Chicken teriyaki is a classic dish known for its glossy sauce, tender chicken, and balanced sweet-savory flavor. The sauce coats each piece of chicken, creating a rich finish with a slight caramelized edge. This recipe keeps the ingredients simple while delivering a smooth, well-rounded taste.
It works well for quick meals and pairs easily with rice or vegetables, making it a reliable option for everyday cooking.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 400g chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons oil
For the teriyaki sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 teaspoons water)
For garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Tools
- Large pan or skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Small bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the sauce
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced ginger, garlic, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
2. Cook the chicken
Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly browned.
3. Add the sauce
Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with the chicken. Stir well so the chicken is evenly coated.
4. Thicken the sauce
Add the cornstarch mixture and stir continuously. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating the chicken evenly.
5. Finish the dish
Turn off the heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken teriyaki pairs well with:
- Steamed white rice
- Fried rice
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Noodles
It can also be served in bowls for a complete meal.
Tips for Best Results
Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
Cook on medium-high heat to get slight browning.
Stir the sauce continuously while thickening to keep it smooth.
Adjust sugar or honey to balance sweetness.
Storage and Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a small splash of water if needed.
Freezing is possible, though the sauce texture may change slightly.
Variations
Add broccoli or bell peppers for extra texture.
Use pineapple chunks for a sweet twist.
Sprinkle chili flakes for a bit of heat.
