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Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

4.4 from 138 reviews

This Teriyaki Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a rich, homemade teriyaki sauce. The chicken is pan-seared to perfection, creating a glossy, flavorful coating that pairs beautifully with steamed rice for a satisfying meal with authentic Japanese flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Teriyaki Sauce Marinade

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp mirin
  • 2 tbsp Japanese cooking wine (sake)
  • 2 tbsp water

Chicken

  • 4 chicken thigh fillets, skinless and boneless (about 5oz/150g each)
  • 4 tbsp Teriyaki Sauce Marinade
  • 1 tbsp oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce Marinade: Combine 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, 2 tbsp sake, and 2 tbsp water in a small saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce reduces by half, about 5 minutes, forming a light syrup consistency. Watch carefully to avoid over-thickening. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before using.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place 4 chicken thigh fillets in a bowl, add 4 tbsp of the prepared teriyaki marinade, and mix well to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 20 minutes or preferably overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade liquid. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick pan over medium to medium-high heat. Place chicken fillets in the pan and cook the first side for about 3 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning. If the surface cooks too quickly, reduce the heat and add 2-4 tbsp water to the pan to slow searing while cooking the inside properly.
  4. Finish Cooking: Flip the chicken and cook the other side thoroughly. Just before the chicken is done, add 2 tbsp water to the pan and swirl it with the marinade released from the chicken to form a glossy, dark teriyaki sauce. Move the chicken around to coat it evenly with the sauce.
  5. Optional Extra Sauce: If desired, add equal parts teriyaki sauce and water to the pan and simmer until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency for additional serving sauce.
  6. Serve: Serve the teriyaki chicken hot, accompanied by steamed rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
  • Controlling heat is important to avoid burning the sugar in the sauce.
  • Add water if the pan gets too hot to slow cooking and prevent burning while ensuring the chicken cooks completely.
  • This recipe uses skinless, boneless chicken thighs for juiciness and quick cooking.
  • Serve with steamed rice or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keywords: Teriyaki Chicken, Japanese Chicken Recipe, Pan-Seared Chicken, Homemade Teriyaki Sauce, Easy Weeknight Dinner