Teriyaki Chicken in 15 Minutes: Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Sweet & Savory Teriyaki Chicken—Faster Than Takeout!
Craving a quick, delicious, and healthier alternative to takeout? This 15-minute teriyaki chicken is your answer! Juicy, tender chicken is coated in a glossy, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce and served with fluffy rice and crisp vegetables. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner—fast, flavorful, and family-approved!
Why You’ll Love This Quick Teriyaki Chicken
✔ Ready in just 15 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights!
✔ Better than takeout – Healthier, fresher, and more budget-friendly.
✔ Easy ingredients – Uses pantry staples for a no-fuss meal.
✔ Customizable – Swap in shrimp, tofu, or beef to switch it up!
✔ Meal-prep friendly – Make extra sauce and freeze it for later.
Ingredients (Serves 4 | Prep: 5 min | Cook: 10 min)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced for quick cooking)
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought – see FAQs for DIY sauce)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower for a low-carb option)
- 1 cup steamed broccoli (or substitute with snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers)
- Sesame seeds & green onions (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken
1. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add thinly sliced chicken in a single layer for even browning. Cook for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden but not fully cooked through.
2. Simmer in Teriyaki Sauce
Pour ½ cup teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Reduce heat to medium and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken. For a richer glaze, mix 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water and stir it in.
3. Serve & Garnish
Plate the chicken over steamed rice and broccoli. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and a beautiful finish. Pair with garlic sautéed spinach or an Asian cucumber salad for a complete meal!
Pro Tips for the Best 15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken
🔥 Slice chicken evenly – Thin, uniform pieces cook quickly and evenly.
🧄 Boost the flavor – Add minced garlic, ginger, or a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce.
🥢 Customize the protein – Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or thin beef strips.
❄ Make-ahead friendly – Double the sauce and freeze it for up to 3 months.
FAQs: Your Teriyaki Chicken Questions Answered
1. Should I add teriyaki sauce before or after cooking?
Add it during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking to prevent burning and create a glossy glaze.
2. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce as a marinade?
Yes! Marinate the chicken for 15–30 minutes before cooking for extra depth of flavor.
3. What’s in a traditional teriyaki sauce?
Classic teriyaki sauce includes soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), garlic, ginger, and vinegar. Some versions also use mirin or sake for a more authentic taste.
4. What’s the difference between teriyaki marinade and sauce?
- Marinade: Used before cooking to infuse flavor (usually contains vinegar or citrus).
- Sauce: Cooked with the dish to create a thickened glaze (often includes cornstarch).
More Quick & Delicious Recipes to Try
🍯 20-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken – Sweet, sticky, and ultra-savory!
🐟 30-Minute Teriyaki Salmon Bowls – A fresh and healthy seafood twist.
🥢 15-Minute Sesame Ginger Noodles – A quick and flavorful noodle fix!
Enjoy This Easy, Flavor-Packed Teriyaki Chicken Tonight!
With just 15 minutes and a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality teriyaki chicken that’s healthier and tastier than takeout. Try it tonight, and let me know how it turns out!
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