The Ultimate Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Recipe: Sweet & Savory Bliss

Succulent teriyaki chicken has become a beloved staple in many home kitchens around the world.

Tender pieces of protein absorb a complex blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Japanese culinary traditions inspire this classic dish that brings together simple ingredients with remarkable depth.

Marinades infuse each morsel with rich umami goodness that makes taste buds dance.

Home cooks can easily master this straightforward yet impressive recipe with just a few key techniques.

Carefully balanced soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar create a glossy coating that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to gather your ingredients and start cooking right away to experience this delightful meal.

Why The Ultimate Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Is Always A Hit

• Speed Up Dinner: This teriyaki chicken recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal in just minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes fast.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Blast: Kids and adults will love the sweet and savory combination, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies everyone at the table.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: With just a few pantry staples like soy sauce, mirin, and chicken, you can create an authentic Japanese-inspired meal without complicated shopping trips.
• One-Pan Wonder: Simplified cooking process means less cleanup, using a single skillet to create a delicious main course that goes from stove to plate with minimal fuss.

Everything You Need For The Ultimate Japanese Teriyaki Chicken

• Chicken Slices: Tender and juicy protein that absorbs the rich teriyaki flavor perfectly.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the chicken.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and traditional Japanese flavor to the dish.

• Soy Sauce: Provides a salty and umami base for the teriyaki sauce.
• Mirin: Sweet Japanese rice wine that adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
• Sake: Traditional Japanese rice wine that contributes complexity to the flavor profile.
• Sugar: Helps to balance and caramelize the sauce.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for browning the chicken and preventing sticking to the skillet.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Fresh toppings that add texture and a pop of color to the finished dish.

How To Cook The Ultimate Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Right

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Sizzling

Grab your chicken and season it generously with salt and pepper, ensuring each slice gets a delicious coating of flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan, allowing it to develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior by cooking on both sides.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Teriyaki Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Mirin
• Sake
• Sugar

Blend these ingredients until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a glossy and aromatic sauce.

Step 4: Infuse with Aromatic Goodness

Pour the teriyaki sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to enhance the depth of flavor.

Step 5: Simmer and Reduce

Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes. Watch as the sauce thickens and beautifully coats each piece of chicken, creating a glossy and irresistible finish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the teriyaki chicken. The vibrant colors and nutty seeds will make your dish look as amazing as it tastes.

Smart Tips For The Ultimate Japanese Teriyaki Chicken

• Choose skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and richer flavor compared to chicken breasts.
• Adjust sugar levels based on preference, using honey or brown sugar for deeper caramelization.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy exterior and better sauce absorption.
• Use authentic Japanese mirin and sake for traditional taste, but rice vinegar works as a substitute if needed.
• Allow sauce to reduce slowly for thicker, glossier coating that clings perfectly to chicken pieces.

Creative Twists On The Ultimate Japanese Teriyaki Chicken

• Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add red chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the teriyaki mixture for a fiery kick that elevates the classic recipe.
• Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Incorporate fresh pineapple chunks during simmering to introduce a sweet tropical flavor and tenderize the meat.
• Sesame Ginger Teriyaki Chicken: Increase ginger quantity and sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds for a more pronounced aromatic profile.
• Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Marinate chicken pieces, thread onto skewers, and grill for a smoky outdoor cooking experience with caramelized edges.

What To Serve With The Ultimate Japanese Teriyaki Chicken

• Pair with Crisp Rice: Steamed Japanese short-grain white rice perfectly complements the teriyaki chicken's sweet and savory sauce, absorbing the rich flavors while providing a neutral base.
• Enhance with Refreshing Sake: Chilled junmai sake or a light Japanese beer balances the teriyaki's intense umami, cutting through the richness with its clean, smooth profile.
• Brighten with Asian Slaw: Prepare a tangy cabbage slaw with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and julienned vegetables to add crunch and acidity that contrasts the tender chicken's sweetness.
• Complete with Edamame: Serve steamed edamame pods sprinkled with sea salt as a protein-packed side that offers a fresh, green counterpoint to the caramelized teriyaki glaze.

Storage Tips For The Ultimate Japanese Teriyaki Chicken

• Refrigerator Storage: Place cooled teriyaki chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken is completely covered to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer Preservation: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Microwave Reheating: Transfer the chicken to a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Skillet Rewarming: Gently reheat chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat.

FAQs About The Ultimate Japanese Teriyaki Chicken

• What is the purpose of using mirin in the teriyaki sauce?

Mirin adds a subtle sweetness and helps create the signature glossy glaze that makes teriyaki sauce unique, balancing the salty soy sauce and providing depth to the flavor profile.

• Can I substitute sake if I don't have it?

Yes, you can replace sake with rice wine vinegar or dry white wine, though the flavor will be slightly different. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, use chicken broth as an alternative.

• Why should I brown the chicken before adding the sauce?

Browning the chicken creates a delicious caramelized exterior that locks in moisture and develops a rich, complex flavor through the Maillard reaction, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

The Ultimate Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Japanese Teriyaki Chicken brings authentic flavors straight from Tokyo’s bustling kitchens. Marinated in a glossy soy-based sauce and grilled to perfection, this dish promises a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with every tender bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 500 grams (17.6 ounces) chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 tablespoon sake

Seasonings and Spices:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Sliced green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. Generously season chicken slices with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
2. Warm vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a perfect searing environment.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Craft a savory teriyaki sauce by whisking together soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar in a separate mixing bowl.
5. Pour the vibrant sauce directly over the sizzling chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Introduce minced garlic and grated ginger into the skillet, infusing the dish with aromatic complexity.
7. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer gently, allowing the sauce to caramelize and thicken while coating the chicken, roughly 5-6 minutes.
8. Once the sauce reaches a glossy, rich consistency and chicken is thoroughly cooked, remove from heat.
9. Artfully sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions over the teriyaki chicken for a fresh, textural finish.
10. Serve immediately while the chicken remains hot and sauce is at its most flavorful peak.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor penetration and tenderness.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier version that reduces salt intake without compromising taste.
• Swap sake with rice vinegar or apple juice if alcohol is not preferred, maintaining the recipe’s authentic sweet-savory profile.
• For a gluten-free alternative, replace traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which provide similar umami depth.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 325 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg