Chicken Teriyaki is one of the most popular Asian dishes, known for its balance of savory and sweet flavors. This Japanese-inspired recipe features juicy chicken glazed in a glossy teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sugar. In just 30 minutes, you can create a healthy, comforting dinner that rivals your favorite takeout.

If you love easy Asian-inspired dinners, you’ll also enjoy Pad Thai — a classic takeout-style noodle dish that’s full of bold flavor.

Ingredients and Their Role

Chicken thighs – more flavorful and juicy than chicken breast.
Soy sauce – the salty, umami backbone of the sauce.
Mirin and sake – provide subtle sweetness and depth (optional but traditional).
Brown sugar – balances the saltiness and creates the caramelized glaze.
Garlic and ginger – add fragrance and warmth.
Cornstarch – thickens the sauce for a glossy finish.

Each of these ingredients works together to make Chicken Teriyaki rich, balanced, and incredibly satisfying.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Results

Don’t overcook the chicken – sear it until golden but juicy inside.
Simmer the sauce slowly – this allows the sugar to caramelize without burning.
Adjust sweetness – if you like it less sweet, reduce the sugar slightly.
Thicken carefully – add the cornstarch slurry gradually to avoid lumps.
Add vegetables – broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas pair wonderfully with the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Teriyaki recipe is quick, simple, and packed with flavor. It uses everyday ingredients to create a dish that feels special yet is perfect for weeknights. The balance of sweet and savory makes it kid-friendly, while the authentic flavors will impress anyone who loves Asian cuisine.

Try this Chicken Teriyaki tonight and bring the flavors of Japan to your table in less than 30 minutes. It’s healthier, tastier, and more affordable than takeout.

For another quick dinner with savory Asian flavors, try Thai Basil Fried Rice — fragrant, simple, and perfect for weeknights.

Chicken teriyaki is a sweet and savory favorite inspired by Japanese flavors.

Chicken Teriyaki

A quick and flavorful Asian recipe with juicy chicken glazed in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, served with rice and steamed vegetables.

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the chicken:
600 g boneless chicken thighs (or breast), cut into bite-sized pieces
15 ml vegetable oil
1 pinch salt & pepper
For the teriyaki sauce:
80 ml soy sauce
60 ml mirin (or substitute with dry sherry + sugar)
40 ml sake (optional, can skip)
40 g brown sugar
10 g fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 g cornstarch mixed with 30 ml water (slurry, optional for thickening)
For serving:
Steamed rice
Sesame seeds (optional)
Chopped spring onions

Equipment

Wok or large skillet
Knife
Cutting board
Wooden spoon

Method

Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, ginger, and garlic.
Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper, then sear until golden and cooked through (6–7 minutes).
Add sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture into the pan. Let it simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced.
Optional thickening: Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1–2 minutes until sauce is glossy and coats the chicken.
Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and spring onions. Serve hot over steamed rice.

Notes

Chicken thighs give juicier results, but chicken breast works too.
Mirin can be replaced with extra soy sauce + 1 tsp sugar.
Make it a full meal by serving with stir-fried vegetables or steamed broccoli.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to impress, this one is a must-try. It’s simple enough for everyday cooking but still feels special on the table. Let me know if you make it — and don’t forget to check the linked recipes for more ideas!

And if you love spicy chicken dinners, Chicken Pad Krapow is another bold Thai-inspired recipe you’ll want to try next.

Teriyaki is a Japanese cooking technique and sauce known for its sweet-savory flavor, with its background documented on Wikipedia