We all need that one back-pocket dinner that feels like takeout but tastes even better—and this Teriyaki Chicken is it. Between soccer practice, emails that never end, and trying to remember if you already started the laundry (again), dinner can feel like one more chore. But this? This is a total game-changer.
This teriyaki chicken is juicy, sweet, salty, and just the right amount of sticky. Whether you’re trying to please picky eaters or impress your picky mother-in-law, this teriyaki chicken recipe brings bold flavor with minimal fuss. Best part? You can get it on the table in under 30 minutes, without breaking a sweat.
Looking for inspiration? Try this easy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Wings to pair with your bowl!
Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
There are a few reasons this one’s a favorite in my house—besides the fact that no one complains when I make it (which, let’s be honest, is a win all by itself):
- Quick cleanup (one pan, hallelujah)
- Flavor-packed without a pantry full of ingredients
- Works with rice, noodles, or even in a teriyaki chicken bowl for meal prep
- Doubles as the perfect leftover lunch
Plus, the sauce? It clings to every bite of chicken like it was born to be there.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this better-than-takeout teriyaki chicken:
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced
- 2 large garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
- 50g (about 3 tbsp) runny honey
- 30ml (2 tbsp) light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 100ml water
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 4 spring onions, shredded (for garnish)
- Steamed sticky rice (to serve)
- Bok choy or spring greens (steamed, for serving)
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat the sesame oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken thighs and cook for about 7 minutes until they’re golden and starting to crisp on the edges.
Step 2: Add Flavor
Toss in your garlic and ginger. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn (burnt garlic = sadness).
Step 3: Make It Saucy
Pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and water. Stir everything together. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil and let it cook for another 2–5 minutes until it thickens and coats the chicken in a beautiful glossy glaze.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle the sesame seeds and spring onions over the top. Serve immediately over a bed of sticky rice with steamed greens. Bonus points if you eat it from a bowl while binge-watching your favorite guilty pleasure.
Tips for Teriyaki Chicken That Hits Just Right
- Don’t skip the ginger – it’s what gives teriyaki that signature zing.
- If the sauce gets too thick, just splash in a little water to loosen it.
- Chicken thighs work best here—they stay juicy and soak up the flavor like champs.
- Want to turn this into a teriyaki chicken bowl? Add edamame, shredded carrots, and some avocado slices for a full-on Instagram moment.
A Little Story From My Kitchen
This dish started as a happy accident on a Tuesday night when I had zero brainpower left but a fridge full of “maybe I’ll cook this” ingredients. The first time I made it, I didn’t even measure—just eyeballed some soy sauce, honey, and ginger. The result? My husband went back for thirds, my picky daughter actually said “yum,” and I knew it was a keeper.
Now, it’s a go-to whenever I want something comforting but can’t deal with a complicated cleanup. It’s not just dinner—it’s the sigh of relief after a long day.
FAQs About Teriyaki Chicken
What ingredients are in teriyaki chicken?
Classic teriyaki chicken includes soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey (or sugar), and chicken thighs. Optional add-ins include sesame oil, rice vinegar, and spring onions.
What are the three ingredients in teriyaki chicken?
At its core: soy sauce, sweetener (like honey or sugar), and a protein (chicken, in this case).
What are the 4 ingredients in teriyaki sauce for chicken?
The essentials are soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), garlic, and ginger. That’s your magic quartet.
What does chicken teriyaki taste like?
It’s sweet, savory, and umami-rich with a subtle tang from the vinegar. Think sticky, satisfying, and slightly addictive in the best way.
Teriyaki Chicken – The Best 30-Minute Sticky Dinner You’ll Ever Make
Juicy, sweet, salty, and just the right amount of sticky—this Teriyaki Chicken is your new go-to weeknight dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s bold, satisfying, and cleanup is a breeze.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced
- 2 large garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
- 50g (about 3 tbsp) runny honey
- 30ml (2 tbsp) light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 100ml water
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 4 spring onions, shredded (for garnish)
- Steamed sticky rice (to serve)
- Bok choy or spring greens (steamed, for serving)
Instructions
- Heat the sesame oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken thighs and cook for about 7 minutes until golden and crisping at the edges.
- Add the crushed garlic and grated ginger. Stir constantly and cook for 2 minutes to avoid burning.
- Pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and water. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil. Let simmer 2–5 minutes until thickened and glossy.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and shredded spring onions. Serve immediately over sticky rice with steamed greens.
Notes
For extra flavor, don’t skip the ginger. Chicken thighs are key for juiciness. Loosen sauce with a splash of water if it thickens too much. Want to bowl it up? Add edamame, shredded carrots, and avocado.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: teriyaki chicken, sticky chicken, 30-minute dinner, easy chicken recipe
Still Hungry? Keep Cooking
Don’t miss our Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna Recipe, perfect for a cozy night in.
Discover great ideas like Peruvian Grilled Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce for your next side dish.
Looking for something fun? Try our Crispy Bang Bang Chicken next week!
And there you have it. A dish that delivers flavor, comfort, and just the right amount of kitchen bragging rights. This teriyaki chicken recipe is proof that you don’t need takeout menus to get a five-star meal on the table.
Let me know if you try it—especially if your kids actually eat the veggies. That’s the real win.