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Easy Homemade Teriyaki Chicken

This easy homemade teriyaki chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a glossy, sticky sauce. Made in about 30 minutes using simple pantry ingredients, it's a family-friendly meal that's better than takeout and perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water
  • sesame seeds optional
  • sliced green onions optional

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
  5. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken and bring to a simmer.
  6. Mix cornstarch with water, then stir it into the pan to thicken the sauce.
  7. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the chicken.
  8. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier results. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning. Stir the cornstarch slurry just before adding to prevent clumps. Adjust sweetness or saltiness to taste. You can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option or add vegetables like broccoli for a complete meal.