Teriyaki chicken is a popular dish known for its sweet and savory flavors. It’s a favorite in many households and restaurants alike. I will share some of the best teriyaki chicken recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your family and friends.

In this article, I will introduce you to six unique teriyaki chicken recipes. Each recipe offers a different twist on this classic dish, making it easy to find one that fits your preferences. Whether you like your chicken grilled, baked, or stir-fried, these recipes will provide delicious options for any occasion.

Table of Contents

1. Sweet Island Chicken Teriyaki

teriyaki chicken thighs on a plate with rice, broccoli, and peppers. the chicken is glazed and shiny, arranged in a row. the rice is white and fluffy. the broccoli is green and florets. the peppers are red, orange, and yellow, sliced into strips. the plate is round and light-colored. the background is blurred

Sweet Island Chicken Teriyaki is a flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory taste of teriyaki. It’s a delightful recipe that’s easy to make, even for beginners.

To prepare this dish, I start with about 2 pounds of chicken. I prefer boneless thighs for juiciness and flavor. The marinade is simple, using soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.

The cooking process is straightforward. First, I mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Next, I add the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. I let this marinate for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better for deeper flavor.

When ready to cook, I preheat my grill or a skillet to medium-high heat. I grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

To serve, I slice the chicken and drizzle additional teriyaki sauce on top. This dish pairs well with rice and vegetables for a complete meal. Sweet Island Chicken Teriyaki is sure to impress with its balance of sweet and savory flavors.

2. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

chicken and bell pepper skewers on a speckled plate. the chicken is glazed and shiny, threaded onto wooden skewers. the bell peppers are red, yellow, and green, cut into squares. chopped green onions are scattered around the plate. the plate is round and has a raised edge, resting on a light surface. a dark sauce is drizzled on the plate

Grilled teriyaki chicken skewers are a tasty dish that showcases marinated chicken cooked on skewers. The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce adds great flavor, making this a popular recipe for gatherings.

I find these skewers easy to make. You just need chicken, teriyaki sauce, and skewers. The preparation takes about 10 minutes, with an additional 15-20 minutes for grilling.

Here are the basic steps:

Cut the Chicken: I chop chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Marinate: I soak the chicken in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors soak in.

Prepare Skewers: I thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. I often add veggies like bell peppers for extra taste.
Preheat Grill: I heat the grill to medium-high.
Grill: I cook the skewers for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked.

These skewers are simple yet delicious. They make for a perfect meal or appetizer at any gathering.

3. Easy Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

teriyaki chicken and pineapple on a bed of quinoa in a white bowl. the chicken is glazed and shiny, cut into pieces. the pineapple is cubed and yellow. the quinoa is light brown and fluffy. the bowl is round and has a thin rim. the background is blurred and light

Easy Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken combines sweet and savory flavors in a simple dish. This recipe is fun to make and takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

To prepare, I gather chicken breasts, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, and a few seasonings. I cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.

Here are the steps I follow:

In a pan, heat oil over medium heat.
Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned.

Pour in soy sauce and add the pineapple chunks.
Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

This dish serves 4-6 people and is perfect for busy weeknight dinners. It’s tasty and satisfying, making it a great choice for anyone.

4. Crockpot Honey Teriyaki Chicken

shredded teriyaki chicken on a plate with rice and broccoli. the chicken is glazed and shiny, sprinkled with sesame seeds. the rice is white and fluffy. the broccoli is green and florets. the plate is round and has a thin rim, resting on a wooden surface. a white cloth is visible in the corner

Crockpot Honey Teriyaki Chicken is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken with sweet and savory flavors. This recipe is simple and perfect for busy days.

To make this dish, I gather the following ingredients: chicken breasts, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The prep is quick, making it easy to throw everything into the crockpot.

Here are the steps I follow:

Trim and place around 2 pounds of chicken breasts in the crockpot.
In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup of honey, 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger.

Pour the mixture over the chicken.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Once done, I shred the chicken and mix it with the sauce. This dish is great served over rice or with steamed vegetables. The slow cooking makes the chicken juicy and flavorful. It’s an easy, healthy meal I often prepare.

5. Oven-Baked Sticky Teriyaki Chicken

three teriyaki chicken thighs on a white plate with a side salad. the chicken is glazed and shiny, sprinkled with sesame seeds. the salad has lettuce, red and yellow peppers. the plate is round and has a thin rim. the background is blurred and light. a blue and white cloth is visible in the corner

Oven-baked sticky teriyaki chicken is a flavorful dish that is easy to make. The chicken becomes tender and juicy, coated with a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce.

