If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful dinner that rivals your favorite takeout, this Teriyaki Chicken is about to become your go-to recipe.
Tender chicken pieces are coated in a glossy, savory-sweet teriyaki sauce that clings to every bite. Even better? It comes together in under 30 minutes — perfect for weeknights when you need something quick, comforting, and absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken
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Better than takeout: Skip the delivery menu — this is fresher, saucier, and full of bold flavor.
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Quick & easy: With simple ingredients and a one-pan method, you’ll have dinner ready in 30 minutes or less.
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Family-approved: Sweet, savory, and just the right amount of sticky, kids and adults alike will love it.
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Customizable: Serve it with rice, noodles, or low-carb options like cauliflower rice — it works with everything.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully for tender, juicy bites. Chicken breast is also fine if you prefer leaner meat.
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Soy sauce: Go for low-sodium soy sauce so the dish doesn’t turn out overly salty.
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Brown sugar: Balances the savory soy sauce with caramel-like sweetness.
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Apple cider vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that keeps the sauce from being too heavy.
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Garlic & ginger: Fresh is best for that unmistakable teriyaki flavor, but powdered versions will work in a pinch.
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Sesame oil: A little goes a long way in giving the sauce depth and nutty richness.
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Cornstarch: Whisked with water to form a slurry, it thickens the sauce until it’s glossy and clingy.
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Salt & pepper: Lightly season the chicken before cooking — but keep in mind the soy sauce already brings saltiness.
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Optional garnishes: Sliced green onions and sesame seeds add freshness and crunch.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken
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Cook the chicken.
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, season with a little salt and pepper, and cook in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden and no longer pink. Remove and set aside. -
Mix the sauce.
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. In a separate bowl, make a slurry by combining cornstarch with water. Stir the slurry into the sauce mixture until smooth. -
Thicken the sauce.
Pour the sauce into the same skillet you used for the chicken. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer, whisking until it thickens into a glossy glaze. -
Combine and serve.
Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat each piece in the sticky teriyaki sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve hot over rice, noodles, or veggies.
Tips for Success
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Cut chicken evenly: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and stay tender.
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Don’t over-salt: Since soy sauce is already salty, taste the sauce before adding extra seasoning.
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Adjust sweetness: Love a sweeter teriyaki? Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar. Prefer it tangy? Add a splash more vinegar.
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Make it saucier: Double the sauce ingredients if you like extra to drizzle over rice or veggies.
Storage & Reheating
This teriyaki chicken tastes just as good the next day (if not better!).
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Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if needed.
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Meal prep friendly: Cook a batch ahead of time and portion it with rice or noodles for easy grab-and-go lunches.
What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken
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Classic: Steamed white rice or fluffy jasmine rice.
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Low-carb option: Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
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Noodle lovers: Toss over soba, lo mein, or even spaghetti in a pinch.
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Veggie sides: Broccoli, snap peas, green beans, or stir-fried bok choy complement it perfectly.
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Complete meal idea: Serve with fried rice and a side of crispy egg rolls for a takeout-style feast at home.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Chicken is proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to create something amazing. It’s saucy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile — the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Once you try it, you might just retire your takeout menu for good.