Juicy Classic Chicken Teriyaki Recipe: A Family Favorite

Sizzling and packed with flavor, this classic chicken teriyaki recipe brings the authentic taste of Japanese cuisine straight to your kitchen.

Tender chicken marinates in a rich, umami-packed teriyaki sauce that balances sweet and savory notes perfectly.

The glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a golden-brown exterior that seals in all the delicious juices.

Each bite delivers a mouthwatering combination of succulent meat and glossy, deep-flavor coating.

Simple ingredients combine to create a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home.

The recipe works equally well for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, promising to impress everyone around the table.

Grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy an irresistible dish that brings the best of Japanese-inspired cooking to your plate.

Tips for Saucy, Tender Classic Chicken Teriyaki

• Pound chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness for consistent cooking and faster preparation.
• Replace chicken with tofu, salmon, or beef for exciting flavor variations that match your dietary preferences.
• Add minced garlic, grated ginger, or red pepper flakes to create a more complex and personalized teriyaki sauce with extra depth.
• Adjust brown sugar quantity to make the sauce more or less sweet, tailoring it to your taste buds' preferences and balancing the savory soy sauce.

How to Serve Classic Chicken Teriyaki Beautifully

• Pair with Steamed Rice: Serve the chicken teriyaki over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious, glossy sauce and create a satisfying meal.
• Add Fresh Greens: Sprinkle chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds on top for a burst of color, crunch, and nutty flavor that complements the sweet and savory chicken.
• Create a Complete Plate: Roast some tender broccoli florets as a side dish to balance the richness of the teriyaki and add a nutritious green element to your dinner.
• Garnish with Flair: Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce over the sliced chicken and sprinkle with additional sesame seeds for an appetizing presentation that'll make your mouth water.

Classic Chicken Teriyaki – Storing and Meal Prep Tips

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken teriyaki in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
• Freeze for Later: Separate sauce and chicken before freezing to maintain texture, lasting up to 2 months in sealed freezer-safe containers.
• Reheat Perfectly: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying and restore sauce's glossy consistency.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Marinate chicken overnight in teriyaki sauce for deeper flavor, or chop ingredients in advance to streamline weeknight cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes into Classic Chicken Teriyaki

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful cut that absorbs the teriyaki sauce beautifully, perfect for creating a juicy main dish.

• Mirin, Sake, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar: Authentic Japanese flavor combination that creates a rich, glossy, and perfectly balanced sweet-savory teriyaki glaze.

• Cornstarch: Magical ingredient that transforms the sauce into a silky, clingy coating for the chicken.
• Scallions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh, crunchy green onions and nutty sesame seeds add textural contrast and authentic Japanese finishing touches.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides a neutral cooking medium for achieving a beautiful golden-brown sear on the chicken.
• Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and helps create a delicious caramelized exterior.

• Rice, Broccoli: Classic accompaniments that soak up the delicious teriyaki sauce and provide a complete, nutritious meal.
• Water: Helps to adjust the sauce consistency and prevent burning during cooking.

Must-Have Tools for Classic Chicken Teriyaki

• Large frying pan: Essential for searing and cooking chicken evenly.
• Measuring spoons: Perfect for precise oil and seasoning amounts.
• Mixing bowl: Needed to combine teriyaki sauce ingredients.
• Measuring cup: Helps accurately measure liquid ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for blending cornstarch mixture smoothly.
• Sharp knife: Required for slicing cooked chicken and scallions.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and flip chicken during cooking.

Making Classic Chicken Teriyaki – A Simple Walkthrough

• Chicken Preparation

Select fresh chicken breasts and ensure they are clean and trimmed. Pat the meat dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt.

• Searing Technique

Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature with a thin layer of oil. Place chicken pieces carefully to create a beautiful golden crust.

• Flavor Bath

Combine traditional Japanese liquid seasonings in a separate container, blending sweet and savory elements to create a rich teriyaki base.

• Simmering Magic

Pour the sauce over the golden chicken, allowing it to gently cook and absorb the complex flavors. Let the liquid reduce and create a glossy coating.

• Thickening Process

Add a small amount of cornstarch mixture to create a luxurious, silky sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.

• Elegant Presentation

Slice the chicken into beautiful diagonal pieces. Arrange on a bed of steamed rice with bright green broccoli. Sprinkle with fresh scallions and toasted sesame seeds for a restaurant-quality finish.

Authentic Chicken Teriyaki Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade classic chicken teriyaki delivers authentic Japanese flavors with tender, glazed chicken and a perfectly balanced sauce. Savory marinade and quick cooking technique ensure delicious results you can easily recreate at home.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• ⅓ cup mirin
• ⅓ cup sake
• ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tbsps packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 medium scallion, thinly sliced
• white sesame seeds
• steamed white rice
• cooked broccoli

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Instructions

1. Sear Chicken: Heat cooking oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Pat chicken dry and season with kosher salt, then place in a single layer. Cook for 4-6 minutes until golden-brown, developing a rich exterior.
2. Craft Teriyaki Sauce: Whisk mirin, sake, soy sauce, water, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl until sugar dissolves completely. Blend a portion of the sauce with cornstarch to create a smooth thickening agent.
3. Simmer and Glaze: Flip chicken pieces and pour remaining sauce around the meat. Allow to simmer for 5-10 minutes, then reincorporate the cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, slightly thickened glaze.
4. Plate and Garnish: Remove chicken from heat, slice into appealing portions, and arrange on a serving plate. Sprinkle with finely chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve alongside steamed white rice and tender broccoli florets.

Notes

• Dry Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure chicken is completely dry before cooking to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Control Pan Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to create ideal caramelization without burning the chicken or sauce.
• Sauce Consistency Matters: Whisk cornstarch mixture carefully to avoid lumps and ensure smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to chicken.
• Avoid Overcrowding Pan: Space chicken pieces separately to guarantee even cooking and proper browning, preventing soggy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg