Irresistible Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami — all wrapped up in a 30-minute meal that never disappoints. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

Using simple pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, you’ll create a rich, glossy glaze that clings to every bite of tender chicken. Serve it over fluffy steamed rice or noodles, and garnish with sesame seeds and scallions for a dish that rivals any takeout — but made right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

this recipe

• Fast and fuss-free — dinner on the table in under 30 minutes
• Flavor-loaded — salty-sweet, garlicky, and deeply savory
• Customizable — use your favorite veggies or protein
• Better than takeout — healthier and fresher
• Stovetop or Instant Pot — choose what works for your schedule

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for deeper color)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or mirin
• ½ tbsp cornstarch
• Optional Garnishes:
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

Stovetop Version

1. Prep the Chicken
   Pat the chicken dry and cut it into bite-sized (1.5-inch) pieces. Set aside.
2. Sear the Chicken
   Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned on all sides. Drain any excess oil.
3. Make the Sauce
   In a bowl, whisk together soy sauces, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth.
4. Combine & Cook
   Pour the sauce over the chicken. Stir to coat evenly. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken.
5. Garnish & Serve
   Serve over steamed rice or noodles. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Instant Pot Version

1. Combine Chicken and Sauce
   Add cubed chicken and all sauce ingredients (except cornstarch) to the Instant Pot. Mix well.
2. Pressure Cook
   Seal the lid. Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes. Allow natural release for 15 minutes or quick release remaining pressure.
3. Thicken Sauce
   Mix 1 tbsp water with the cornstarch to form a slurry. Set Instant Pot to sauté, add slurry, and cook until thickened, stirring constantly.
4. Serve
   Garnish and serve warm.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 5–6
• Cuisine: Asian
• Course: Main Dish
• Estimated Calories: ~350 per serving

Tips & Variations

• Use thighs for extra flavor: Chicken thighs stay juicy and absorb more sauce.
• Double the sauce if serving over noodles or rice — you’ll want every drop.
• Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or sriracha.
• Add veggies: Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Low-sodium option: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.

Teriyaki Chicken

This fast and flavorful teriyaki chicken is coated in a sticky homemade sauce and ready in just 25 minutes. A family favorite that’s perfect for any weeknight.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Japanese

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
• – 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• – ⅓ cup soy sauce
• – 1 tbsp dark soy sauce optional
• – ¼ cup brown sugar
• – 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
• – 1 tsp garlic minced
• – 1 tsp sesame oil
• – 1 tbsp rice vinegar or mirin
• – ½ tbsp cornstarch
• – Sesame seeds optional
• – Chopped green onions optional

Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or spatula
• Cutting board and knife

Method

 

1. Cut chicken into cubes. Pat dry.
2. Sear chicken in oil until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
3. In a bowl, whisk sauce ingredients together.
4. Add sauce to pan and stir. Simmer until thickened, 3–4 minutes.
5. Garnish and serve over rice or noodles.

Notes

– Swap chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
– Double sauce for a more generous glaze.
– Store leftovers for up to 4 days.

FAQs

Can I freeze teriyaki chicken?

Yes. Let it cool, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of water.

Can I meal prep this?

Absolutely. It stores well for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Sure, but the homemade version is much richer in flavor and not overly sweet.

What should I serve with it?

Steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or noodles are classic pairings.

Conclusion

Teriyaki chicken is your go-to solution for busy nights, lazy weekends, or quick meal preps. It’s fast, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. With bold flavors and a sticky, sweet glaze, this dish proves that great food doesn’t have to take hours.