Name: Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: Chicken thighs or breast (boneless: ¾ pound, flattened to even thickness); Low sodium soy sauce: ⅓ cup; Mirin: ⅓ cup; Sugar: ⅓ cup; Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon; Toasted sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon; Garlic or ginger (optional: 1 teaspoon, minced)

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If there’s one recipe that always hits the spot in my kitchen, it’s this Chicken Teriyaki with a simple, flavorful marinade. Anytime I make it, the juicy, perfectly glazed chicken always leaves everyone asking for seconds.

With its sweet, savory, and umami-packed flavors, this dish is a total favorite for any day of the week. Plus, the homemade marinade takes the flavor up a notch compared to store-bought alternatives. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home, just like it has in mine!

Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade Recipe

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to prepare this mouthwatering dish:

Chicken thighs or breast (boneless): ¾ pound, flattened to even thickness
Low sodium soy sauce: ⅓ cup
Mirin: ⅓ cup
Sugar: ⅓ cup
Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon
Toasted sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon
Garlic or ginger (optional): 1 teaspoon, minced

Credit: tiffy.cooks

Note: This recipe serves 2 people. Double the ingredients for larger gatherings.

Variations

This recipe is super flexible, and you can easily tweak it to suit different tastes or dietary needs:

Mirin Substitute: Replace mirin with sake, white wine, or a mix of stock and a splash of lemon juice for a non-alcoholic option.
Sugar-Free: Use honey, agave syrup, or stevia instead of sugar for a natural or low-calorie sweetener.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
Add More Flavor: Incorporate minced garlic, fresh ginger, or chopped green onions for an extra aromatic kick.
Spicy Twist: Stir in red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.

You can also enjoy similar comforting meals like the Spaghetti and Meatball Soup Recipe, which is ideal for cozy nights.

Cooking Time

Here’s a breakdown of the total time it takes to make this dish:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

To make this dish, you’ll need these basic tools:

Mixing bowl: To combine the marinade ingredients.
Whisk: To blend the marinade smoothly.
Grill pan or frying pan: For grilling or pan-frying the chicken.
Baking dish (optional): If you’re baking the chicken.
Tongs: To easily flip and handle the chicken.
Measuring cups and spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.

How to Make Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade Recipe? Step-by-Step Instruction Guide

Making this Chicken Teriyaki is a breeze! You’ll love how simple the steps are, and you can use whatever cooking method you prefer. Here’s how it’s done:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by flattening the chicken thighs or breasts so they’re about ¾ inch thick. This ensures even cooking. Place the chicken in a large bowl or zippered bag for marinating.

Step 2: Mix the Marinade

Combine the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar in a bowl. Whisk the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside half of the marinade to use as a glaze later. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and make sure it’s coated well. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, though marinating it for a few hours will deepen the flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Now it’s time to cook!

Grill or Pan Fry: Heat your grill pan or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a touch of vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken in the pan, skin-side down if using skin-on chicken. Flip after it’s golden brown, cooking for about 4 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes. Brush on the reserved marinade during the last 5 minutes of cooking to form a lovely glaze.

Step 4: Glaze and Serve

Brush the cooked chicken with the remaining marinade to create that signature teriyaki glaze. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and serve it over a bed of steamed rice or alongside your favorite veggies. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy!

For more meal prep ideas, try pairing this with Easy Chicken Taco Soup or Chicken Enchilada Soup for a diverse twist in flavors that appeals to everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons to adore this Chicken Teriyaki recipe. Here’s why I keep coming back to it:

It’s quick and easy to make, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
The homemade marinade is packed with authentic Japanese flavors.
You can fry, grill, or bake it depending on your preference.
It’s highly customizable with different substitutes or add-ons.
The dish pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

How to Serve Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade?

For a visually stunning and completely satisfying meal, serve your Chicken Teriyaki in these fun ways:

Over Steamed Rice: Create a classic teriyaki rice bowl and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.
With Veggies: Pair it with sautéed green beans, broccoli, or carrot ribbons for a balanced meal.
Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of flavor and color.
Noodles: Serve it over udon or ramen noodles for a comforting twist.
Family-Style Platter: Lay the sliced chicken along a platter with a side of dipping sauce and fresh cucumber slices.

Or you can also enjoy similar dishes like the smoky Tandoori Chicken Kebabs, which also offer rich, bold flavors to accompany your meal.

Credit: aaron_and_claire

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition in this Chicken Teriyaki dish (per serving):

Calories: ~412
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~53g
Fat: ~7g

Make Ahead and Storage

What I love about this recipe is that it stores so well. Here’s how to handle leftovers or prep in advance:

Prepare the chicken in advance by marinating it overnight. When you’re ready to cook, just take it out of the fridge and get started. Leftover chicken teriyaki can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn. When reheating, warm it up gently on the stovetop or in the oven to maintain the flavors.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Having made this dish countless times, I’ve picked up some helpful tips to make it even better:

Double the marinade for extra sauce. You can store the leftover glaze and use it on vegetables or noodles.s! Try it once, and it’ll become a family favorite.
Marinate the chicken for as long as possible. Overnight is ideal for super flavorful results.
While cooking, don’t rush the glazing step. That thick, shiny glaze is what makes the dish irresistible.
If baking, watch closely during the last few minutes to avoid burning the glaze due to the sugar content.
For an extra punch, feel free to add finely minced ginger or garlic to the marinade.