Description
Homemade Chicken Teriyaki is an easy, flavorful dish with juicy grilled, baked, or pan-fried chicken glazed in a sweet-savory sauce. Perfect for weeknights—better than takeout! Make it tonight and enjoy tender bites with steamed rice or veggies.
Ingredients
3/4 lb chicken thighs or breasts (skin-on or skinless)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds
For the Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce:
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup mirin (or sake, white wine, or stock + vinegar)
1/3 cup sugar (or honey, agave, or brown sugar)
1 tsp finely minced garlic or ginger (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken to about 3/4-inch thickness for even cooking. Place in a large bowl or zipper bag.
- Make the Marinade: Combine soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and optional garlic/ginger in a bowl. Stir until sugar dissolves. Reserve half for the glaze.
- Marinate: Pour the remaining half of the marinade over the chicken. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes or store in the refrigerator overnight for more intense flavor.
- Cooking Options:
- Grill or Pan-Fry: Heat oil in a grill or skillet over medium-high. Remove excess marinade from the chicken. Cook until golden brown on both sides. In the last 3 minutes, add reserved marinade and reduce to a glaze.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking dish and place marinated chicken. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, brushing with reserved marinade during the last 5 to 7 minutes for a glossy finish.
- Serve: Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces. Serve over steamed rice. Drizzle with remaining glaze and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Notes
Mirin can be replaced with sake, wine, or stock + vinegar.
Sugar alternatives include honey, agave, or brown sugar.
Stir-fry version: cut chicken into pieces and cook with sauce—no marinating needed.
Store leftovers in fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes Additional Time: 15 minutes to overnight marinating
- Cook Time: 8 minutes (20 minutes if baking)
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Grilled, Pan-Fried, Baked
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 412
- Sugar: 43g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Protein: 35g