Sweet, savory, and ready in under 30 minutes. This Chicken Teriyaki recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Serve it over rice, load up on veggies, and top with sesame seeds and green onions for a delightful dish that you’ll want to add to your weekly lineup.

Chicken Teriyaki recipe
Prep Time
10min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
30min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion of chicken teriyaki with rice and vegetables)

Main Ingredients

  • chicken thighs or breasts, cut bite-sized
    chicken thighs or breasts, cut bite-sized
    1 1/2lb
  • Salt
    Salt
  • Pepper
    Pepper
  • Paprika
    Paprika
  • neutral oil
    neutral oil
    1tbsp
  • Cooked rice
    Cooked rice
  • Broccoli
    Broccoli
  • Peppers (any color will work!)
    Peppers (any color will work!)
  • Sesame seeds
    Sesame seeds
  • Green onions
    Green onions

For the Sauce

  • low-sodium soy sauce
    low-sodium soy sauce
    1/2cup
  • water
    water
    1/4cup
  • brown sugar or honey
    brown sugar or honey
    3tbsp
  • rice vinegar
    rice vinegar
    2tbsp
  • sesame oil
    sesame oil
    1tbsp
  • garlic, minced
    garlic, minced
    2clove
  • fresh grated ginger (or ¼ tsp ground)
    fresh grated ginger (or ¼ tsp ground)
    1tsp
  • cornstarch
    cornstarch
    1tbsp
  • water
    water
    2tbsp

How to make Chicken Teriyaki

Prepare the Sauce

  1. Step 1

    Whisk together all sauce ingredients except the cornstarch slurry.

Cook the Chicken

  1. Step 1

    Air fry the chicken at 450°F for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through. Alternatively, sear the chicken in a skillet with sesame oil for 6–8 minutes until cooked. Remove from the pan.

    Step 2.1: Air fry the chicken at 450°F for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through

Thicken the Sauce

  1. Step 1

    Simmer the sauce in the same pan. Slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry until thick and glossy. Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking.

Combine and Serve

  1. Step 1

    Toss the chicken back into the pan, coat with the sauce, and simmer for 1 more minute.

    Step 4.1: Toss the chicken back into the pan, coat with the sauce, and simmer for 1 more minute
  2. Step 2

    Serve over rice, add vegetables, and top with sesame seeds and green onions.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

308.6kcal (15.43%)

Protein

30.9g (61.76%)

Carbs

16.9g (6.16%)

Sugars

8.6g (17.26%)

Healthy Fat

6.6g

Unhealthy Fat

3.1g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Use fresh ginger for a more vibrant flavor, but ground ginger works as a substitute.

  2. Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by choosing between brown sugar or honey based on your preference.

  3. Keep stirring the sauce while simmering to avoid sticking and ensure even thickening.

  4. Air frying the chicken gives it a crispy texture, but pan-searing is a great alternative for convenience.

  5. Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what you have available.

FAQS

  1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

    Yes, chicken breasts work well in this recipe. Just ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

  2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

  3. What can I use instead of rice vinegar?

    You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar in equal amounts.

  4. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat and thicken with the slurry when ready to use.

  5. How do I store leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Loading reviews...

carlyscookbook's profile picture
instagram

Carly's Cookbook

(@carlyscookbook)

I’ve got your dinner plans! 🍋healthy(ish), simple recipes for every home cook...

chefadora
© 2025 Chefadora Pty Ltd, All Rights Reserved

Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia