Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade

Succulent, glazed pieces of chicken bathed in a sweet-savory sauce that caramelizes to perfection—that’s the magic of Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade. This Japanese-inspired classic transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering dish that balances umami flavors with just the right touch of sweetness. The beautiful mahogany sheen of the teriyaki sauce coating tender chicken pieces isn’t just visually appealing—it promises a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and exciting. You’ll learn how to create an authentic teriyaki marinade that infuses the chicken with deep flavor while keeping the preparation surprisingly simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade will quickly become a family favorite for several compelling reasons. First, the contrast between the tender, juicy chicken and the glossy, caramelized exterior creates an irresistible textural experience that satisfies with every bite. The marinade works double-duty—it tenderizes the meat while infusing it with complex flavors that develop even more during cooking.

What truly sets this chicken teriyaki recipe apart is its versatility. It’s fancy enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for busy weeknights, requiring minimal active cooking time. The ingredients are pantry staples for anyone who enjoys Asian-inspired cooking, meaning you can likely prepare this dish without a special trip to the grocery store.

Perhaps most importantly, this recipe offers authentic teriyaki flavor without complicated techniques. The sauce achieves that perfect balance of sweet and savory that makes homemade teriyaki chicken vastly superior to takeout versions, with a fraction of the cost and none of the mystery ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade, you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp (15ml) vegetable oil for cooking

For the Teriyaki Marinade:

• 1/2 cup (120ml) soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp (30ml) sake or dry white wine
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tsp)
• 1 tbsp (15g) fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp (8g) cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry)

For Garnish:

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• Steamed rice for serving

The chicken thighs are essential for this recipe as they remain juicy and tender when cooked, unlike breast meat which can dry out. The combination of soy sauce, mirin, and sake creates the authentic teriyaki flavor profile that makes this homemade chicken teriyaki so special.

Pro Tips

Marinating Time Matters: For the best flavor in your Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2-4 hours. This gives the flavors time to penetrate the meat thoroughly. However, avoid marinating longer than 24 hours as the acid in the marinade can break down the proteins too much, resulting in mushy chicken.

Perfect Sauce Consistency: The secret to that signature glossy teriyaki sauce is the cornstarch slurry. Add it only in the final cooking stages, and be sure to simmer until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. This indicates it has reached the perfect thickness to cling to your chicken pieces. If your sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Caramelization is Key: For authentic teriyaki chicken, you need good caramelization. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which would cause the meat to steam rather than sear. Allow the edges to develop a deep mahogany color before turning—this caramelization is where much of the teriyaki’s distinctive flavor comes from. Keep the heat medium-high, but watch carefully to prevent burning the sugars in the sauce.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, sake, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved. Reserve 1/3 cup of this mixture in a separate bowl for the final sauce. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken pieces in a shallow dish or zip-top bag, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Prepare for Cooking
When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly. Drain the chicken from the marinade, patting the pieces lightly with paper towels to remove excess moisture (this helps with browning). Discard the used marinade.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until deeply browned on one side. Flip the pieces and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through and nicely caramelized.

Step 4: Create the Teriyaki Glaze
Pour the reserved 1/3 cup marinade into the pan with the chicken. Bring to a simmer and let it bubble for about 1 minute. Mix your cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and takes on a beautiful glossy appearance that coats the chicken pieces.

Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle the teriyaki chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice, ensuring each portion gets plenty of that delicious teriyaki sauce. The contrast between the sticky, sweet-savory chicken and the fluffy rice creates the perfect bite every time.

Variations

Teriyaki Chicken Bowl: Transform your Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade into a nutritious bowl by serving it over rice with steamed broccoli, sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of furikake seasoning. This creates a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates all in one satisfying dish. For a lower-carb option, substitute cauliflower rice for traditional rice.

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: Take this recipe outdoors by marinating whole chicken thighs instead of pieces, then grilling them over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side. Brush with the thickened teriyaki sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for that signature glaze and smoky flavor that makes teriyaki marinade chicken extra special. The caramelization from the grill adds another dimension to the already complex flavor profile.

Vegetarian Teriyaki: The versatile teriyaki marinade works beautifully with plant-based proteins as well. Substitute the chicken with firm tofu (pressed to remove excess moisture), tempeh, or seitan. For tofu specifically, consider freezing and thawing it before marinating to create a more porous texture that absorbs the marinade more effectively, resulting in more flavorful teriyaki tofu that satisfies even dedicated meat-eaters.

Storage and Serving

Your Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For best results when reheating, add a splash of water to the chicken before microwaving it covered, which helps restore moisture and prevent the sauce from becoming too sticky. Alternatively, reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat.

For a complete meal presentation, serve your teriyaki chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice with steamed broccoli or bok choy on the side. The vegetables not only add nutritional value but also provide a perfect vehicle for soaking up extra teriyaki sauce. For a stunning dinner party presentation, arrange the glazed chicken pieces on a serving platter, drizzle with additional sauce, and garnish with a sprinkle of black and white sesame seeds, thinly sliced scallions, and small wedges of lime for a pop of color and freshness.

For meal prep purposes, portion the chicken teriyaki with rice and vegetables into individual containers for quick, satisfying lunches throughout the week. The flavors actually continue to develop over a day or two, making this an ideal make-ahead dish.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this teriyaki chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, but reduce the cooking time to prevent drying. Breast meat cooks faster than thighs, so aim for about 2-3 minutes per side depending on thickness. For the juiciest results, consider cutting the breast meat slightly larger than thigh pieces.

Is there a substitute for mirin if I can’t find it?
If mirin isn’t available, combine 1/4 cup of dry white wine or rice vinegar with 1 tablespoon of sugar as a substitute. While not identical to the authentic flavor of mirin, this alternative will still create a delicious Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade.

My teriyaki sauce isn’t thickening properly. What should I do?
If your sauce remains thin, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and gradually add to the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Continue cooking until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I freeze this teriyaki chicken?
Yes, this dish freezes well for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from any rice or vegetables. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently with a splash of water to restore moisture.

How can I make this recipe less sweet?
For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar to 2-3 tablespoons and increase the soy sauce slightly. You can also add 1-2 teaspoons of rice vinegar to balance the sweetness with more acidity, creating a teriyaki marinade that’s more savory than sweet.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade is comfort food at its finest — a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors wrapped around tender pieces of chicken that practically melt in your mouth. It’s the kind of dish that bridges the gap between everyday cooking and special occasions, impressing guests while still being simple enough for a Tuesday night dinner. The homemade teriyaki sauce elevates this dish beyond takeout versions, giving you restaurant-quality results without leaving your kitchen. Whether you’re new to Japanese cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers authentic flavor with minimal effort—proving that sometimes the most satisfying meals are also the most straightforward.

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