Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipes for Dinner

Are you looking for a flavorful, family-friendly dinner option that comes together in minutes?

Teriyaki chicken might just become your new weeknight hero. This Japanese-inspired dish combines the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, creating a meal that satisfies cravings while being incredibly simple to prepare.

From classic stovetop versions to convenient sheet pan dinners, these easy teriyaki chicken recipes will transform your dinner routine without demanding hours in the kitchen.

What Makes Teriyaki Chicken So Popular?

Teriyaki chicken has earned its place as a global favorite for good reason. The caramelized glaze creates an irresistible coating on tender chicken, while the signature combination of soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar mixed with honey, and ginger delivers complex flavors in every bite.

The dish is incredibly versatile. Pair it with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal that pleases even picky eaters.

1. Classic 20-Minute Teriyaki Chicken

This traditional recipe brings authentic teriyaki flavor to your table in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar mixed with 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
• Steamed rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides and nearly cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
2. While chicken cooks, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar with honey mixture, ginger, and garlic in a small bowl.
3. Pour sauce over the chicken and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
4. Stir in cornstarch mixture and continue cooking until sauce thickens and turns glossy, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve over steamed rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

2. Sheet Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

This hands-off version combines protein and vegetables on a single pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, carrots)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the teriyaki sauce:

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together all teriyaki sauce ingredients except cornstarch and water.
3. Place chicken on one side of the sheet pan and vegetables on the other. Drizzle everything with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour half the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, reserving the rest.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally and vegetables are tender.
6. While baking, heat remaining sauce in a small saucepan. Mix cornstarch with water and add to the sauce. Simmer until thickened.
7. Drizzle thickened sauce over the cooked chicken before serving.

3. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

For those days when you want dinner ready when you walk through the door, this slow cooker version delivers tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup cold water
• Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place chicken thighs in slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes if using.
3. Pour sauce over chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
4. Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
5. Transfer sauce to a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Mix cornstarch with cold water, then whisk into the sauce. Simmer until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Return shredded chicken to slow cooker and pour thickened sauce over it. Stir to combine.
7. Serve over rice or in lettuce wraps, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken Every Time

1. Choose the right cut: Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts, but both work well with teriyaki flavors.
2. Don’t skip the thickening step: A properly thickened sauce will cling to the chicken instead of pooling on the plate.
3. Balance your flavors: The ideal teriyaki sauce balances sweet, salty and umami. Adjust sugar or honey if your sauce tastes too salty.
4. Make extra sauce: Double the sauce ingredients so you have plenty for drizzling over rice and vegetables.
5. Add vegetables: Transform teriyaki chicken into a complete meal by adding broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers, or carrots.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

Teriyaki chicken is ideal for meal prep. Cook a large batch on Sunday and portion it into containers with rice and vegetables for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors actually improve after a day in the refrigerator as the sauce permeates the chicken.

Store cooked teriyaki chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water.

Final Thoughts

With these easy teriyaki chicken recipes in your cooking arsenal, you’ll never struggle with dinner plans again. The combination of minimal prep time, accessible ingredients, and crowd-pleasing flavors makes teriyaki chicken a smart choice for busy households.

Try all three versions like stovetop, sheet pan, and slow cooker to discover your family’s favorite way to enjoy this Japanese-inspired classic.