Name: Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: PT-491883H24M42S
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: ¾ lb chicken thigh (or chicken breast; see Note 1); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds; ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce; ⅓ cup mirin (see Note 2 for substitutions); ⅓ cup sugar (see Note 3 for substitutions); 1 teaspoon minced garlic or ginger (optional)

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Introduction

Easy Chicken Teriyaki is a simple and delicious meal perfect for any day of the week. Tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce become a flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with steamed rice. This recipe offers flexibility in cooking methods, making it accessible for every home cook.

The dish shows pieces of grilled chicken arranged in a row on top of a bed of white rice. The chicken is golden brown with charred black spots and a shiny, sticky glaze coating each piece. A spoon holds thick, dark brown sauce dripping over the chicken, adding extra shine and moisture. The rice underneath is fluffy, with some grains stained light brown from the sauce, all served on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, a bowl with more dark sauce is visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¾ lb chicken thigh (or chicken breast; see Note 1)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds
⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup mirin (see Note 2 for substitutions)
⅓ cup sugar (see Note 3 for substitutions)
1 teaspoon minced garlic or ginger (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Flatten the chicken so it is about ¾ inch thick to ensure even cooking. Place the chicken in a zipper bag or large bowl for marinating.
Step 2: Combine the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and minced garlic or ginger in a bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Reserve half of this marinade for later use.
Step 3: Add the chicken to the remaining marinade. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight to develop flavor.
Step 4: Choose your cooking method: grill, pan fry, or bake.
Step 5: For grilling or pan frying, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and wipe off excess liquid. Place chicken skin-side down if using skin-on pieces. Cook until golden brown and then flip.
Step 6: In the last 3 minutes of cooking, brush the reserved marinade over the chicken. It will reduce and thicken into a flavorful glaze. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
Step 7: To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking pan. Place the marinated chicken on the pan and bake for about 20 minutes, brushing the reserved marinade on the chicken several times during the last 5 to 7 minutes. Watch closely and lower the heat if the sauce starts to burn.
Step 8: Once cooked, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Serve over steamed rice, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and spoon any remaining glaze over the top. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Variations

Use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.
Replace mirin with a mix of dry white wine and a little sugar if needed.
Swap sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Add grated ginger along with garlic for an extra zing in the marinade.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and prevent the glaze from becoming too sticky.

How to Serve

The image shows slices of grilled meat with a shiny, sticky brown sauce being poured over them with a spoon. The meat pieces are arranged in one layer and have grilled marks and a glossy texture. Underneath the meat is a layer of cooked white rice, with some grains slightly stained by the sauce. The whole dish is placed on a white plate, set against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even marination and cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before preparing.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to develop, but no longer than 24 hours to prevent the texture from breaking down too much.