If you’re craving a dinner that comes together faster than you can say “yum,” this Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is a real game-changer. It perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with tender, juicy chicken, all coated in a glossy, irresistible teriyaki sauce. Whether you’re whipping this up on a busy weeknight or impressing friends who swing by last minute, this dish is sure to become one of your go-to favorites. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish shines because of its simplicity and quality ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating that perfect teriyaki flavor. From the tender chicken to the mix of sweet honey and savory soy, every component adds depth and richness that brings the whole dish to life.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into 1-inch cubes for quick and even cooking.
- Salt and black pepper: To season the chicken and enhance its natural flavor.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Helps to sear the chicken beautifully while adding a subtle fruity note.
- Water: Used in making the sauce to balance thickness and flavor.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds authentic umami and saltiness without overpowering the dish.
- Light brown sugar: Gives a gentle sweetness and caramel flavor that’s key to teriyaki sauce.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness and a lovely glossy finish to the sauce.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for that punch of aromatic depth.
- Fresh grated ginger: Or ground ginger if fresh isn’t available; brightens the sauce and adds warmth.
- Cornstarch: For thickening the sauce to that perfect clingy texture.
- Cold water: Mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry that ensures a lump-free sauce.
How to Make Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your cubed chicken with a bit of salt and black pepper to bring out its natural flavors. Then, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a nice golden sear that locks in moisture and gives the chicken a delicious texture before it finishes cooking in the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, combine water, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk this mixture continuously until the sugar dissolves—it usually takes about a minute. This blend creates that signature sweet-savory teriyaki base that you’re after.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Pour this into the saucepan with your teriyaki mixture and whisk continuously. Keep the heat on medium, letting the sauce thicken into a luscious glaze over 5 to 6 minutes. This step is crucial for giving your teriyaki sauce that rich, shiny finish that clings perfectly to the chicken.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Pour the thickened sauce directly over the chicken in your skillet. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through fully while soaking up the wonderful teriyaki flavors. You’ll see the sauce reduce slightly and become more concentrated, making every bite deliciously coated with that sweet-savory goodness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully glazed, it’s ready to serve. Spoon some extra sauce over the top for a final touch. This Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is comforting and impressive all at once—perfect for sharing or treating yourself to something special.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh green onions right before serving. These simple garnishes add a little extra crunch, color, and fresh flavor that brightens up the rich teriyaki sauce.
Side Dishes
Pair this chicken with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce. Stir-fried vegetables, roasted broccoli, or a crisp cucumber salad also make refreshing, crunchy companions that balance the warm, sweet flavors of the chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe in lettuce wraps for a light, handheld meal. Alternatively, layering it over a bed of quinoa or spiralized zucchini noodles gives a modern, nutritious flair that’s just as tasty. The versatility of this dish means you can customize the presentation to fit your mood or occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? No worries! Store the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this teriyaki chicken too. Just cool it completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It’s best consumed within 1 to 2 months for optimal taste and texture. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. This helps restore that lovely silky texture while preventing the chicken from drying out. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but stirring occasionally helps keep it even.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute because they stay juicy and tender. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and cook slightly longer if needed.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh cubes and follow the same cooking process. The sauce is the star, and it pairs beautifully with plant-based proteins.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the teriyaki sauce separately and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat it gently before adding to the chicken, or mix them together when you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have fresh ginger?
No problem! Ground ginger works perfectly as a substitute at about a quarter teaspoon. It won’t be as zesty, but your sauce will still be delicious.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild by default but you can easily kick up the heat by adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a drizzle of sriracha, or some chopped fresh chili when cooking the sauce. Go for whatever matches your spice tolerance!
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that brings flavor, comfort, and speed to your kitchen, this Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is ready to become your new best friend. It’s straightforward to make, bursting with classic tastes, and just plain fun to enjoy. Give it a try—you might just end up making it your weeknight staple!
Print
Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
This quick and easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breast cubes sautéed to perfection and coated in a flavorful, homemade teriyaki sauce made with low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a perfect weekday dinner that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or more brown sugar)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup cold water
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the cubed chicken evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors during cooking.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté them for 3-4 minutes on one side, then turn and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through and lightly browned.
- Prepare Sauce Base: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine water, low-sodium soy sauce, light brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Whisk and heat until the sugar dissolves, about 1 minute.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Add this mixture to the saucepan and whisk continuously. Continue to heat over medium heat until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour the thickened teriyaki sauce over the sautéed chicken in the skillet. Cook together for 2-3 more minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking through and the sauce to reduce slightly for a rich coating.
- Serve: Plate the teriyaki chicken and drizzle with any remaining sauce from the skillet. Serve hot with your choice of sides such as steamed rice or vegetables. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- The honey can be replaced with extra brown sugar if you prefer a richer sweetness.
- If fresh ginger is unavailable, ground ginger works well, but fresh provides better flavor.
- To add vegetables, stir-fry bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas and mix with the chicken before adding the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt or soy sauce as needed, especially if using regular soy sauce which is saltier than low sodium.
