This Easy Chicken Teriyaki Recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Made with minimal ingredients it is the perfect blend of savory, slightly sweet, and flavorful.
Make this chicken teriyaki using my homemade recipe for Easy Teriyaki Sauce and try pairing it with some Hibachi Noodles and Garlic Green Beans.
I love recreating restaurant takeout favorites at home, especially when it results in an easy dinner recipe.
Such as this recipe for chicken teriyaki that is slightly crispy and deliciously coated in a sweet and savory sauce.
Let’s get started!
What is Teriyaki Chicken?
The origin of teriyaki chicken is not Japanese cuisine as you might think. Teriyaki became well known in Japan beginning in 1603 during the Edo period as a way to preserve and flavor fish. Teri means the shine on the food and yaki means to grilling.
What we know of it today is a blend of Japanese, Hawaiian, and American influences. The modern way that we came to enjoy teriyaki sauce as our favorite take-out or mall food court meal, is thanks to a restaurant in Seattle.
Today it can be made in many different ways. Sharing the way that I love to make it, does not in any way qualify it as authentic Japanese food.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Chicken Breasts - I love using boneless skinless chicken breasts, but boneless chicken thighs could be used instead.
- Garlic Powder - Adds dry intense garlic flavor to season the raw chicken.
- Cornstarch - Needed to fully coat the chicken before cooking, it also helps to create a thicker sauce and allows the chicken to become slightly crispy.
- Salt - Brings out the ingredient flavors and prevents the overall dish from tasting bland. Adjust as needed.
- Ground Black Pepper - Seasons the chicken with a peppery and slightly spicy flavor. Try to use freshly ground black pepper for best results.
- Oil - Use any neutral flavored oil or an oil with a high smoke point to pan-fry the chicken until crispy. Vegetable oil and avocado oil are great options.
- Teriyaki Sauce - This ingredient is what makes this recipe sticky teriyaki chicken. Feel free to use your favorite brand of store-bought teriyaki sauce or make homemade teriyaki sauce.
- Sesame Seeds - Sprinkled on top of the finished teriyaki chicken recipe as a garnish, may omit if you prefer.
- Green Onions - Chop up some freshly chopped green onions to add to the finished dish to add another layer of fresh flavor.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.
How Do You Make Chicken Teriyaki?
Begin the recipe by cutting the chicken breasts into 1-inch bite size pieces and adding them to a large bowl. Add the garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir to coat the chicken in the seasonings. Add the cornstarch and gently toss the seasoned chicken to coat it fully. Set aside.
Using a large skillet on the stovetop over medium high heat, add the oil and allow it to heat for a few minutes. Add the prepared chicken to the hot pan being careful not to crowd the pan. Allow the chicken to cook for 3-4 minutes.
Using a pair of tongs, flip each piece to the opposite side and allow it to continue cooking for another 3 minutes. The chicken should be golden brown and fully cooked at 165 degrees F.
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With the tongs transfer the chicken to a plate, while you continue cooking the rest of the chicken using the same process.
Once done cooking all of the chicken pieces, add them back to the skillet and pour in the teriyaki sauce ingredients. Stir the sauce and chicken to combine. Allow it to heat for about 2 to 3 minutes, the sauce will thicken as it cooks.
Serve immediately while it's warm over rice topped with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy!
What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken?
Create a complete meal by pairing this teriyaki chicken with any long-grain white rice and broccoli. I love serving it over jasmine rice and pairing it with Oven Roasted Broccoli or steamed broccoli.
It would also pair well with Sweet and Sour Cabbage, Sauteed Garlic Spinach, and Easy Sesame Noodles.
Best Sauce Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Make homemade sauce using soy sauce, water, mirin, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger.
- Try making a teriyaki chicken bowl by serving it over white rice, or brown rice, and adding your favorite vegetables.
- Marinate the chicken in some additional teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before tossing it in cornstarch. This will add more savory sauce flavor to the chicken.
- Try to cut the chicken into even size pieces to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
- For a more spicy flavor, add some red pepper flakes along with the sauce.
- Do not overcook the chicken or it will dry out and try not to crown the pan while cooking.
Storage Tips
Storage. Transfer the finished chicken that has cooled to room temperature into an airtight container. Place it into the refrigerator to store it for 3 to 4 days.
Reheating. Reheat the leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat until warm. You may also reheat it in the microwave for a quicker option.
Freezing. The cooked teriyaki chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before heating to serve it again.
Want More Quick and Easy Chicken Recipes? Try These:
- Honey Mustard Chicken Marinade
- Hibachi Chicken
- Chicken Macaroni Salad
- Cast Iron Chicken Breasts
- Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
- Chicken Nuggets and Fries
- Easy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
📖 Recipe
Easy Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Video
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 large skillet or braiser
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ⅓ cup teriyaki sauce
- ½ tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Begin the recipe by cutting the 1 pound chicken breasts into 1-inch bite size pieces and adding them to a large bowl.
- Add the ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir to coat the chicken in the seasonings. Add the 3 tablespoons cornstarch and gently toss the seasoned chicken to coat it fully. Set aside.
- Using a large skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat, add the 3 tablespoons oil and allow it to heat for a few minutes. Add the prepared chicken to the hot pan being careful not to crowd the pan. Allow the chicken to cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Using a pair of tongs, flip each piece to the opposite side and allow it to continue cooking for another 3 minutes. The chicken should be golden brown and fully cooked at 165 degrees F.
- Use the tongs to transfer the chicken to a plate, while you continue cooking the rest of the chicken using the same process.
- Once done cooking all of the chicken pieces, add them back to the skillet and pour in the ⅓ cup teriyaki sauce.
- Stir the sauce and chicken to combine. Allow it to heat for about 2 to 3 minutes, the sauce will thicken as it cooks.
Notes
- Make homemade sauce using soy sauce, water, mirin, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger.
- Try making a teriyaki chicken bowl by serving it over white rice, or brown rice, and adding your favorite vegetables.
- Marinate the chicken in some additional teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before tossing it in cornstarch. This will add more savory sauce flavor to the chicken.
- Try to cut the chicken into even size pieces to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
- For a more spicy flavor, add some red pepper flakes along with the sauce.
- Do not overcook the chicken or it will dry out and try not to crown the pan while cooking.
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