground ginger if you are out of fresh, starting with 1/2 teaspoon each and adjusting to taste.
Try thighs instead of breasts for a richer, more forgiving cut that stays moist easily.

Storage and Serving Suggestions for Teriyaki Chicken

Leftover teriyaki chicken keeps well, which makes it perfect for meal prep. Let everything cool completely, then store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water so the sauce loosens without burning or drying out the chicken.

For serving, spoon the teriyaki chicken over freshly cooked rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice if you want to keep things lighter. Add steamed veggies, a side of cucumber salad, or a simple slaw to round out your plate. It is one of those chicken dishes recipes that works just as well for a quick solo dinner as it does for family style meals.

FAQs About Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Can I make this teriyaki chicken ahead of time?

Yes, this teriyaki chicken recipe reheats nicely, so you can cook it up to 2 days ahead and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a spoonful of water when reheating to keep the sauce smooth.

Can I use frozen chicken for this easy teriyaki chicken?

You can use frozen chicken as long as you thaw it completely in the fridge before cooking. Pat it dry very well so the pieces sear instead of steaming in the pan.

What vegetables go well with chicken teriyaki?

Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, and baby corn all pair beautifully with the sweet and savory sauce. You can toss them into the pan during the last few minutes or steam them separately.

Can I turn this into a slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe?

Yes, you can place the chicken and sauce ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low until tender, then thicken the sauce at the end with cornstarch slurry. The texture will be softer and more shredded but still tasty.

Is this teriyaki chicken spicy?

No, the basic version is not spicy at all, which makes it great for families and kids. If you like heat, you can add crushed red pepper, chili garlic sauce, or sriracha to taste.

Can I double this chicken dinner recipe for meal prep?

Doubling works well as long as you use a large pan and avoid crowding, or cook the chicken in two batches. Portion the cooked teriyaki chicken into containers with rice and veggies for easy lunches.

How do I keep the sauce from burning?

Keep the heat at medium once you add the sauce, and stir often as it thickens. If it starts to stick, lower the heat and add a splash of water to loosen it.

John