Fire up the grill and get ready for Juicy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken — a recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your backyard! Tender boneless chicken thighs are marinated in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce, then grilled to caramelized perfection. The result? Juicy, sticky, and flavorful chicken that’s perfect for summer cookouts, meal prep, or quick weeknight dinners.
This beginner-friendly teriyaki chicken recipe is a hit every time — easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to impress your guests.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Marinade & Glaze:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- ➜ Make the teriyaki marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- ➜ Marinate the chicken: Place chicken in a resealable bag or bowl. Pour half of the marinade over it, reserving the rest for later. Marinate for 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) in the refrigerator.
- ➜ Prepare the glaze: Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. For a thicker glaze, whisk in 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water.
- ➜ Grill the chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Brush grates with oil, then grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, basting with glaze during the last few minutes.
- ➜ Serve: Brush with extra teriyaki glaze, sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions, and serve with rice or steamed veggies.
Pro Tips & FAQs
Can I make this without a grill?
Yes! You can cook the marinated chicken in a grill pan or bake it at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
What kind of chicken is best?
Thighs stay the juiciest, but chicken breasts work great too — just don’t overcook them.
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, but homemade has fresher flavor and lets you adjust sweetness and saltiness.
Nutrition Summary
A delicious, protein-packed chicken dish with just the right balance of sweetness and savory depth.
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | 320 | 34g | 18g | 12g | 0g | 14g |
Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary based on ingredients.
