Description
This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe delivers that irresistible sweet and savory Japanese-inspired flavor in under 30 minutes. Juicy chicken breasts or thighs are seared until golden and coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce made with soy, honey, garlic, and ginger. It’s a takeout-style favorite that’s quick, family-friendly, and better than anything in a bottle.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 680 g / 1½ lbs)
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2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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½ cup (120 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
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¼ cup (60 ml) honey
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2 tablespoons (30 ml) rice vinegar
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2 tablespoons (24 g) brown sugar
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1 tablespoon (15 g) freshly grated ginger or 1 teaspoon (2 g) ground ginger
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2 garlic cloves, minced (about 6 g)
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1 tablespoon (8 g) cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
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1 tablespoon (15 ml) water (if using cornstarch)
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Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sear chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. -
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. -
Optional: Thicken with Cornstarch
Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce. Simmer 1–2 minutes more until thick and glossy. -
Finish the Chicken
Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavor. -
Serve
Plate chicken with a drizzle of sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
Chicken thighs yield juicier results
Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce for a GF version
Make extra sauce and refrigerate for up to 1 week
Works great with grilled chicken too
Freeze cooked, sliced chicken with sauce for easy reheating
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Plats
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired / Asian