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Teriyaki Chicken

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Are you looking for the best Teriyaki Chicken recipe in the world? Well then look no further. This teriyaki chicken is simple, easy, no overnight marinating required, and will leave your whole family begging for more. It is soooooo delicious.

 

Main image for recipe of Teriyaki Chicken

 

I have tried lots of Teriyaki Chicken. Believe me when I say, I have worked and worked to find the perfect teriyaki chicken recipe for you. This is it my friends. 

Tangy, yet sweet, flavorful, this teriyaki chicken marinade will have you licking the bowl clean. You’ll want to put it on everything. And why not? Rice, cauliflower, or tofu. You can’t go wrong with this sauce.

I love how fast homemade teriyaki chicken is. No need to run to the restaurant when I can make teriyaki chicken just as quickly at home and have it taste 1000x better.

Teriyaki chicken is made from all pantry ingredients. I don’t keep sake, sesame oil, or mirin on hand. And while lots of recipes call for those, I know if I leave the house to go find ingredients, I’m probably going to stop by and just pick up dinner.

If that’s you too, you’ll be happy to know all the ingredients you need are probably in your house already.

 

soy sauce, lemon, garlic and ginger in a skillet.

 

What is Teriyaki Chicken?

Teriyaki chicken is an Asian inspired dish that typically includes soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sugar. Many recipes also call for mirin or sake which are Asian alcoholic beverages. The chicken is grilled, boiled, sautéed, or marinated in the teriyaki sauce and is typically served with rice.

 

Sauce boiled and hot.

 

Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken

  • Chicken: I use chicken breasts but you could substitute for chicken thighs if desired.
  • Soy Sauce: Use full, reduced, or low sodium soy sauce. 
  • Sugar: I use granulated cane sugar but you could also use brown sugar to add a bit of a carmely flavor.
  • Lemon: The lemons are for flavoring. No need to squeeze the juice out though. Why do more work when you don’t have to? Just toss the slices in while cooking and take them out when done.
  • Garlic: Use either minced garlic cloves or garlic paste.
  • Ginger: Ginger will give your teriyaki chicken a bit of a snap that you’ll love.
  • Cornstarch: Use the cornstarch to thicken the teriyaki chicken marinade.
  • Water: You’ll need a small amount of water to mix with the cornstarch before adding to the sauce. Don’t add the cornstarch directly to hot liquids to avoid clumping.
  • Green Onions: Green onions are actually full onions harvested before they are fully mature. They tend to be sweeter than full onions. These are optional so put them in or leave them out.
  • Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds provide a somewhat nutty and crunchy flavor. I like to add them as a garnish just before serving but these are optional as well.

 

raw chicken added to teriyaki sauce

 

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken

  • Sauce: Boil the soy sauce, lemon, garlic, ginger, and sugar. I like to cook my rice or any other side dishes while this is coming together. Rice tends to take longer than this teriyaki chicken recipe.
  • Chicken: Add the chicken. Cook until done. Now is the perfect time to call all the hooligans together in your house and make them set the table. Thicken the sauce and chicken using the cornstarch.
  • Serve: Just prior to serving take out the lemons and add your garnishes. Walla! A beautiful dinner ready in no time flat.

 

chicken cooked in teriyaki sauce.

 

Is Teriyaki Chicken Healthy?

What is your definition of healthy?

Protein? Check. Grains? Check. Garlic and ginger? Check.

There is some debate over whether soy sauce is healthy or not and I would say sugar doesn’t top the list of healthy foods. So if you are concerned about it, eat it in moderation.

In my personal opinion, if my kids eat a full meal of teriyaki chicken and rice served alongside some steamed veggies, that is an excellent dinner. No regrets. 

 

cornstarch slurry made in a small bowl and held above the chicken mixture.

 

What Goes with Teriyaki Chicken?

  • Rice: As you’ll be making a delicious teriyaki sauce to coat the rice, don’t worry about flavoring your rice. If you feel like getting fancy try this Fluffy Buttered Rice. It’s nummy!
  • Noodles: This Creamy Garlic Pasta or pairs wonderfully with the flavor of teriyaki chicken. Or try Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash for a quick and easy gluten free noodle. Follow the directions below for creating a gluten free teriyaki chicken.
  • Veggies: Any veggie you can think of would go well with teriyaki chicken. Like broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, corn, beans, or regular potatoes. They can be sautéed, fried, baked, or steamed. Making this the perfect dinner for using up what you have in your fridge!
  • Coleslaw: I’ve got some coleslaw lovers in my house that could eat Creamy Coleslaw with everything. While I don’t think I could eat it with everything, I do think that it goes great with teriyaki chicken.
  • Salad: Any salad? No. This Ramen Noodle Salad? Oh yes please. Excuse me while I go eat some.

 

Cooked and ready to serve Teriyaki Chicken in skillet

 

Can Dogs Eat Teriyaki Chicken?

Dogs should not be eating soy sauce, sugar, or garlic. Considering those are the main ingredients in teriyaki chicken, you should definitely NOT be feeding this dish to your pups.

Is Teriyaki Chicken Keto?

No. Teriyaki chicken contains sugar and sugar is not keto. While I’m not super familiar with all the ins and outs of keto, that is one I know for sure. I haven’t tried substituting to make this keto friendly but if you decide to try it, let me know how it turns out.

 

Chicken with green onions served over a bowl of rice with chopsticks.

 

Is Teriyaki Chicken Gluten Free?

Trick question! While the ingredients in teriyaki chicken might seem gluten free they aren’t. Soy sauce contains gluten and it’s an ingredient many people overlook.

If you need gluten free teriyaki chicken use a gluten free soy sauce such as liquid aminos or coconut aminos. One simple swap!

 

zoomed in image of chicken and rice with sesame seeds and green onions.

 

More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love…

 

Teriyaki Chicken is a family favorite. Tangy, sweet, and sticky, the flavors are amazing. It’s so fast, easy, and is easily made from the ingredients already in your home. It is the perfect addition to your weeknight rotation. Yum yum!

 

Yield: 6 Servings

Teriyaki Chicken

zoomed in image of chicken and rice with sesame seeds and green onions.

Are you looking for the best Teriyaki Chicken recipe in the world? Well then look no further. This teriyaki chicken is simple, easy, no overnight marinating required, and will leave your whole family begging for more.

Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 Chicken Breasts, diced
  • 3/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 2 slices lemon
  • 3 cloves garlic or 2 teaspoons garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 2 Tablespoons corn starch
  • 2 Tablespoons water
  • Green onions, sliced (optional)
  • Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a deep skillet combine soy sauce, sugar, lemon, garlic and ginger. Bring to a boil.
  2. Add chicken and cook until done, stirring regularly. Approximately 10 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl combine cornstarch and water. Add mixture into chicken and sauce.
  4. Stir in and cook for 3 - 5 more minutes until mixture thickens.
  5. Remove lemons and serve immediately over rice.
  6. Top with green onions and sesame seeds (optional) and serve over rice.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 285Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 1869mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 1gSugar: 23gProtein: 28g
Originally Posted: May 13, 2016

Photos & Text Updated: September 15, 2021

 

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Wendy

Friday 13th of May 2016

Love your site and your recipes.

Janelle

Saturday 14th of May 2016

Ahhhh! Thank you Wendy! Such kind words to lift my spirits! Thank you!

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