🍗 How to Make Chicken Teriyaki at Home (Better Than Takeout!)
From skillet to slow cooker: discover every way to enjoy this Japanese-American favorite.
🇯🇵 What Is Chicken Teriyaki?
Chicken Teriyaki is a Japanese-inspired dish that’s become a staple in American kitchens. It features tender chicken glazed in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and ginger. Whether you're baking it, grilling it, or tossing it in a stir-fry, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
🛒 Ingredients for Chicken Teriyaki (Basic Version)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin (or 1 tbsp rice vinegar + 1 tsp sugar)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil or neutral oil
Optional: 1 tbsp honey for a richer glaze
Garnish: sesame seeds and chopped green onions
Authentic step-by-step teriyaki chicken recipe from Cookpad Japan home cook:
👩🍳 How to Make Chicken Teriyaki
- Mix the Sauce. Combine soy sauce, mirin, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
- Cook the Chicken. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear chicken on both sides until browned.
- Add the Sauce
Pour the sauce over the chicken. Simmer until it thickens and coats the meat. - Slice and Serve
Let it rest, slice into strips, drizzle sauce, and garnish.
🍱 Serving Ideas & Popular Variations
Chicken Teriyaki is incredibly versatile. Here are different ways to enjoy it:
Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with rice and steamed veggies
Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry with bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas
Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich in a bun with lettuce and slaw
Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli for a low-carb option
🔁 Try These Flavor Twists for Teriyaki Chicken
Honey Teriyaki Chicken – just add honey to your marinade
Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken – stir in pineapple chunks and juice
Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken – sweetened with brown sugar and grilled
Quick Teriyaki Chicken – ready in 15 minutes with pre-cooked chicken
🔥 Cooking Method Alternatives for Teriyaki Chicken
| Cooking Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Grilled | Great for smoky flavor, caramelized glaze |
| Baked | Easy, hands-off cooking |
| Air Fryer | Crispy outside, juicy inside |
| Slow Cooker | Set and forget comfort food |
| Crock Pot Thighs | Fall-apart tender and flavorful |
| Instant Pot | Fast and juicy, perfect for busy nights |
FAQ about chicken teriyaki: Cooking & Nutrition
- How do you make chicken teriyaki? Cook chicken in a skillet and simmer with a sauce of soy, mirin, ginger, and sugar until glazed.
- Is teriyaki chicken healthy? Homemade versions can be! It's high in protein. Watch sugar and sodium levels in bottled sauces.
What are the nutrition facts for chicken teriyaki?
On average:
- Calories: 270–350 per serving
- Protein: 25–30g
- Carbs: 10–20g (mostly from sauce)
- Fat: 10–15g
This easy chicken teriyaki recipe is endlessly adaptable: make it sweet with honey, tropical with pineapple, or fast in the Instant Pot. No matter the method, it’s a hit every time. Serve it in bowls, bento boxes, or sandwiches—and enjoy the perfect balance of flavor and simplicity.
📌 Summary
This easy chicken teriyaki recipe is endlessly adaptable: make it sweet with honey, tropical with pineapple, or fast in the Instant Pot. No matter the method, it’s a hit every time. Serve it in bowls, bento boxes, or sandwiches—and enjoy the perfect balance of flavor and simplicity.