Easy Homemade Teriyaki Chicken
Easy homemade teriyaki chicken recipe ready in 30 minutes. Authentic, glossy glaze with simple ingredients—perfect for weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 3 tablespoons sake or dry sherry
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1/4 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, for garnish
- 3 scallions, sliced on the bias
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- 2
Whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, water, and rice vinegar in a small bowl to combine, then set the teriyaki sauce base aside.
- 3
Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a separate small bowl, stirring until you have a smooth slurry with no lumps.
- 4
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers, about 1 minute.
- 5
Working in two batches to avoid crowding, add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the first side.
- 6
Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side until a light golden crust forms, then transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate.
- 7
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet, then stir in the minced garlic and ginger and cook over medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 8
Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture into the skillet with the garlic and ginger, stirring well to combine all flavors.
- 9
Simmer the sauce over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 10
Stir the cornstarch slurry again to ensure it's well combined, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly.
- 11
Continue cooking and stirring for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrup-like consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- 12
Return all the chicken pieces to the skillet and gently toss to coat evenly with the teriyaki glaze, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- 13
Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a splash of soy sauce if needed.
- 14
Transfer the teriyaki chicken to a serving platter, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced scallions, and serve immediately over steamed rice or with your favorite vegetables.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mirin | Honey or pure maple syrup | Provides similar sweetness and glaze consistency with a more accessible ingredient |
| Sake | Dry sherry or apple juice | Sake can be hard to find; these alternatives add similar complexity and balance the sauce |
| Soy sauce (1/2 cup) | Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari | Reduces sodium intake by 40-50% while maintaining authentic umami flavor |
| Vegetable oil | Sesame oil or avocado oil | Sesame oil adds authentic nutty flavor; avocado oil is more heart-healthy with higher smoke point |
| Cornstarch | Arrowroot powder or potato starch | These alternatives provide similar thickening without refined corn and may be easier to digest |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | Chicken thighs or a mix of breast and thigh | Thighs stay juicier and more flavorful, plus they're often more affordable |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 355 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 98mg |
| Sodium | 820mg |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Protein | 43g |
Nutrition Comparison
| Classic | Metabolic Health | restaurant | Healthier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 355 | 310 | 485 | 285 |
| Protein | 43g | 36g | 48g | 38g |
| Carbs | 20g | 8g | 18g | 12g |
| Fat | 10g | 14g | 22g | 8g |
| Fiber | 1g | 2g | 1g | 0.5g |
| Sugar | 14g | - | - | - |
| Health Scores | ||||
| Gut Health | 6/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | 72/10 |
| Anti-Inflammatory | 7/10 | 9/10 | 5/10 | 78/10 |
| Blood Sugar | 6/10 | 9/10 | 6/10 | 82/10 |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
