After years of ordering teriyaki chicken at restaurants, I decided to master making it at home. This recipe delivers that perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with chicken that’s tender inside and caramelized outside. The best part? The sauce comes together with simple pantry ingredients, and it tastes even better than takeout!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Teriyaki Chicken recipe gives you restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The homemade sauce is worlds better than store-bought, with no artificial ingredients or preservatives. Plus, you can adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for company.

Ingredients & Equipment

For the Chicken:

• 4 chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish
• Sesame seeds for garnish

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup mirin (or rice wine)
• 1/4 cup sake (or dry white wine)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Equipment Needed:

• Large skillet or wok
• Small saucepan
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken (5 minutes)

• Slice chicken breasts into even-sized pieces
• Season with salt and pepper
• Let sit at room temperature 10 minutes

1. Make the Sauce (10 minutes)

• Combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar in saucepan
• Add garlic and ginger
• Bring to simmer over medium heat
• Mix cornstarch with water
• Add to sauce and simmer until thickened

1. Cook the Chicken (15 minutes)

• Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat
• Cook chicken in batches until golden
• Don’t overcrowd the pan
• Remove to plate when cooked through

1. Finish the Dish (5 minutes)

• Return chicken to pan
• Pour sauce over chicken
• Toss until well coated and sauce is sticky
• Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds

Pro Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

• Cut chicken pieces uniformly for even cooking
• Don’t move chicken pieces too much while cooking
• Let sauce reduce until it coats the back of a spoon
• Pat chicken dry before cooking for better browning

Variations & Substitutions

Protein Options:

• Chicken thighs for more flavor
• Salmon or shrimp
• Tofu for vegetarian version

Sauce Adjustments:

• Reduce sugar for less sweetness
• Add red pepper flakes for heat
• Use coconut aminos for gluten-free version
• Add pineapple juice for fruity flavor

Serving Suggestions:

• Over steamed rice
• With stir-fried vegetables
• In a rice bowl with avocado
• Wrapped in lettuce leaves

Storage & Make-Ahead

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerate up to 4 days
• Freeze for up to 3 months
• Store sauce separately for best results

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Prepare sauce up to 1 week ahead
• Cut chicken day before
• Make extra sauce for future use

Reheating Guidelines:

• Microwave in 30-second intervals
• Reheat in skillet with splash of water
• Add fresh garnishes after reheating

Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: Sauce Too Thin

• Simmer longer
• Add more cornstarch slurry
• Remove chicken while reducing sauce

Problem: Chicken Too Dry

• Don’t overcook initially
• Use chicken thighs instead
• Let rest before cutting

Problem: Sauce Too Sweet/Salty

• Adjust ratios to taste
• Add water to dilute
• Balance with acid (rice vinegar)

FAQs

Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?
Yes, but homemade tastes better and you can control ingredients.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but can be made gluten-free with coconut aminos.

Can I grill the chicken instead?
Yes, grill then baste with sauce at the end.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, cook chicken in batches to maintain proper browning.

This Teriyaki Chicken recipe proves that making restaurant-favorite dishes at home can be both easy and rewarding. The key is getting that sauce consistency just right and not overcooking the chicken. Once you master this basic version, feel free to experiment with different variations to make it your own. Serve it over fluffy rice with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!