Grilled Teriyaki Chicken – Juicy, Flavorful & Easy Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for any occasion, grilled teriyaki chicken is the answer. This Japanese-inspired dish brings together the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors, making it a favorite among food lovers worldwide. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a weekend BBQ, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe guarantees tender, juicy, and mouthwatering chicken.

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In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about grilled teriyaki chicken—from its history and key ingredients to a step-by-step recipe, grilling techniques, expert tips, and serving suggestions. Get ready to impress your taste buds and those of your loved ones with this irresistible homemade teriyaki chicken!

1. Introduction to Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

Grilled teriyaki chicken is a fusion of smoky charred goodness with the bold, tangy-sweet taste of teriyaki sauce. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful mix of soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and mirin, then grilled to perfection, creating a caramelized glaze that’s simply irresistible.

This dish is a staple in Japanese cuisine and has been widely embraced around the world. It’s not only delicious but also healthy, as it’s high in protein and can be paired with nutritious sides like steamed vegetables or brown rice.

2. The History and Origin of Teriyaki

The word “teriyaki” comes from two Japanese words: “teri” (glaze or shine) and “yaki” (grilled or broiled). This cooking method dates back to the 17th century Edo period in Japan, where fish was commonly cooked with a sweet soy-based glaze.

When Japanese immigrants introduced the dish to the U.S., especially in Hawaii, they began using chicken and beef instead of fish, adding local ingredients like pineapple juice to enhance the flavor. This adaptation helped teriyaki become a global favorite.

3. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

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Here’s why you’ll want to make grilled teriyaki chicken a regular part of your menu:

✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick prep time.
✅ Incredibly Flavorful – A rich blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.
✅ Healthy & Nutritious – Lean protein packed with essential nutrients.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – Makes great leftovers for busy weekdays.
✅ Customizable – Adaptable to different dietary needs.

4. Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

To make authentic grilled teriyaki chicken, you’ll need:

• Chicken thighs or breasts 🍗 (boneless, skinless)
• Soy sauce 🥢 (low sodium for balance)
• Mirin 🍶 (Japanese sweet rice wine)
• Sake 🍶 (optional, enhances flavor)
• Honey or brown sugar 🍯 (for natural sweetness)
• Fresh ginger 🌱 (grated)
• Garlic cloves 🧄 (minced)
• Sesame oil 🥜 (adds nutty depth)
• Cornstarch 🌽 (thickens the sauce)
• Green onions & sesame seeds 🌿 (for garnish)

5. The Best Chicken Cuts for Grilling

When making grilled teriyaki chicken, choosing the right cut of chicken is key:

• Chicken Thighs – Highly recommended! Juicier and more flavorful due to higher fat content.
• Chicken Breasts – Leaner but can dry out if overcooked. Marinating longer helps retain moisture.
• Chicken Drumsticks/Wings – Great for BBQs but need longer cooking times.

6. How to Make the Best Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Making your own teriyaki sauce is easy and tastes way better than store-bought versions. Here’s how:

Ingredients for Teriyaki Sauce:

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup mirin
• ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sake (optional)
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients (except cornstarch) in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until slightly thickened.
4. Remove from heat and let cool.

7. Step-by-Step Recipe for Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for grilling)
• Sesame seeds & green onions (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best flavor).
2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
3. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, brushing with extra sauce.
4. Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
6. Serve with rice or vegetables. Enjoy!

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Grilled Teriyaki Chicken – Juicy, Flavorful & Easy Recipe

A delicious, smoky, and caramelized grilled teriyaki chicken recipe with a homemade glaze. Perfect for BBQs, meal prep, or a quick and healthy dinner.

4 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Asian, Japanese

Servings 4 people

Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Grill or Grill Pan
• Measuring Cups & Spoons
• Tongs
• Basting Brush

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs can substitute with chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil for grilling

For the Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce

• 1/2 cup soy sauce low sodium recommended
• 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar adds natural sweetness
• 2 tbsp mirin Japanese sweet rice wine
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar adds slight tanginess
• 2 tsp sesame oil for depth of flavor
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water for thickening

For Garnish

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds toasted
• 2 tbsp green onions chopped

Instructions

 

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, mirin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
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• Place the chicken thighs in the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
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• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and brush with vegetable oil.
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• Grill the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, basting with extra marinade, until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
• Meanwhile, pour the leftover marinade into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened.
• Drizzle the thickened teriyaki sauce over the grilled chicken and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with rice or vegetables.

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Notes

For a smoky twist, add a dash of smoked paprika to the marinade. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Keyword BBQ Chicken Recipe, Easy Teriyaki Chicken, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, Healthy Chicken Recipe

8. Pro Tips for Perfectly Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

• 🔥 Don’t overcook – Use a meat thermometer (165°F is perfect).
• 🔥 Marinate longer – At least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
• 🔥 Use skin-on chicken – Adds extra juiciness.
• 🔥 Baste while grilling – Enhances caramelization.

9. Best Side Dishes to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken

• 🍚 Steamed Jasmine Rice
• 🥦 Stir-fried Vegetables
• 🥗 Asian Slaw
• 🍜 Garlic Noodles

10. How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Use an oven or stovetop for best texture.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Grilled teriyaki chicken is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit!

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