If you’re craving real Japanese flavor, this glossy honey teriyaki chicken recipe delivers it without unnecessary fuss. Here’s everything you need to make it right at home.
Chicken Teriyaki features pan-seared chicken thighs coated in a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. A quick weeknight favorite served over steamed rice.
Ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish, this beginner-friendly recipe makes 4 servings and comes together with 10 everyday ingredients. It’s the kind of Japanese dish worth putting into regular rotation.
Why this recipe works:
- A homemade soy-mirin-sugar glaze reduces to a glossy coating that bottled teriyaki sauce rarely matches.
- Searing the chicken skin-side down first renders the fat and builds a deep caramelized crust.
- One pan, one sauce, no marinating required — an easy weeknight win, ready in about 25 minutes.
- Makes 4 servings, simple to pair with rice and vegetables for a balanced dinner.
✅ Quick Tip: For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs completely dry before searing and don’t move them for the first few minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan — too much in the pan at once causes steaming instead of browning.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with steamed white rice and steamed broccoli or bok choy for a complete meal.
Glossy Honey Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients:
Instructions
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Before you start, gather and prep all 10 ingredients listed above - wash, chop, measure, and have everything within reach.
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Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden.
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Flip and cook the other side for another 5 minutes until nearly cooked through.
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In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sugar, sake, ginger, and garlic.
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Pour the sauce into the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes, spooning it over the chicken as it thickens.
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Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 more minute until the sauce is glossy and coats the chicken.
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Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, acid, or spice as needed before serving.
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Slice, garnish with sesame seeds and green onion, and serve over rice.
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Garnish as desired and serve promptly for the best texture and flavor from your Glossy Honey Teriyaki Chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 340kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14g22%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Cholesterol 110mg37%
- Sodium 980mg41%
- Total Carbohydrate 14g5%
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 30g60%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs completely dry before searing and don't move them for the first few minutes. Don't overcrowd the pan - too much in the pan at once causes steaming instead of browning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, though thighs stay juicier during the sear - reduce cook time slightly if using breast.
What is mirin and can I substitute it?
Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine; if unavailable, use 1 tbsp rice vinegar plus a bit of extra sugar.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the teriyaki sauce keeps in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed jar.
