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Ingredients for homemade Chicken Teriyaki: chicken thighs, soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and rice.

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
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
 

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, ginger, and garlic.
    Ingredients for homemade Chicken Teriyaki: chicken thighs, soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and rice.
  2. 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).
    Chicken pieces simmering in teriyaki sauce inside a hot pan, caramelizing with a glossy glaze.
  3. Add sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture into the pan. Let it simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced.
  4. Optional thickening: Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1–2 minutes until sauce is glossy and coats the chicken.
  5. Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and spring onions. Serve hot over steamed rice.
    Bowl of steamed rice topped with glazed Chicken Teriyaki, sprinkled with sesame seeds and fresh green onions.

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.