If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet fuss-free, this Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It combines tender, juicy chicken with a glossy, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce that you can whip up in no time. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or just want a comforting meal that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of simplicity and satisfaction every single time.

Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

As with many tasty dishes, the magic here lies in a handful of straightforward, well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in layering the flavors, achieving that perfect texture, and creating the gorgeous color that makes this dish irresistible.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed into bite-sized pieces, chicken cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps with sautéing the chicken to a nice golden brown.
Water: Forms the base of the teriyaki sauce and helps balance the flavors.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the deep, umami complexity classic to teriyaki without overwhelming saltiness.
Light brown sugar: Brings in just the right amount of sweetness and a touch of caramel notes.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps give the sauce a beautiful, sticky glaze.
Garlic: Fresh minced clove infuses the sauce with savory warmth.
Fresh ginger: Grated for that zingy, slightly spicy kick that brightens the whole dish.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce, turning it luxuriously glossy and clingy.
Cold water: Helps create a smooth slurry with the cornstarch so the sauce thickens evenly.

How to Make Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning your cubed chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This foundational step is key as it amps up the natural flavor of the chicken before it even hits the pan. Simple but essential.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Next, heat your extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken pieces and cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes on one side until they start to develop a lovely golden crust. Flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, making sure the chicken is almost cooked through. This technique seals in juices and gives you that perfect tender bite.

Step 3: Whip Up the Teriyaki Sauce

While your chicken is cooking, it’s time to make the sauce. Combine water, low-sodium soy sauce, light brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk everything together and heat until the sugar is fully dissolved—this usually takes about a minute. This quick mix creates a wonderfully balanced base that’s sweet, savory, and packed with flavor.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

To get that signature teriyaki glaze, blend the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Stir this mixture into your simmering saucy pot and keep heating on medium while whisking gently. After 5 to 6 minutes, the sauce should thicken into a glossy, sticky coating ready to elevate your chicken.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken in the skillet, stirring everything together. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken finishes cooking through and the sauce clings perfectly to each piece. This final step is where all those flavors marry beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Your homemade teriyaki chicken is ready! Serve it hot, ideally with extra sauce drizzled over the top for a mouthwatering finish. You’re just moments away from devouring this irresistible, quick-to-make favorite.

How to Serve Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can take this dish to the next level. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions over the chicken for a fresh pop of color and an extra crunch. These little touches bring brightness and texture that make every bite even more exciting.

Side Dishes

Pair your Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe with fluffy steamed rice or fragrant jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a balanced meal, toss in some steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a fresh cucumber salad. These sides add a crisp, refreshing contrast that complements the rich teriyaki flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, consider serving the chicken on a bed of stir-fried vegetables or alongside a simple noodle bowl. You can even turn it into lettuce wraps for a fun, handheld version. Presentation is all about showcasing the vibrant sauce and hearty chicken in a way that makes your meal feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool the chicken to room temperature before storing to maintain its texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to label it so you remember this delicious treasure is waiting for you.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of water or a bit of soy sauce while reheating can help revive the sauce’s shine and keep the chicken moist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to stay juicier. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

Is there a substitute for cornstarch?

Yes! You can use arrowroot powder or potato starch as alternatives to cornstarch for thickening the sauce, keeping the same glossy texture.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce variety to keep the dish both safe and delicious.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli make great additions. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them crisp yet tender.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish holds up well and tastes great as leftovers. Portion it with rice and veggies for an easy, flavorful meal prep option.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like a homemade Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe to brighten up your dinner table without stealing your time or energy. This recipe is a winner for busy nights and special cravings alike, combining effortless prep with fantastic flavor. Give it a try and watch it become your new kitchen favorite that friends and family adore.