Teriyaki Chicken is a savory and sweet dish with a glossy glaze that clings to tender chicken pieces, giving you that perfect blend of umami flavor. This easy-to-make recipe combines soy sauce, honey, and ginger to create a classic Japanese-style sauce that caramelizes beautifully over the chicken. Ideal for weeknight dinners, it's both quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Prepare the Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, honey, sake, ginger, and garlic. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Place the chicken thighs in the pan, smooth side down, and sear for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown.
Flip and Add Sauce. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally so it coats well in the sauce.
Caramelize. Allow the sauce to reduce and thicken, creating a beautiful glaze over the chicken. The sauce should become sticky and coat the chicken completely.
Serve. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables.
For extra tender chicken, marinate the chicken thighs in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. If you like your sauce thicker, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add to the sauce during the final 5 minutes of cooking. Use fresh ginger and garlic for a stronger, more aromatic flavor.