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Unlock the Secret to the Perfect Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade

Unlock the Secret to the Perfect Easy Chicken Teriyaki with Marinade
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This Easy Chicken Teriyaki recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home. Tender chicken is marinated in a rich soy-based sauce, then grilled, pan-fried, or baked to perfection. The result? A glossy, savory-sweet glaze that coats every juicy bite. It’s quick, delicious, and works beautifully with either chicken thighs or breasts.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • ¾ lb chicken thighs (or chicken breast)

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds (for garnish)

Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce:

  • ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • ⅓ cup mirin (or substitute 3 tbsp rice vinegar + 2 tbsp water + 2 tsp sugar)

  • ⅓ cup sugar (or substitute honey or brown sugar)

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic or ginger (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken
Flatten the chicken to about ¾-inch thickness for even cooking. Place in a bowl or zip-top bag.

2. Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and optional garlic or ginger until the sugar dissolves. Reserve half of the sauce for later. Pour the remaining half over the chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to overnight in the fridge).

3. Cook the Chicken (Choose One):

Grill or Pan-Fry:

  • Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil.

  • Remove chicken from the marinade, wiping off excess liquid.

  • Cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).

  • During the last 3 minutes, pour in the reserved marinade and let it reduce into a glossy glaze.

Optional – Bake:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  • Place chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, brushing on the reserved sauce during the last 5–7 minutes to form a glaze.

4. Serve
Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Serve over steamed rice, drizzle with extra glaze, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Enjoy warm!

Notes

  • Marinate longer for flavor: 15 minutes works, but overnight gives deeper flavor.

  • Don’t skip the glaze: The reserved marinade thickens beautifully as it cooks into a shiny coating.

  • Want more veggies? Add broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to make it a complete meal.

  • Rice pairing: Serve with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for the perfect combo.

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/unlock-the-secret-to-the-perfect-easy-chicken-teriyaki-with-marinade/