If you’re constantly searching for easy, delicious, and reliable dinner recipes, this teriyaki chicken stir-fry will become your new favorite. It’s fast, family-friendly, and packed with bold, satisfying flavors. With a glossy homemade sauce clinging to every bite of juicy chicken, this dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and umami.
Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or a home cook looking for no-fuss meals, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, easy meal prep, or even an elegant dish to serve guests. Let’s explore how you can master this authentic yet accessible teriyaki chicken recipe from scratch—without needing a culinary degree.
2. What Is Teriyaki Chicken?
Teriyaki Chicken is a popular Japanese-inspired dish made with pan-fried or grilled chicken coated in a glossy sauce typically made from soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sometimes sake. The term “teriyaki” refers to the cooking technique where food is grilled or broiled with a glaze of soy sauce and sugar. The result is a caramelized, richly flavored dish that has taken the world by storm, especially in Western kitchens.
Unlike store-bought sauces, homemade teriyaki offers a deeper, more nuanced flavor. This recipe ensures you’re in control of the quality of ingredients, level of sweetness, and thickness of the sauce—resulting in a healthier and far more flavorful meal.
3. Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
✔️ Quick and Easy – Ready in just 25–30 minutes
✔️ Versatile – Serve with rice, noodles, vegetables, or lettuce wraps
✔️ Meal Prep Friendly – Stores and reheats beautifully
✔️ Customizable – Adjust sweetness, spice, or even make it vegetarian
✔️ Kid-Approved – Sweet and savory flavors appeal to all ages
✔️ Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and affordable chicken cuts
Whether you’re trying to impress your family with a delicious homemade meal or just want a comforting dish after a long day, this recipe delivers every time.
4. Ingredients and Substitutions
Here’s everything you’ll need to make homemade teriyaki chicken. Don’t worry—if you don’t have certain ingredients, there are easy substitutions too.
🐔 Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 lb): Preferred for juiciness and flavor.
- Alternative: Chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken (if you’re short on time)
🍶 Sauce Base
- Soy Sauce (½ cup): The umami base. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to avoid excessive saltiness.
- Mirin (¼ cup): A sweet Japanese rice wine that balances the salty soy.
- Alternative: Use a mix of rice vinegar and a teaspoon of extra sugar if unavailable.
- Sugar (2 tbsp): Enhances caramelization and sweetness.
- Alternative: Brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup
- Sake (1 tbsp, optional): Adds depth.
- Alternative: Omit or replace with a splash of chicken broth.
🌽 Thickening Agent
- Cornstarch Slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water): Optional but gives that perfect glossy texture.
🌿 Garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds – Add nuttiness and visual appeal
- Green onions – Fresh bite and color contrast
- Optional: Red chili flakes for a spicy kick
5. Step-by-Step Instructions
🔪 Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch chunks). Dry chicken = better browning!
🍳 Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Soy sauce
- Mirin
- Sugar
- Sake (if using)
Set aside. You can double this if you love extra sauce.
🔥 Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them brown for 2–3 minutes on each side.
- Cook until golden and nearly cooked through.
🥄 Step 4: Add the Sauce
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
- Let it simmer, uncovered, for 5–7 minutes.
- Stir occasionally as the sauce reduces and becomes sticky.
🌟 Step 5: Optional Thickening
- If you want a thicker, clingier sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry.
- Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until it thickens to your liking.
🥗 Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or sautéed veggies.
6. Pro Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken
- Dry chicken well before cooking to avoid steaming and ensure browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed.
- Simmer sauce gently, don’t boil aggressively—this allows flavors to deepen.
- Taste as you go. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too salty.
- Use a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan for even cooking and easy cleanup.
7. Teriyaki Chicken Variations
Looking to spice things up or adjust for dietary preferences? Try these easy tweaks:
🥬 Vegetarian or Vegan Teriyaki
- Swap chicken for tofu, tempeh, or seitan
- Use vegetable broth instead of sake
🌶️ Spicy Teriyaki Chicken
- Add sriracha, gochujang, or chili flakes to the sauce
🍍 Pineapple Teriyaki
- Stir in pineapple chunks toward the end for a tropical twist
🥦 Teriyaki Stir-Fry
- Add vegetables like:
- Broccoli
- Bell peppers
- Snap peas
- Mushrooms
- Carrots
Simply stir-fry veggies separately or alongside the chicken and toss in the sauce.
8. What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken
Pair this dish with any of the following for a balanced, satisfying meal:
- Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice
- Garlic Fried Rice
- Udon or Soba Noodles
- Roasted or Steamed Vegetables
- Asian-style Slaw
- Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing
- Miso Soup
- Lettuce wraps for a low-carb option
9. How to Make It Ahead (Meal Prep Tips)
This recipe is excellent for meal prep. Here’s how:
- Cook chicken and sauce, let it cool, then store in an airtight container
- Prep sides ahead, such as rice or veggies, and store separately
- Assemble lunches or dinners in individual containers
Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days.
Reheat: Microwave with a splash of water or reheat gently in a skillet
10. Storing and Reheating Leftovers
To Store:
- Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers
- Let cool fully before sealing to prevent condensation
- Refrigerate for 3–4 days
To Reheat:
- Microwave: In 30-second bursts with a damp paper towel
- Stovetop: Over medium-low with a splash of broth or water
Freezing:
- Freeze cooked teriyaki chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
11. Using Rotisserie Chicken as a Shortcut
Short on time? Use store-bought rotisserie chicken:
- Shred or cube the meat
- Make the teriyaki sauce as usual
- Gently simmer the pre-cooked chicken in the sauce for 5–6 minutes
Tip: Don’t overcook rotisserie chicken in the sauce—just heat until warm to prevent drying out.
12. Is Teriyaki Chicken Healthy? (Nutrition Breakdown)
While teriyaki chicken is flavorful, the health factor depends on your ingredients and portion sizes.
⚖️ Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~380 kcal
- Protein: ~32g
- Carbs: ~20g
- Sugar: ~10g
- Sodium: ~1200 mg (use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce this)
Health Tips:
- Serve with brown rice for more fiber
- Add vegetables to reduce calorie density
- Use honey or coconut sugar for natural sweetness
- Consider reducing soy sauce or using coconut aminos for a lower-sodium version
13. Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Grilled chicken adds a smoky note. Just baste it with teriyaki sauce during the final minutes of grilling.
❓ Is teriyaki chicken gluten-free?
Not usually, because soy sauce contains wheat. Use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free.
❓ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes. Thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper browning.
❓ Can kids eat this?
Absolutely. The sweet-salty flavor is very kid-friendly. Just adjust the sugar/salt levels to taste.
14. Final Thoughts
This teriyaki chicken stir-fry recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a reliable, flavorful go-to that’s endlessly adaptable to your lifestyle. With wholesome ingredients, a quick prep time, and a homemade sauce that outshines anything from a bottle, this dish belongs in your weekly rotation.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, prepping weekday lunches, or just feeding yourself after a long day, this recipe will reward you with flavor, simplicity, and satisfaction in every bite.
