This easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe delivers juicy, caramelised chicken coated in a rich homemade glaze with the perfect balance of sweet and savoury flavours. Inspired by classic Japanese-American teriyaki dishes, this recipe is ideal for quick dinners, rice bowls, meal prep, or family meals.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Sweet and savoury homemade teriyaki glaze
Juicy chicken with caramelised edges
Easy weeknight dinner recipe
Better than takeaway
Perfect for rice bowls and meal prep
Seattle-style teriyaki chicken became especially popular for its smoky flavour and glossy sauce coating. Many cooks prefer using chicken thighs because they remain juicy and absorb flavour beautifully.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
700g boneless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Teriyaki Sauce
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup sake or mirin
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
Optional Garnish
Sesame seeds
Spring onions
Fresh cucumber slices
Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sake, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic until the sugar dissolves completely.
Reserve some sauce for glazing later.
Homemade teriyaki sauce creates a richer flavour than bottled sauces and develops a glossy finish when simmered.
Step 2 — Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken into a bowl or zip bag and pour over part of the teriyaki sauce.
Marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavour. If possible, marinate for several hours.
Chicken thighs absorb the sauce especially well while staying tender during cooking.
Step 3 — Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly caramelised.
Brush extra sauce over the chicken while cooking to build a sticky glaze.
Step 4 — Reduce the Sauce
Pour the reserved sauce into a saucepan and simmer for 3–5 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened.
Spoon the warm glaze over the cooked chicken before serving.
Many cooks recommend reducing the sauce separately to create that classic shiny teriyaki finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve teriyaki chicken with:
Steamed jasmine rice
Stir-fried vegetables
Garlic noodles
Fried rice
Asian cucumber salad
Sesame broccoli
Professional Cooking Tips
Use Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs stay juicy and develop better caramelisation than chicken breast.
Do Not Burn the Sauce
Sugar caramelises quickly, so lower the heat if the glaze darkens too fast.
Cook at High Heat
High heat creates the signature sticky teriyaki finish.
Add Fresh Ginger
Fresh ginger gives the sauce authentic flavour and freshness.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate for up to 4 days
Reheat gently in a skillet for best texture
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving:
Calories: 370
Protein: 36g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Final Thoughts
This homemade Teriyaki Chicken recipe is packed with bold flavour, glossy sauce, and juicy chicken that tastes even better than takeaway. Whether served over rice, noodles, or vegetables, it is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for busy evenings or weekend cooking.
Many home cooks also enjoy adding sesame seeds, spring onions, or lightly charred vegetables for extra restaurant-style flavour and presentation.
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