Japanese Chicken Teriyaki

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Savor the sweet and savory balance of this Japanese Chicken Teriyaki recipe, perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken is glazed with a homemade teriyaki sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to favorite in your home-cooked meals.

Imogen Price

Created by

Imogen Price

Last updated on 2025-11-25T15:27:57.985Z

This Japanese Chicken Teriyaki recipe is a perfect blend of flavors that transport you to your favorite sushi bar, all from the comfort of your home. Enjoy the crunchy texture of the sesame seeds contrasted with the tender chicken, making each bite an experience.

Unveiling the Flavors of Teriyaki

Teriyaki sauce is a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine, renowned for its deliciously balanced sweet and savory profile. The combination of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar creates a glaze that complements the chicken beautifully, locking in moisture while imparting a rich flavor. This intricate yet simple sauce elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary, ensuring each bite is a taste of culinary delight.

In our Japanese Chicken Teriyaki recipe, the succulent chicken thighs absorb the delicious teriyaki sauce, making them juicy and flavorful. Chicken thighs are a preferred choice for this dish due to their richer taste compared to chicken breasts. Their higher fat content ensures a tender result that pairs perfectly with the lightness of fluffy steamed rice.

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner

For those busy weeknights when you're pressed for time but crave something satisfying, this Japanese Chicken Teriyaki recipe shines. It takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for hectic evenings. With minimal prep work and cooking time, you can serve a restaurant-quality meal without the stress.

Moreover, this dish is highly adaptable. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or broccoli, to the stir-fry for extra color and nutrition. The flexibility of the recipe allows you to customize each serving to suit your family’s preferences, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Teriyaki

Not only is Japanese Chicken Teriyaki delicious, but it also offers several nutritional benefits. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues. Pair it with rice for a wholesome meal that provides carbohydrates for energy, making it a great option for active individuals and families.

Furthermore, by using fresh ingredients like green onions and sesame seeds, this dish becomes not only flavorful but also rich in vitamins and minerals. Including these garnishes not only enhances taste and texture but also adds valuable nutrients to your meal, ensuring that you nourish your body with every bite.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

For the Teriyaki Sauce

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup mirin
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Serve over cooked rice and enjoy!

Instructions

Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the sauce thickens.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and cook until brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes, basting the chicken.

Serve

Slice the chicken and serve it over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Enjoy your homemade Japanese Chicken Teriyaki!

Serving Suggestions

To truly enjoy your Japanese Chicken Teriyaki, serve it alongside a side of steamed vegetables. Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots are excellent choices that complement the dish’s flavors and add vibrant colors to your plate. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also balances the meal nutritionally.

Consider also pairing your teriyaki chicken with a light miso soup or a refreshing cucumber salad. The warm soup adds comforting elements, while a salad can introduce a crunchy texture, making your meal satisfying and delightful.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the chicken teriyaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating is simple; just warm it in a pan over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if necessary to keep the sauce from drying out.

You can also freeze the teriyaki chicken in a freezer-safe container for longer storage. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This way, you have an easy meal ready to go for those busy days when cooking isn't feasible.

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well but may dry out if overcooked.

→ Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes, the teriyaki sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Japanese Chicken Teriyaki

Savor the sweet and savory balance of this Japanese Chicken Teriyaki recipe, perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken is glazed with a homemade teriyaki sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to favorite in your home-cooked meals.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Imogen Price

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chicken

  1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  2. 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  3. 2 green onions, chopped
  4. 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

For the Teriyaki Sauce

  1. 1/4 cup soy sauce
  2. 1/4 cup mirin
  3. 2 tablespoons sugar
  4. 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 02

Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and cook until brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes, basting the chicken.

Step 03

Slice the chicken and serve it over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fat: 15g