Craving a dish that’s both savory and sweet? This teriyaki chicken recipe is the perfect choice! With succulent chicken thighs glazed in a homemade teriyaki sauce, it’s a delightful meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this dish will surely impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the details of this mouth-watering recipe!
Ingredients
– 500g chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup mirin
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
– Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, while cooking time is around 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (approximately 125g) contains about 250 calories, 12g fat, 15g carbohydrates, and 23g protein. This nutritional value is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger to create the teriyaki sauce.
2. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add chicken thighs to the skillet, cooking for about 5-7 minutes per side until browned.
4. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
5. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavor.
6. If desired, mix cornstarch with a little water and add to the sauce to thicken.
7. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is glossy and thick.
8. Remove from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
9. Slice the chicken and plate it, drizzling extra sauce on top.
10. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option. Additionally, if you don’t have mirin, a mixture of white wine and a little sugar can work as a substitute.
Serving and Pairings
This teriyaki chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad. Serve it with a side of miso soup for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent dryness.
– Don’t skip marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes for better flavor.
– Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re concerned about salt intake.
– Remember to adjust the sweetness of the sauce according to your taste.
– Always taste the sauce before serving to ensure seasoning is balanced.
Helpful Tips
– Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor.
– Use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
– Experiment with adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking.
– Serve with a sprinkle of lime juice for an extra zing.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they might be less juicy than thighs. Adjust cooking time to avoid dryness.
What can I serve with teriyaki chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, steamed vegetables, or salads. You can also serve it with noodles for a different twist.
Can I make teriyaki sauce in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the teriyaki sauce a few days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Is teriyaki chicken spicy?
Traditional teriyaki chicken is not spicy, but you can add chili flakes or sauce if you prefer a kick.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for later use.
Conclusion
This teriyaki chicken recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. With its sweet and savory profile, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy a delicious meal that brings a taste of Japan to your kitchen!

Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken thighs boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional for thickening
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger to create the teriyaki sauce.
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken thighs to the skillet, cooking for about 5-7 minutes per side until browned.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
- Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
- If desired, mix cornstarch with a little water and add to the sauce to thicken.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is glossy and thick.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
- Slice the chicken and plate it, drizzling extra sauce on top.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.