Chicken thighs, soy sauce, sesame oil and just a few other simple ingredients are all you need to make the best chicken teriyaki.
From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito
This truly is the best chicken teriyaki recipe that I've ever tried to make at home.

I've been making this dish for years and my family goes absolutely crazy for it. It's so easy to put together, too. We usually serve this over some white rice for a nice and easy meal. This is a perfect choice for a busy weekday dinner. My whole house loves this recipe, even my two picky little boys.The chicken is so juicy and tender and the sauce is packed with so much flavor. It's the perfect combination.
Normally, this is something that my family would order from take out but this is seriously even better.This is definitely one that you'll be making over and over again. It's a great recipe to have on your rotating dinner menu. I hope you give this recipe a try. If you do, I know you'll love it just as much as my family and I do.
Ingredients
Heres everything you'll need to make this delicious chicken dinner. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions on the recipe card below.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs- The perfect protein choice here. The thighs stay juicy and rich.
- Soy Sauce- Adds a salty deep flavor. I use the brand Kikikoman.
- Sesame Oil- Brings a toasty, nutty flavor that elevates the whole dish. I used the brand Sushi Chef.
- Ground Ginger-Adds warmth and a hint of spice. I use a ginger paste from Aroma One.
- Fresh Garlic-Elevates flavor of the sauce.
- Brown Sugar- Sweetness that balances out the soy sauce.
- Rice Wine Vinegar- Adds a gentle, clean acidity. I used Domino.
- Honey- Balances the rich sauce and creates a sticky glaze.
- Corn Starch & Water- Thickens the marinate and coats the chicken perfectly. I use Argo.
- Sesame Seeds- An optional garnish that really makes this dish pop. I use Mccormick.
Instructions
Heres how to make this delicious chicken teriyaki. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements and instructions on the recipe card below.
First, cube up the chicken thighs into about 1-2" thick pieces. Add them to a large bowl with all of the other ingredients except the sesame seeds and canola oil. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined. Cover the bowl and marinate it for at least 2 hours and up to overnight.

Now, drain the chicken from the marinade. In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium high heat and add the chicken. Cook it for about 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, or until the chicken is cooked all the way through and the edges start to brown.

Plate the chicken and add sesame seeds, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

What Can I Serve This With?
This recipe goes wonderfully with plain white rice, Easy Fried Rice and a simple vegetable like Frozen Roasted Green Beans.
Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead Of Thighs?
Technically, yes you can but thigh meat is the best choice for this because it stays moist and juicy. You can use chicken breast but the result wont be exactly the same.
Storage
Let the chicken cool completely and place it into an air tight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to three days.

The Best Chicken Teriyaki Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
- ⅓ Cup Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 2 Tbs Rice Vinegar
- 4 Cloves Garlic, Chopped
- ⅓ Cup Brown Sugar
- 1 Tbs Honey
- ½ Cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
- 1 Tbs Canola Oil
- Sesame Seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cube the chicken thighs into same size piece about 1-2 inches thick.
- Add the cut chicken to a large bowl and all of the other ingredients except the sesame seeds and canola oil.
- Give everything a big stir until all the ingredients are combined.
- Cover the bowl and marinate it overnight. If thats not a possibility, let it marinate for at last two hours.
- When it's time to cook the chicken, drain it completely from the marinade.
- In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium high heat and add the chicken.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-10 minutes or until its cooked all the way through.
- Plate the chicken and add sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Other Easy Chicken Dinners
If you like super easy to make chicken dinners like this one, you have to try Chicken And Stuffing Casserole, Crockpot Chicken And Noodles and Baked Caeser Chicken.





Anonymous says
In the recipe it has brown sugar but the video didn't show it.
Anonymous says
Is there a healthy sub for canola oil?
Anonymous says
Curious why you drain the marinade? I am making this now I but I want it saucier so I’m keeping some of the marinade in the pan. Thanks for the reply in advance!
Lesley Kareem says
Can I use white or apple vinegar instead of rice wine ? Thanks
Al Dente Diva says
Thank you so much for giving it a try and letting me know. I love this one too!