Chicken Teriyaki - CJ Eats Recipes (2024)

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By Chris Joe

5 from 10 votes

Sep 03, 2023

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This Chicken Teriyaki is so simple and easy to put together but comes out so juicy and flavorful. The best part is that is can be made all in one pan! Keep reading for my secret to no fail juicy chicken and how to make HOMEMADE teriyaki sauce – trust me, once you make this recipe, it’s going to be one of your favorites!

Watch the Chicken Teriyaki Recipe Video Below!

Chicken Teriyaki - CJ Eats Recipes (2)

INGREDIENTS TIPS

CHICKEN
I personally used boneless skin-on chicken thighs, as it cooks quicker (and I love dark meat) but you can also use chicken breast (thinly sliced) or skinless thighs. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly!

MIRIN
You can sub mirin with rice vinegar – but since this recipe has so few ingredients, I highly recommend you use mirin. As an additional substitute, you can use 1 tbsp of honey mixed with 1/4 cup of water.

SAKE
You can sub sake with another dry cooking wine (such as white wine or sherry) – but since this recipe has so few ingredients, I highly recommend you use sake. As an additional substitute, you can use 1 tbsp of honey mixed with 1/4 cup of water (similar to the mirin substitute).

Chicken Teriyaki - CJ Eats Recipes (3)

This home-made Teriyaki sauce is so simple to make and only needs a handful of ingredients! Feel free to double or triple the recipe for the sauce and store it an air tight container in the fridge for stir fries, yakisoba, or vegetables during the week! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Soy Sauce
  • Mirin
  • Sake
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Brown Sugar
Chicken Teriyaki - CJ Eats Recipes (4)
Chicken Teriyaki - CJ Eats Recipes (5)
Chicken Teriyaki - CJ Eats Recipes (6)

RECIPE TIPS

“DRY BRINE”
This is the KEY tip for quick but JUICY chicken! Season the chicken with salt & pepper for 15 minutes before cooking to allow the salt absorb into the meat. This “dry brine” will result in crispy skin and juicy meat. The salt will draw out some moisture, so make sure to pat the chicken as dry as possible with a paper towel prior to sauteing in the pan. (Otherwise your skin will not get as crispy!)

TERIYAKI SAUCE 101Trust me, HOMEMADE is 100% better in this case!

  • WATCH YOUR SAUCE – You want the sauce to be thick and syrupy, which will happen as it cooks down. HOWEVER, as the water cooks down, there is a higher chance of the sugar burning, so keep this on a simmer and watch it!
  • TERIYAKI SAUCE IS NOT A MARINADE – In this recipe, teriyaki sauce is used as more of a finishing sauce. You want to layer it on the chicken in the last couple minutes of cooking so it’s cooked on the chicken, like a glaze.

YOU’LL WANT TO DOUBLE THIS SAUCE!
I personally double or triple the sauce, as I love it on EVERYTHING! You can save it in an airtight container for up to one week in the refrigerator.

If you liked this Chicken Teriyaki recipe, check out some of the most popular easy weeknight recipes on the blog!

  • Chicken Lo Mein
  • Shrimp Fried Rice
  • Beef and Broccoli
  • Sesame Chicken
  • String Bean Chicken

5 from 10 votes

One Pan Chicken Teriyaki

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 10 minutes mins

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Chicken Teriyaki - CJ Eats Recipes (7)

This deliciously juicy Chicken Teriyaki can be made all in one pan for an easy and delicious weeknight meal!

Ingredients

Teriyaki Sauce

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup mirin
  • 1/4 cup sake
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated

Instructions

  • Season chicken on both sides with salt and white pepper. Let rest for 15 minutes to let the salt absorb into the chicken and skin.

  • While the chicken is resting, mix soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl and set aside.

  • Pat chicken dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Over medium high heat, add 1 tbsp of oil and sear chicken skin side down for 2-3 minutes or until golden. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and remove.

  • Use a paper towel to remove any excess fat, then over medium high heat, simmer the teriyaki sauce until the sauce has reduced and thickened (3-4 minutes). Add the chicken back into the pan and baste with sauce for another minute.

  • Spoon extra sauce over the chicken, serve with rice and enjoy!

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Japanese

Tried this recipe?Mention @cj.eats_ or tag #cjeatsrecipes!

Chicken Teriyaki - CJ Eats Recipes (8)

About CJ

I’m a third generation Chinese-American home cook who has always loved cooking & eating! Welcome to my food blog, where you can find trusted, tested, easy & approachable recipes for the everyday home cook that taste delicious! I am so glad you're here!

Read more about me

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Chicken Teriyaki - CJ Eats Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between teriyaki sauce and marinade? ›

Marinating meat provides juice flavor and a tender meat consistency (via MadamnGRecipe). In contrast, teriyaki sauce adds instant flavor gratification and has a consistency that is usually thicker than a marinade. It is used for basting or pouring over meat as it cooks.

