Make This Classic Teriyaki Chicken Recipe Your Go-To Weeknight Dinner

This easy homemade teriyaki chicken is guaranteed to become a regular weeknight meal. Boneless skinless chicken thighs are marinated in a quick authentic teriyaki sauce. Then seared and roasted until caramelized with sweet, salty and slightly charred edges. Served over rice and broccoli, this better-than-takeout chicken offers the perfect balance of savory and sweet in an easy one-pan recipe. Let’s talk about how to make this classic!

Choose Boneless Thighs for the Best Flavor

Chicken thighs are perfect for absorbing all that yummy teriyaki sauce. Skinless for easy eating. Go for 1 1/2 lbs total to serve 3-4 people.

Flavorful Thighs Beat Bland Breasts

The natural fat and collagen in thighs keeps them juicy and gives more chicken flavor.

Make an Easy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger and cornstarch. Whisk until the sugar dissolves to make a glossy sauce.

Simple Sauce, Big Flavor

With just a few staple ingredients, you can make restaurant-worthy teriyaki sauce at home.

Marinate Chicken in Teriyaki Sauce

Place chicken thighs in a baking dish and cover generously with the homemade teriyaki. Let marinate for 30 minutes up to overnight.

Let it Soak In

Give the sauce time to really penetrate the chicken for maximum sticky sweetness.

Sear Then Roast the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear thighs for 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking dish and roast at 400°F for 20 minutes until cooked through.

Caramelized Goodness

The sear followed by roast gives incredible caramelized edges that stick to the chicken.

Make an Easy Broccoli Rice Pilaf

While chicken is roasting, sauté diced onion in sesame oil. Add rice and broth, cover and simmer. When rice is almost done, mix in broccoli to steam on top.

Rice and Veggies - The Perfect Pairing

The fresh broccoli rice pilaf complements the saucy chicken beautifully.

Drizzle with Extra Teriyaki Sauce

When chicken is cooked, plate it with the broccoli rice and drizzle extra teriyaki sauce over the top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onion too.

Teriyaki Tips

- Use boneless thighs for best flavor

- Make simple teriyaki with pantry staples

- Marinate chicken for 30+ minutes

- Sear then bake for crispy edges

- Finish with extra sauce and sesame seeds

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

You can, but reduce baking time to avoid drying out.

How long does teriyaki chicken keep?

Store leftovers refrigerated for 4-5 days. Reheat gently.

Do I need all the sauce ingredients?

The essentials are soy, sugar and garlic. Customize to your taste!

Can I use storebought teriyaki?

Yes, substitute with your favorite pre-made teriyaki sauce.

What veggies work in fried rice?

Broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, snap peas, etc. Pick your faves!

In Summary

With just a few pantry staples, you can make restaurant-quality homemade teriyaki chicken any night of the week. The sweet salty glaze, tender chicken and fresh rice and veggies are sure to become a regular mealtime rotation.