Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade Recipe

I have to tell you, this chicken teriyaki recipe has completely transformed my dinner routine! I’ve been on the hunt for an easy, flavorful marinade, and this one ticks all the boxes. With only a few simple ingredients, this savory-sweet chicken comes together beautifully, leaving your kitchen smelling divine. Whether you grill it or bake it, the results are always a hit. Plus, the sticky, caramelized glaze is perfect atop a bowl of rice with fresh veggies.

Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade Recipe

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Note: This recipe makes enough to serve 4-6 people.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ingredient alternatives and add-ins to match your preferences or dietary needs.

  • Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
  • Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar, agave, or honey for a different sweetness profile.
  • Add freshly grated ginger to enhance the flavors.
  • Use pineapple juice instead of rice vinegar for a fruity twist.
  • Opt for skinless drumsticks if you prefer a different cut of chicken.

Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Marinade Time: 30-60 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor)
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 55-85 minutes, including marinating

Equipment You Need

  • Mixing Bowl – For whisking together the marinade.
  • Whisk – Ensures the ingredients combine smoothly.
  • Zip-Top Bag or Bowl with Lid – To marinate the chicken.
  • Tongs – To easily handle raw chicken without mess.
  • Grill or Grill Pan – For that smoky, charred finish.
  • Baking Dish – If you opt to bake the chicken.
  • Meat Thermometer – Ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time.

How to Make Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade?

Step 1: Whisk the Marinade Together

To start, gather your soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl. Whisk them together until the sugar fully dissolves. This combination creates the sweet, salty, and tangy base that makes the chicken absolutely irresistible.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Take half of the prepared marinade and add it to a large zip-top bag or a bowl with the chicken. Toss the chicken in the marinade until it’s fully coated. Reserve the remaining marinade for later use. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl), and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavors will seep into the chicken.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Before cooking, remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Discard the used marinade. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for breasts or 170°F for thighs. The brown sugar helps with caramelization, so keep an eye out to prevent burning.

Step 4: Optional Baking Method

Prefer baking to grilling? Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the marinated chicken in a greased baking dish, making sure not to crowd the pieces. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Optional: Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a golden, caramelized finish.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is cooked, allow it to rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices. Slice it up and drizzle the reserved marinade over the top. Serve with rice, steamed veggies, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an amazing dinner.

Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade Recipe

Credit: Pinterest

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe has all the qualities an easy dinner staple needs.

  • Quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
  • The marinade doubles as a sauce, adding layers of flavor.
  • Suitable for grilling, baking, or even meal prep.
  • Simple adjustments make it dietary-friendly.
  • It tastes just as good as takeout, if not better!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade?

Plate your chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice for a classic pairing. Add steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for a complete meal. You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions on top to enhance the presentation. For a lighter option, serve the chicken sliced over a fresh salad or tucked into lettuce wraps with cucumber slices.

Nutritional Information

This chicken teriyaki recipe is packed with flavor and nutrition! Per serving:

  • Calories: 172
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fat: 3g

Make Ahead and Storage

Making this ahead is super convenient, especially if you’re prepping for the week. Once you’ve marinated the chicken, you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking. Alternatively, freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. Leftovers? Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tips I picked up while perfecting this recipe. Give them a try to get the best results!

  • Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts work great if you prefer leaner meat.
  • Marinate overnight for a deeper flavor infusion.
  • Keep an eye on the grill to avoid burning due to the sugar in the marinade.
  • If using the oven, the broiler will give you that wonderful caramelized effect similar to grilling.
  • Always reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a sauce later.

This easy chicken teriyaki is bound to become a staple in your rotation. It’s quick, versatile, and will surely impress anyone who tries it. Give it a go—I promise you won’t miss the store-bought version!

Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade Recipe

Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade Recipe

I have to tell you, this chicken teriyaki recipe has completely transformed my dinner routine! I’ve been on the hunt for an easy, flavorful marinade, and this one ticks all the boxes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Instructions

    1. To start, gather your soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl. Whisk them together until the sugar fully dissolves. This combination creates the sweet, salty, and tangy base that makes the chicken absolutely irresistible.
    2. Take half of the prepared marinade and add it to a large zip-top bag or a bowl with the chicken. Toss the chicken in the marinade until it’s fully coated. Reserve the remaining marinade for later use.
    3. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl), and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavors will seep into the chicken.
    4. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Before cooking, remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid.
    5. Discard the used marinade. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for breasts or 170°F for thighs. The brown sugar helps with caramelization, so keep an eye out to prevent burning.
    6. Prefer baking to grilling? Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the marinated chicken in a greased baking dish, making sure not to crowd the pieces. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Optional: Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a golden, caramelized finish.
    7. Once the chicken is cooked, allow it to rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices. Slice it up and drizzle the reserved marinade over the top. Serve with rice, steamed veggies, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an amazing dinner.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts work great if you prefer leaner meat.
  • Marinate overnight for a deeper flavor infusion.
  • Keep an eye on the grill to avoid burning due to the sugar in the marinade.
  • If using the oven, the broiler will give you that wonderful caramelized effect similar to grilling.
  • Always reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a sauce later.

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