Dinner

Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Name: Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 cup Water; 1/2 cup Soy Sauce; 2 tablespoons Mirin; 2 teaspoons Honey; 1/4 cup Brown Sugar; 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Ginger, grated or minced; 2 tablespoons Corn Starch; 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs, cut into thin strips; 2 tablespoons Cooking Oil (vegetable or canola oil recommended); Scallion, sliced, to taste; Toasted White Sesame Seeds, to taste

ByEthan Lark December 27, 2025December 27, 2025

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Introduction

Teriyaki chicken is a beloved Japanese dish known for its sweet and savory glaze and tender, juicy chicken. This recipe offers a simple way to create an authentic, flavorful meal right at home, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

A white rectangular plate is filled with cooked chicken pieces layered in a glossy, dark brown sauce. The chicken is topped with chopped green onions and sprinkled with sesame seeds, adding texture and color contrast. To the upper right, red chopsticks with white flower patterns rest on the edge of the plate next to a small white bowl filled with additional chopped green onions. On the left, a white gravy boat holds more dark sauce. The entire setting is placed on a light bamboo mat over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup Water
1/2 cup Soy Sauce
2 tablespoon Mirin
2 teaspoon Honey
1/4 cup Brown Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Fresh Ginger
2 tablespoon Corn Starch
1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thigh
2 tablespoon Cooking Oil
Scallion, to taste
Toasted White Sesame Seeds, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the sauce by combining water, soy sauce, mirin, honey, brown sugar, fresh ginger, and corn starch in a bowl. Stir well to break up any lumps of corn starch.
Step 2: Cut the chicken thighs into thin strips. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the teriyaki sauce mixture onto the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
Step 3: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 4: Heat the remaining teriyaki sauce in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Once it starts to boil, continue to stir constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Heat the cooking oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer without crowding.
Step 6: Let the chicken cook untouched for about 30 seconds, then flip and stir-fry until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
Step 7: Transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped scallions and toasted white sesame seeds. Serve the thickened sauce either on the side or drizzled over the chicken. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours before cooking.
Replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, but be careful not to overcook.
Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a balanced meal.
Use less sugar or substitute with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.

Storage

Store leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave to prevent dryness. Keep the sauce separate if possible and add it after reheating to maintain its texture.

How to Serve

The dish features several pieces of cooked chicken coated in a glossy brown sauce, arranged in a mound on a white rectangular plate. The chicken pieces show a mix of light and dark brown hues, indicating a rich, savory glaze. Scattered on top are small green bits of chopped scallions, adding a fresh pop of color. Nearby, a white gravy boat filled with dark soy sauce sits on a bamboo mat, alongside a small white bowl with chopped scallions and a pair of red chopsticks with floral designs resting on the edge. The entire setup is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make teriyaki sauce without mirin?

Yes, you can substitute mirin with a combination of dry white wine and a little sugar, or use additional soy sauce with a splash of rice vinegar for acidity.