If you are craving a delicious dinner that’s bursting with flavor yet comes together in a snap, this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is going to become your new go-to. The juicy chicken thighs soak up a vibrant, citrusy teriyaki marinade that’s both sweet and tangy, then get cooked to golden perfection with a buttery glaze that’s irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that feels upscale but is simple enough for any weeknight, proving that quick and tasty can absolutely go hand in hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play crucial roles in making your Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe truly shine. Each one adds to the layers of flavor, texture, or color, so having them fresh and ready will make all the difference.
- Soy sauce: Provides the salty and savory base essential to classic teriyaki flavor.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice: Adds a bright, natural sweetness and a subtle citrus zing.
- Honey: Balances out the acidity with smooth, gentle sweetness and helps with caramelization.
- Fresh ginger: Offers a warm, peppery kick to enliven the sauce.
- Sesame oil: Infuses a toasty aroma that’s unmistakably Asian-inspired.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly tender and juicy, these pieces absorb marinade beautifully and cook evenly.
- Light olive oil: For sautéing, bringing a mild richness without overpowering the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a glossy, luscious finish to coat the chicken.
- Green onions and sesame seeds (optional): Brighten the dish visually and add a fresh crunch and nuttiness as garnish.
How to Make Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together soy sauce, freshly squeezed orange juice, honey, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a large bowl. This fragrant marinade is the heart of the dish, blending sweet, salty, and citrusy notes that will soak deeply into the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Cut the chicken thighs into roughly 1-inch pieces for perfect bite-size portions. Place them in the marinade, stir gently to coat every piece, and cover with plastic wrap. Let the chicken sit right on your kitchen counter for 20 minutes – this quick soak infuses maximum flavor in minimum time.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken from the marinade and add it to the hot pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes. This step locks in the juicy tenderness with a beautiful sear.
Step 4: Set the Chicken Aside
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a bowl and remove the pan from the heat. This pause keeps the chicken perfectly moist while you prepare the flavorful sauce finish.
Step 5: Make the Glaze and Combine
Pour the reserved marinade into the same pan and add the butter. Return the pan to medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. In just about a minute, the sauce will thicken and become shiny. Remove from heat, then toss the chicken back into the pan and stir until every piece is coated in this luscious glaze.
How to Serve Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top before serving. These simple garnishes not only add a fresh pop of color but also bring subtle crunch and a nutty flavor that complement the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is fantastic served over fluffy white rice or sticky jasmine rice, which soaks up the sauce perfectly. For a green side, steamed broccoli or sautéed snap peas make a lovely, crisp contrast and keep the meal balanced and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your teriyaki chicken in lettuce cups with a drizzle of extra sauce and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. You can also turn this recipe into a filling for bao buns or pair it with noodles tossed in lightly toasted sesame oil for a comforting bowl meal that feels special yet simple.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop more overnight, so leftovers can taste even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as reheating on the stove helps keep the sauce silky and the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving, chicken breasts work well too. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster.
Do I have to marinate the chicken for 20 minutes?
The 20-minute marinating time is optimum for flavor absorption, but if you’re short on time, even 10 minutes will impart some delicious taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, but you can swap it with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing the signature taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
You can replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of butter to keep it vegan-friendly. The marinade itself is already plant-based with these simple swaps.
What’s the best way to get a thick teriyaki sauce?
The butter and the brief boiling step in the pan help thicken the marinade into a rich glaze; if you want it thicker, you can simmer it a bit longer or add a cornstarch slurry for more body.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe has everything you want on a weeknight: incredible flavor, quick prep, and satisfying results. Once you try it, I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your rotation. So, grab those simple ingredients, cook with love, and enjoy one of the tastiest teriyaki dishes you’ve ever experienced!
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Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
This Easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs are marinated in a tangy and sweet mixture of soy sauce, fresh orange juice, honey, ginger, and sesame oil, then sautéed to golden perfection. Finished with a buttery, slightly thickened teriyaki glaze, this dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and is garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an authentic touch.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from 1 1/2 medium or 1 large oranges)
- 3 Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Chicken
- 1 1/2 to 2 lbs (about 6–7 medium) boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of fat
Cooking
- 1 Tbsp light olive oil
- 1 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter
Garnish (optional)
- Green onion, sliced
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, freshly squeezed orange juice, honey, grated fresh ginger, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Add them to the marinade, stirring to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate on the counter for 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of light olive oil. Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, reserving the marinade in the bowl. Add the chicken to the hot pan and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Remove Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate bowl and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce: Pour the reserved marinade into the same pan and add 1 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Return the pan to medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook for about 1 minute or until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly in the thickened teriyaki sauce. Serve hot over buttery white rice, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Marinating time is short for convenience, but you can marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor—up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful meat compared to chicken breasts.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste preference.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
