Sizzling Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe: Sweet & Savory Joy

Crafting a delectable grilled teriyaki chicken dish awakens memories of summer barbecues and backyard gatherings.

Succulent marinades infuse each tender morsel with rich, sweet-savory flavors that dance across your palate.

Japanese-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly to create a meal that feels both comforting and exotic.

Marinating the chicken allows deep penetration of complex teriyaki notes, ensuring maximum taste in every bite.

Marinades work their magic by tenderizing meat and introducing layers of umami complexity.

Charcoal grills impart a smoky essence that perfectly complements the glossy teriyaki glaze.

You’ll find this recipe effortlessly impresses dinner companions with its bold, authentic taste.

Grill up this delightful chicken and transport your senses to a culinary adventure.

Why Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Is Always a Hit

• Supercharge Flavor Intensity: Marinate chicken for hours to infuse deep, rich teriyaki taste that transforms ordinary meat into a culinary sensation.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring a stress-free meal preparation.
• Grill-Perfect Technique: Achieve restaurant-quality results with basic grilling skills, creating beautiful caramelized exterior and juicy interior that impresses family and guests.
• Versatile Meal Option: Adaptable dish works brilliantly for casual weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or summer barbecue parties, pleasing diverse taste preferences.

What’s in Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that absorbs the teriyaki marinade perfectly.

• Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Rice Vinegar, Sesame Oil: Create a rich and balanced teriyaki flavor profile.
• Garlic, Ginger: Add depth and aromatic warmth to the marinade.

• Cornstarch, Water: Help create a glossy and clingy teriyaki sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Provide a fresh, crunchy finish and add visual appeal to the dish.

Steps for Perfect Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up A Tasty Teriyaki Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Whisk everything together in a medium bowl until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture looks smooth and glossy.

Step 2: Coat Chicken In Delicious Marinade

Transfer chicken thighs into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece gets fully covered. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. Let the chicken soak up those amazing flavors for at least 1 hour, or up to 12 hours for maximum taste.

Step 3: Fire Up The Grill

Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat. A hot grill ensures perfect sear marks and locks in all those juicy flavors.

Step 4: Create A Luscious Teriyaki Sauce

• Cornstarch
• Water

Add this mixture to the marinade and heat over medium, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken and start to simmer within 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat once it reaches a glossy, smooth consistency.

Step 5: Grill Chicken To Perfection

Place marinated chicken thighs on the hot grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and beautiful golden brown grill marks appear.

Step 6: Rest And Garnish

Take chicken off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken and drizzle with the thickened teriyaki sauce. Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Plate the grilled teriyaki chicken alongside steamed rice or fresh vegetables. Enjoy the mouthwatering combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors!

Pro Tips for Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Success

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken soak in teriyaki sauce for up to 12 hours to develop deeper, richer taste and tenderize the meat thoroughly.
• Control Grill Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to prevent burning while achieving perfect caramelization and those signature grill marks.
• Thicken Sauce Carefully: Stir cornstarch mixture constantly to avoid lumps and ensure smooth, glossy teriyaki sauce with ideal consistency.
• Rest Meat After Grilling: Allow chicken to sit for 3-5 minutes before cutting to lock in juices and maintain succulent texture.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap soy sauce for tamari to make gluten-free or use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option.

Switch It Up: Teriyaki Chicken Variations

• Oven-Baked Teriyaki Chicken: Replace grilling with baking at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Swap regular soy sauce with reduced-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos for a healthier option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer marinated chicken to a slow cooker, cook on low for 4-6 hours, then finish under broiler for caramelization.

Top Pairings for Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

• Flavor Fusion: Match grilled teriyaki chicken with crisp, citrusy white wines like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the sweet and savory marinade.
• Cool Companion: Serve alongside cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, caramelized chicken flavors.
• Rice Sidekick: Pair with jasmine or short-grain white rice to soak up the delicious teriyaki sauce and create a complete, satisfying meal.
• Herbal Highlight: Garnish with fresh cilantro or Thai basil to add bright, aromatic notes that complement the teriyaki's deep umami profile.

How to Store Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

• Seal leftover chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the sauce separately in a sealed container to maintain its freshness.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Separate the sauce into a different freezer container.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warm throughout. Drizzle reserved sauce on top to restore moisture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Questions Answered

• Is teriyaki sauce homemade or store-bought in this recipe?

The recipe uses a homemade teriyaki marinade made with soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, which provides a fresher and more authentic flavor compared to store-bought sauces.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts. However, thighs are more flavorful and stay juicier during grilling. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them to prevent dryness.

• Do I need a special type of grill for this recipe?

No, you can use any type of grill – gas, charcoal, or electric. The key is maintaining medium-high heat and ensuring the grill is preheated before cooking the chicken.

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (minimum, can be longer with marinating)
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent grilled teriyaki chicken marries Japanese flavors with backyard barbecue charm. Tender marinated chicken glazed with sweet-savory sauce promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 1.5 pounds or 680 grams)

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) sesame oil
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Thickening and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a medium bowl, whisking until thoroughly blended.
2. Transfer chicken thighs into a resealable plastic bag, completely submerge with marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Refrigerate for minimum 1 hour, preferably up to 12 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
3. Heat grill to medium-high temperature, creating an ideal surface for achieving perfect caramelization and distinctive grill marks.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving liquid. Pour reserved marinade into a saucepan, mixing cornstarch and water separately before incorporating into the liquid. Simmer over medium heat, stirring consistently until sauce thickens and bubbles, approximately 5-7 minutes.
5. Position marinated chicken thighs directly on preheated grill grates. Cook 6-7 minutes per side, rotating once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and exterior develops golden-brown char.
6. Allow grilled chicken to rest briefly, redistributing internal juices. Slice and generously drizzle with prepared teriyaki reduction, garnishing with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
7. Plate alongside steamed rice or fresh vegetables, presenting a delectable meal bursting with tantalizing Asian-inspired flavors.

Notes

• Marinate overnight for deeper, more intense flavor penetration and tenderness.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, adjusting grilling time to prevent dryness.
• Create a gluten-free version by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensuring cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 1 hour (minimum, can be up to 12 hours)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 880 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg