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Forget Takeout: Make This Easy Teriyaki Chicken at Home

Make this easy, homemade teriyaki chicken in just under 30 minutes! This quick and flavorful recipe uses simple ingredients to create a savory and sweet teriyaki sauce that coats tender, juicy chicken perfectly. Whether you're serving it with rice, vegetables, or pasta, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to make the best teriyaki chicken at home—perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course brunch, dinner, lunch
Cuisine Japanese, Kenyanized
Servings 4

Equipment

  • 1 Pan with a lid (Preferably a sauté pan)
  • 1 Wooden Spoon
  • 1 Small Mixing Bowl
  • 1 knife
  • Spoons as needed
  • grater

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce:

  • 1 medium size onion
  • 2 Medium size tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp. finely grated garlic
  • 1 tbsp. finely grated ginger
  • 2 tbsps. dark soy sauce
  • 2 tbsps. Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. Brown sugar (Heaped)
  • ¾ tsp. salt (Or less if teriyaki chicken won't be soupy)
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper (Or as preferred)
  • ½ tsp. paprika spice
  • ½ tsp curry powder

The Other Ingredients:

  • ½ kg chicken breasts (1.1 lbs)
  • 1 tbsp. finely chopped cilantro (Dhania)
  • 1 finely chopped small green Pepper
  • 2 tbsps. cooking oil

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
    Start by making the teriyaki sauce. In a bowl, combine the chopped onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, salt, and spices.
    Mix well until fully incorporated. Set aside.
  • Step 2: Prep the Chicken
    Wash the chicken and cut it into small, bite-sized cubes. (about 1-inch pieces)
  • Step 3: Sear the Chicken
    Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.
    Add the chicken pieces and fry, stirring frequently, until all the water released by the chicken evaporates.
    Once the liquid is gone, continue cooking until the chicken develops a light golden-brown color on the surface.
    If you’ve doubled or tripled the recipe and there’s too much liquid, you may need to drain some of it to speed up the process.
  • Step 4: Add the Teriyaki Sauce
    Pour the prepared sauce over the seared chicken and stir well to ensure even coating.
    Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let the chicken simmer for 2–5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and the flavors to meld together.
  • Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
    Uncover the pan and stir the chicken again. The stirring will help further break down the tomatoes and enhance the sauce’s consistency.
    Cover and cook on low heat for another minute.
    If you prefer a saucier dish, add1–2 cups of water at this stage and mix well.
    Cover and let the chicken cook on low heat for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen.
  • Step 6: Final Touches
    Once the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, stir in the sliced bell peppers and chopped cilantro.
    Give it a final mix and remove from heat.
  • Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
    Your homemade Teriyaki Chicken is now ready to be served!
    Enjoy it over a bowl of steamed rice, mix it with pasta, or pair it with soft chapatis for a delicious fusion meal.

Video

Notes

Tips for the Best Teriyaki Chicken

Balance Sweet and Savory:

Adjust the sugar and soy sauce to suit your taste preference.
You can also use honey or jaggery as a substitute for brown sugar.

Add Vegetables:

Throw in some broccoli, carrots, or green beans for extra nutrition and color.

Spice It Up:

Add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Adjust, though, depending on how you or your household prefer.
I also don't hesitate to experiment with other spices I like and have on hand such as garam and cumin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Store-Bought Teriyaki Sauce?

Absolutely! If you’re in a hurry, you can substitute homemade sauce with store-bought teriyaki sauce. However, making it from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives. You can also make it anywhere anytime if you don't have access to store-bought teriyaki sauce.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

To make this dish gluten-free, swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.

What Side Dishes Pair Well with Teriyaki Chicken?

  • Steamed, boiled, or fried Rice – A classic and perfect pairing.
  • Garlic Noodles – For an extra flavorful combination.
  • Roasted Vegetables – Adds a healthy and colorful side.
  • Chapati or Naan – If you love trying global flavors, serve it with these soft flatbreads.
  • Pasta – Children especially will love teriyaki chicken with pasta.

Final Thoughts

This homemade Teriyaki Chicken recipe is not only simple and quick but also incredibly flavorful.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting friends, this dish will impress everyone at the table. Plus, it’s customizable—adjust the sweetness, spice level, or sauce consistency to your preference.
So, why settle for takeout when you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home?
Try this easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe today and experience the deliciousness firsthand. Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you!
Enjoy cooking and enhance your hospitality for the glory of God!
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