Teriyaki Chicken Recipe: A Simple, Delicious Way to Make Your Favorite Dish at Home

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting a perfectly cooked Teriyaki chicken, you already know how tantalizingly delicious it can be. The tender chicken, drenched in a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy sauce, is the epitome of comfort food. But what if I told you that you could make this classic dish right at home, with minimal effort and maximum flavor? Yes, it’s true! With this easy Teriyaki chicken recipe, you can bring a taste of Japan to your kitchen, all without breaking a sweat. This guide will walk you through the steps to make the perfect Teriyaki chicken using a homemade Teriyaki sauce, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken every time.

What Is Teriyaki Chicken?

Teriyaki chicken is a popular Japanese dish that features chicken glazed with a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, mirin (a type of rice wine), sake, and sugar. The word “teriyaki” comes from the Japanese terms teri, meaning the shine or luster of the sauce, and yaki, meaning grilled or broiled. The result is a beautifully glazed piece of chicken that’s both delicious and visually appealing.

While Teriyaki chicken is often served in restaurants with a side of rice, you can easily recreate the same flavor at home with this simple and easy Teriyaki chicken recipe.

Why Make Your Own Teriyaki Chicken?

Many store-bought Teriyaki sauces contain preservatives, artificial colors, and excessive amounts of sugar or sodium. By making your own Teriyaki sauce at home, you can control the ingredients, ensuring that your dish is fresh, healthy, and tailored to your taste. Additionally, homemade sauces tend to have more depth of flavor, thanks to the fact that you can adjust the balance of sweet, salty, and tangy ingredients to your liking.

When paired with tender chicken breast, this Teriyaki chicken recipe is a satisfying and delicious meal that can be enjoyed by everyone, whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

To prepare this delicious chicken Teriyaki, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:

Soy Sauce (¼ cup) – The base of your Teriyaki glaze, providing a deep umami flavor.
Brown Sugar (¼ cup) – Adds the sweetness needed to balance the salty soy sauce.
Honey (2 tablespoons) – Enhances the sweetness and adds a richer flavor.
Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon) – Adds a touch of acidity and helps balance the sweetness.
Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon) – Offers a subtle nutty flavor and depth to the sauce.
Fresh Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated) – Adds a hint of spice and freshness to the sauce.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Infuses the sauce with aromatic flavors.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon) – Helps thicken the sauce, giving it that perfect glossy texture.
Water (½ cup) – To help create the right consistency for the sauce.

Para o Frango:

Chicken Breast (2 breasts) – The protein of choice, offering a lean and tender texture when cooked properly.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon) – For cooking the chicken and preventing it from sticking to the pan.
Salt and Pepper (to taste) – To season the chicken before cooking.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and water. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well combined.
Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. This will thicken the sauce to the perfect glaze consistency. Keep cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and thick.
Set the Sauce Aside: Once your Teriyaki sauce is done, remove it from the heat and set it aside. If you’re making the sauce in advance, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Passo 2: Cozinhar o Frango

Season the Chicken: While the sauce is simmering, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This step enhances the chicken’s natural flavor before it gets glazed with the Teriyaki sauce.
Cook the Chicken Breasts: Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken tender and juicy.

Step 3: Glaze the Chicken with Teriyaki Sauce

Glaze the Chicken: Slice the rested chicken into strips or serve the whole breasts. Drizzle the homemade Teriyaki sauce generously over the chicken. You can also return the chicken to the skillet and simmer it in the sauce for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Garnish: For an added touch of flavor and visual appeal, garnish the Teriyaki chicken with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Servir e Saborear: Serve your homemade Teriyaki chicken with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a simple salad. The sweet and savory flavor of the Teriyaki glaze will have your taste buds dancing!

Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

Use Tender Chicken Breasts: For the best texture, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and stay tender, making them perfect for this recipe. However, you can also use thighs if you prefer dark meat.
Control the Sauce Consistency: If you like your Teriyaki glaze thicker, simply add a little more cornstarch slurry. For a lighter sauce, add more water to thin it out.
Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness and acidity of the sauce to match your preferences. For a spicier kick, you can add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes.
Marinate the Chicken: If you have extra time, marinating the chicken in the Teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking will enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken even more.

Why This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is a Must-Try

This easy Teriyaki chicken recipe is not only incredibly simple to make, but it also offers a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe requires minimal preparation and delivers maximum flavor. The homemade Teriyaki sauce is a game-changer—it’s fresher, more flavorful, and customizable to your taste preferences. Plus, the tender chicken breast absorbs the sauce perfectly, creating a harmonious balance of flavors in every bite.

With a short list of easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, a family meal, or even a special occasion. You can enjoy the same delicious Teriyaki chicken you love from takeout restaurants, but made with love and care in your own kitchen.

Variations of Teriyaki Chicken

While this recipe is a classic, there are many ways you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: Instead of cooking the chicken in a pan, grill the chicken breasts for a smoky, charred flavor. Simply brush the chicken with Teriyaki sauce as it grills, creating a flavorful crust.
Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir-fry with your favorite vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and onions work well). Toss the chicken and vegetables with the Teriyaki sauce for a complete, balanced meal.
Teriyaki Chicken Bowls: For a delicious bowl-style meal, serve the Teriyaki chicken over a bed of rice, topped with sautéed vegetables, avocado, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Gluten-Free Teriyaki Chicken: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, swap the regular soy sauce for tamari (a gluten-free version of soy sauce) and ensure that your cornstarch is gluten-free.

Pensamentos Finais

Teriyaki chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that rivals any restaurant. The key to making the perfect Teriyaki chicken is a well-balanced sauce, tender chicken, and a little love in the cooking process. Whether you’re making this dish for the first time or you’re a seasoned chef, this easy Teriyaki chicken recipe will be a hit every time. So go ahead, try it out, and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of homemade Teriyaki chicken tonight!