Is Japanese teriyaki chicken healthy? ›

Teriyaki chicken may sound like a healthy choice, but again, it depends. If you end up eating too much rice with it or if the chicken was completely covered with sweet, MSG-rich sauce and glazes, it's not a healthy choice. Affordable teriyaki chicken may be using quite some MSG.

Can you use Kikkoman teriyaki sauce as a marinade? ›

Use it right from the bottle as a marinade, dipping sauce, condiment or signature sauce base.

What mixes well with teriyaki? ›

Either way, your entire family will enjoy your teriyaki chicken meal!
  • White Rice. A staple to accompany teriyaki chicken, white rice is always a good option and makes for an easy dinner recipe. ...
  • Broccoli. ...
  • Steamed Green Beans. ...
  • Sauteed Mushrooms. ...
  • Baked Sweet Potato. ...
  • Sauteed Bell Peppers. ...
  • Carrots. ...
  • Miso Soup.
Aug 2, 2023

What alcohol pairs with teriyaki? ›

Syrah/Shiraz tends to pair well with teriyaki-style beef and grilled sweet and spicy beef. The heavy garlic and smoky sweet mix of spices in Korean food can pair with peppery Aussie Shiraz.

Can I just use teriyaki marinade as sauce? ›

If you want to turn your teriyaki marinade into a sauce you can serve with your meal, simply add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and ½ cup of water to the other ingredients. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Is it better to buy or make teriyaki sauce? ›

You know how the irresistibly sweet-salty teriyaki-slathered grilled meat you get at a Japanese restaurant is infinitely more delicious than the stuff you make at home? Well, the reason is simple: Homemade teriyaki sauce is just always better than the sickly sweet store-bought stuff.

Can you eat teriyaki marinade without cooking? ›

You should never use the raw marinade from chicken on ANYTHING you're not going to cook thoroughly first. It touched raw chicken - it may now be contaminated with salmonella. If you eat it, you might get extremely sick.

Is Too Much teriyaki bad for you? ›

You may overconsume sodium.

One tablespoon serving of teriyaki sauce delivers about 689 mg of sodium, and you're likely to not stop at one tablespoon when sitting down to a meal. Too much sodium consumption is associated with increased higher blood pressure and elevated heart disease and stroke risk.

Is teriyaki sauce anti inflammatory? ›

In general, it can't be considered as a healthy sauce as it is high in sodium,sugar and carbs. However, it is a good source of iron as it helps to fight fatigues,magnesium(an excellent anti-inflammatory),and phosphorous (health bonnes).

Is teriyaki bad for acid reflux? ›

Teriyaki sauce or fresh herbs with olive oil also make tasty alternatives that aren't a foods that cause heartburn.

Can you use teriyaki sauce straight from the bottle? ›

A blend of traditionally brewed soy sauce for umami flavor, wine, sugar and spices, teriyaki marinade & sauce has the depth of flavor that makes it an ideal marinade or brush-on sauce, right from the bottle.

Can you use Worcestershire sauce instead of teriyaki? ›

If you're looking for a substitute with a bit more depth and complexity, try combining Worcestershire sauce and honey. Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy, umami flavor, while the honey provides sweetness. Mix equal parts of Worcestershire sauce and honey to create a flavorful alternative to teriyaki sauce.

How do you make Kikkoman teriyaki sauce better? ›

I have kikkoman teriyaki and sweet and sour sauces. How do I make them taste better? I feel they are kind of bland. Add some freshly chopped garlic and ginger to either sauce will up the flavor.

What is the best thing to eat with chicken? ›

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Breast (That Go Way Beyond Salad)
  • Classic Creamed Spinach. ...
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. ...
  • Sautéed Zucchini. ...
  • Cheesy Potato Casserole. ...
  • Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower. ...
  • 5-Ingredient Cheesy Zucchini Bake. ...
  • Easy Oven-Roasted Potatoes. Kitchen Tested. ...
  • Roasted Vegetable Potato Salad. Kitchen Tested.
Apr 19, 2021

Why is teriyaki chicken so popular? ›

The delicious flavors and simplicity of the dish appealed to diverse palates, and it wasn't long before teriyaki gained popularity beyond Japan's borders. In the United States, teriyaki became especially popular in Hawaii, where Japanese immigrants introduced the local population to this delightful culinary creation.

What is teriyaki sauce best for? ›

Teriyaki sauce is most often used as a marinade or a glaze for meats and fish. It's best known for its combination with grilled chicken, but it also works in the oven or broiler, in a skillet on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, and in a wok for stir-frying.

Why is teriyaki healthy? ›

75% of teriyaki sauce's calories come from carbs, which is a lot. Teriyaki sauce is also very high in sodium, but it is low in saturated fats and cholesterol and a good source of iron (fights fatigue), magnesium (excellent for blood pressure) and phosphorous (good for your kidneys).

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