To prepare this dish, I follow a few simple steps. First, I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, I gather my ingredients, including chicken thighs, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger.

I start by mixing 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger in a bowl.

Next, I place my chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the sauce over them.
I let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes for better flavor.
After marinating, I cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Then, I remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the chicken to become sticky.

Once done, I let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish is perfect with rice or vegetables.

6. Spicy Garlic Teriyaki Chicken Wings

chicken wings on a white plate with parchment paper, glazed with a dark sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds. the wings are piled in the center of the plate. a small bowl of sauce and a small bowl of garlic are in the background. the plate is on a wooden board with a rough edge. the background is light

I find Spicy Garlic Teriyaki Chicken Wings to be a delightful twist on the classic teriyaki flavor. They are sweet, savory, and have a bit of a kick from the garlic and spices.

Making these wings is quite easy. I use simple ingredients that are often already in my kitchen. To prepare, I start by mixing soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and a touch of hot sauce for heat.

Here are my steps for cooking:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a bowl, combine 1 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of grated ginger, 1/4 cup of honey, and hot sauce to taste.
Toss 2 pounds of chicken wings in the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes.
Spread the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures they cook evenly and get crisp.

These wings are perfect for parties or a casual dinner. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce.

What Is the History of Teriyaki Chicken?

Teriyaki chicken has roots in Japanese cuisine and has become popular in many parts of the world. Its unique flavor and cooking method have evolved over time, making it a beloved dish in various cultures. I will explore its origins and how it gained fame in the Western world.

What Are the Origins of Teriyaki Chicken in Japanese Cuisine?

The term “teriyaki” comes from the Japanese words “teri,” meaning glaze, and “yaki,” meaning to grill or broil. This cooking method dates back centuries in Japan.

Traditionally, teriyaki was used for various foods, including fish and meat. The original teriyaki sauce was a simple mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.

As Japanese immigrants settled in different countries, they adapted their recipes. Teriyaki chicken emerged as a popular dish, showcasing a unique blend of Japanese flavors and cooking techniques.

How Did Teriyaki Chicken Gain Popularity in the Western World?

Teriyaki chicken became widely recognized in the United States in the 20th century. It was particularly popular in the 1970s when Japanese restaurants began to open in major cities.

The dish’s sweet and savory sauce appealed to many tastes. Fast-food chains and Asian restaurants further introduced teriyaki chicken to a broader audience.

Today, teriyaki chicken can be found on menus worldwide, often served with rice and vegetables. It continues to evolve, with numerous variations incorporating local flavors and ingredients, such as in the history of Seattle teriyaki.

What Are the Key Ingredients in Teriyaki Chicken?

When preparing teriyaki chicken, it’s essential to focus on the right ingredients that bring out the flavors. The marinade and the choice of chicken are crucial for a delicious dish. Here are the key components to consider.

What Are the Common Marinade Components for Teriyaki Chicken?

The teriyaki marinade is what gives the chicken its signature taste. I usually include the following key ingredients:

Soy Sauce: This is the base of any teriyaki sauce, providing a savory umami flavor.

Mirin: A sweet rice wine that adds depth and sweetness.
Sugar: Brown sugar or honey can enhance sweetness and help create a glaze.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a spicy kick that complements the soy sauce.

Garlic: Minced garlic offers a robust flavor that balances the dish.

Mix these ingredients in equal parts for a balanced marinade. You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness to suit your taste. Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to soak in, but longer is often better for deeper taste.

How Do You Select the Right Chicken for Teriyaki?

Choosing the right chicken is just as important as the marinade. I prefer using thighs over breasts because they have more flavor and stay tender during cooking. Here’s my advice on selection:

Freshness: Always opt for fresh chicken when possible. Frozen can work, but fresh allows for better texture.
Skin-On, Bone-In: This cut adds flavor and moisture, creating a juicier end result.
Organic or Free-range: If available, these options often provide better taste and quality, as the chicken has a more natural diet.

Proper preparation includes trimming excess fat and cutting the chicken into even pieces. This ensures that they cook uniformly and allow the marinade to coat every piece thoroughly.

6 Best Teriyaki Chicken Recipes to Try at Home