Easy Teriyaki Chicken

Category: Sophisticated Dinners Ready in 45 Minutes or Less

Slice chicken, dust in cornstarch, fry until crisp, then mix with a speedy teriyaki glaze. Top with sesame seeds and serve with rice.
A woman in a white chef's coat smiles for the camera.
Created By Mia Laurent
Updated on Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:49:41 GMT
Sweet Teriyaki Chicken Pin
Sweet Teriyaki Chicken | chefmiarecipes.com

Turn your home kitchen into a Japanese food spot with this mouth-watering teriyaki chicken that's better than any delivery. Each mouthful has juicy chicken coated in a shiny, sweet and savory sauce that sticks just right to fluffy rice.

When I first tried making this dish, I couldn't believe how these everyday ingredients created such rich, layered flavors. My kids now ask for this instead of calling for delivery, and I'm happy knowing all the stuff that goes into our dinner.

Must-Have Cooking Items

  • Boneless chicken breast works as the ideal base for teriyaki flavors
  • Sweet mirin brings that special Japanese taste you can't skip
  • Good soy sauce forms the backbone of your teriyaki sauce
  • Real ginger and garlic give that amazing smell and taste
  • A splash of rice vinegar cuts through the sweet and salty mix
  • Some cornstarch helps get that perfect crispy outer layer

Making Fantastic Teriyaki

Getting Started:
Cut your chicken into even chunks while mixing your sauce ingredients together.
Making The Coating:
Roll chicken pieces in seasoned cornstarch until they're fully covered.
First Cook Step:
Fry your chicken in small batches until you get a golden crunchy outside.
Building Flavor:
Mix your fried chicken with the teriyaki sauce, letting it get thick and sticky.
Final Touch:
Make sure every bit of chicken gets covered in that amazing sauce.
Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Pin
Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe | chefmiarecipes.com

My kids really enjoy helping make this meal. They love watching the sauce change from watery to glossy, and I can't beat the look on their faces when they taste what they helped cook.

Mastering Your Cooking Temperature

Getting the heat just right makes sure your chicken gets crispy without burning. Wait for the oil to glisten before you add your chicken, and turn the heat up or down as you cook.

The Magic Behind The Sauce

Great teriyaki sauce needs the right mix of sweet and savory flavors. Let it simmer slowly until it gets thick enough to coat your chicken perfectly.

Choosing The Right Rice

Go for authentic Japanese short-grain or fragrant jasmine rice. The slightly sticky texture grabs onto all that yummy sauce.

Smart Meal Prep Ideas

This chicken tastes great for days after cooking, so it's awesome for planning ahead. The sauce even gets more flavorful overnight in the fridge.

Make It Your Own

Throw in some broccoli florets or sugar snap peas at the end for a complete dinner. Want some kick? Just add a bit of crushed red pepper.

Keeping Leftovers Tasty

Store any extra food in sealed containers for up to three days. Warm it up slowly to keep the chicken texture nice and the sauce smooth.

Best Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Pin
Best Teriyaki Chicken Recipe | chefmiarecipes.com

After tweaking this recipe for many years, I've learned that taking your time while cooking really pays off. Seeing simple groceries turn into this amazing dish always wows everyone at my table, both family and guests.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I switch chicken breasts for thighs?
Absolutely, thighs stay extra juicy! Slice them up and cook just like you would with breasts.
→ What if I don't have mirin?
Mix rice vinegar with a little sugar or use dry sherry plus a touch of sugar instead.
→ Is the sauce OK to prep early?
Yes, it lasts up to a week in the fridge. Heat it up before you add it to the chicken.
→ Why use cornstarch on the chicken?
It gives the chicken a crisp surface while also helping the glaze stick nicely.
→ What can I serve alongside it?
Try it with white rice, stir-fried veggies, or even cucumber salad. It's also great with noodles!

Simple Teriyaki Chicken

Soft chicken chunks coated in a tangy and sweet teriyaki glaze. Quick, delicious, and faster than grabbing takeout!

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Total Duration
30 minutes
Created By: Mia Laurent

Recipe Category: Weeknight Elegance

Skill Level: Moderately Challenging

Recipe Cuisine: Fusion Asian

Recipe Yield: 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Categories: Dairy-Free Option

Ingredients You’ll Need

→ Chicken

01 3 tablespoons olive oil
02 3 tablespoons cornstarch
03 Fresh ground black pepper to your liking
04 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized chunks

→ Sauce

06 1 tablespoon cornstarch
07 1/2 cup water
08 2 tablespoons soy sauce
09 3 tablespoons mirin (a sweet rice wine)
10 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
11 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
12 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
13 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

→ Toppings and Sides

14 Cooked white rice
15 Green onions, finely sliced
16 Toasted sesame seeds

Steps to Make It

Step 01

Dump brown sugar, ginger, garlic, mirin, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and cornstarch into a bowl. Give it a good whisk till smooth, then leave it nearby.

Step 02

Throw chicken in a bowl, sprinkle with garlic powder and black pepper. Mix it up, then toss in the cornstarch and stir until it’s coated evenly.

Step 03

In a skillet on medium-high, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Fry half the chicken chunks for about 4 minutes on one side, then flip and go another 3-4 minutes until they're golden and cooked (165°F inside). Move them to a plate.

Step 04

Pour the last tablespoon of oil into the pan to cook the other half of the chicken. Use the same method till they're done and golden brown.

Step 05

Toss all the chicken back into the pan. Pour in the sauce and let it bubble up while stirring for a minute or so, until the sauce thickens and clings to every piece.

Extra Information

  1. Frozen ginger grates like a dream! Store it in the freezer for easy prep.
  2. You can grab mirin in most grocery stores where the Asian items are. Kikkoman's a solid pick.
  3. To make sesame seeds tastier, toast them in a dry pan until they turn darker and smell nutty.

Essential Tools

  • Frying pan or skillet
  • Whisk
  • Medium bowls
  • Tongs or a spatula
  • Grater for ginger

Allergen Details

Review every item for allergen risks. Reach out to a healthcare expert for any concerns.
  • Soy is included in this dish
  • Sesame seeds (if added) might be an allergen

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

These figures are for general reference and shouldn’t replace expert medical guidance.
  • Caloric Content: 333
  • Fat Content: 13 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 27 grams
  • Protein Content: 25 grams