Description
Craving something flavorful, quick, and unforgettable? This Teriyaki Chicken recipe brings together tender chicken thighs glazed in a sticky, sweet-savory sauce that clings to every bite. Served over hot rice and topped with sesame seeds and scallions, it’s the perfect choice for a weeknight meal or an easy dinner idea that still feels special. It’s one of the best food ideas for meal prep, healthy snacks, or a fast weeknight fix. Whether you’re new to Japanese flavors or already a teriyaki fan, this recipe will become a household staple in no time.
Ingredients
500g chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup mirin
2 tablespoons sake
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
1 tablespoon water (for slurry if using cornstarch)
2 teaspoons sesame seeds, for garnish
2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
2 cups cooked white rice
Instructions
1. Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, garlic, and ginger. If using cornstarch, mix it separately with water to form a slurry.
3. Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add oil and place chicken thighs smooth-side down. Sear for 5–7 minutes until golden, then flip and cook another 5–6 minutes. Remove from pan.
4. Lower the heat to medium. Deglaze the pan with a tablespoon of sake or water, then pour in the sauce mixture. Simmer and reduce. Add cornstarch slurry now if using, stirring until thick and glossy.
5. Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over to glaze, and let it bubble briefly until well-coated and caramelized.
6. Slice the chicken into strips and serve over rice. Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Notes
For best results, use fresh garlic and ginger—it really elevates the flavor.
Don’t rush the sauce reduction. A good glaze takes a few minutes to thicken properly.
If you want to make it spicier, a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha works great.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: teriyaki chicken, easy dinner, quick meal, weeknight dinner, rice bowl