Easy Chicken Teriyaki was the first thing I craved after a long day, and the moment it hit the pan, the kitchen filled with that irresistible blend of savory soy sauce and sweet honey.
As the sauce thickened, it wrapped around the tender chicken pieces in a glossy glaze that looked just as good as it tasted.
I remember taking that first bite—juicy, slightly sticky, with a gentle kick from the ginger—and thinking how something so simple could feel so satisfying.
This Easy Chicken Teriyaki recipe quickly became one of those go-to meals that feels comforting yet a little special, perfect for both busy weeknights and relaxed dinners at home.
Key Ingredients in Easy Chicken Teriyaki
When I prepared this Easy Chicken Teriyaki, I realized how each ingredient plays a quiet but important role in building flavor.
- 650 g (1.4 lb) Chicken breasts, Skinless, boneless, cut into chunks
- 1 tbsp Oil, Sesame, vegetable or sunflower
- 2 Cloves of garlic, Peeled and crushed
- 1 tsp Ginger puree
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 2 tsp Cornflour, See notes
- 100 ml (0.5 cups) Soy sauce
- 50 ml (0.25 cups) Water
- 3 tbsp Honey
- 2 tbsp White wine vinegar
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Ginger purée
- 0.5 tsp Dried chilli flakes, Optional
To garnish:
- Sesame seeds
Easy Chicken Teriyaki
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Easy Chicken Teriyaki is a flavorful dish made with tender chicken breast cooked in a savory-sweet sauce of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, thickened to a glossy finish and often served with rice and vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 650 g (1.4 lb) Chicken breasts, Skinless, boneless, cut into chunks
- 1 tbsp Oil, Sesame, vegetable or sunflower
- 2 Cloves of garlic, Peeled and crushed
- 1 tsp Ginger puree
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 2 tsp Cornflour, See notes
- 100 ml (0.5 cups) Soy sauce
- 50 ml (0.25 cups) Water
- 3 tbsp Honey
- 2 tbsp White wine vinegar
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Ginger purée
- 0.5 tsp Dried chilli flakes, Optional
To garnish:
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Mix the teriyaki sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Begin with the cornflour and gradually add the soy sauce, whisking so there are no lumps. Add the rest of the sauce ingredients.
Heat the oil in a frying pan until very hot.
Add the chicken and cook for about 10-15 minutes until the chicken is almost cooked through.
Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 3 or 4 more minutes until softened.
Add the teriyaki sauce ingredients and cook for about 5 minutes until everything is well coated and thickened.
While the chicken is cooking, I cook some rice in the bottom of a steamer pan and then add some green vegetables to the steamer part on top for the last 5 minutes. (You can mix the cooked broccoli into the sauce and chicken just before serving if you’d like it coated in sauce.)
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
If you enjoy meals like Sloppy Joe Casserole or Crock Pot Chicken Marsala, you will appreciate how this Easy Chicken Teriyaki delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
How to Easy Chicken Teriyaki Step-by-Step
- Start by preparing the teriyaki sauce. In a small bowl, mix the cornflour first, then slowly whisk in the soy sauce to avoid lumps. Add water, honey, vinegar, garlic powder, ginger, and chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan until it is very hot. This step helps the chicken develop a light golden color.
- Add the chicken chunks and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are nearly cooked through.
- Stir in the crushed garlic and ginger puree, letting them cook for a few minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Pour in the prepared teriyaki sauce and let it simmer. Stir gently as the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
- Cook for around 5 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and rich.
- Serve with rice and steamed vegetables. I like adding broccoli at the end so it soaks up the sauce.
Serving Tips and Variations
- Serve over fluffy white rice or brown rice for a hearty meal
- Add steamed broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for extra texture
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a light crunch
- Swap chicken breast for thighs if you prefer a richer taste
- Pair with dishes like Garlic Butter Steak Bites for a varied dinner spread
Conclusion
Making Easy Chicken Teriyaki at home felt like discovering a shortcut to something truly satisfying. It is simple, quick, and packed with flavor, yet still feels like a meal you put real care into. Once you try it, Easy Chicken Teriyaki easily becomes one of those recipes you come back to again and again.
Looking for inspiration? Visit Elise Chef on Pinterest to explore beautifully curated high-fiber recipes and discover your next healthy habit.