Japanese chicken teriyaki is a classic Japanese dish known for its flavorful combination of sweet and savory notes. The word "teriyaki" refers to the cooking technique of grilling or broiling meat with a glaze of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar. This simple yet delicious dish is a favorite both in Japan and around the world, thanks to its rich, glossy sauce that perfectly complements tender chicken.

Whether you're preparing this dish for a quick weeknight meal or serving it to impress guests, this Japanese Chicken Teriyaki recipe will deliver authentic flavor and a delightful experience.

Ingredients for Japanese Chicken Teriyaki
To make this flavorful dish, you'll need the following ingredients:

4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (you can use chicken breast, but thighs are more tender and juicy)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sake (Japanese rice wine)
2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Optional Side: Steamed Rice and Vegetables
2 cups cooked white rice (Japanese short-grain rice is ideal)
Steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables (as a side)
Instructions: How to Make Authentic Chicken Teriyaki
1. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
The key to perfect Chicken Teriyaki is in the sauce. To begin, mix together the soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, forming a smooth sauce. This will be your glaze for the chicken, giving it that signature glossy finish and sweet-salty flavor balance.

2. Prepare the Chicken
Use boneless chicken thighs with the skin on for the best results. The skin will help create a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the juicy meat. If you prefer skinless chicken, that's an option, but you'll miss out on that crispy exterior.

Pro Tip: To ensure even cooking, make small cuts on the thicker parts of the chicken thighs. This will help the meat cook through more evenly and allow the teriyaki sauce to penetrate deeply.

3. Pan-Fry the Chicken
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs in the pan, skin-side down. Fry for about 5-7 minutes until the skin becomes golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes until the meat is cooked through.

Make sure to drain any excess fat that renders out during cooking to prevent the sauce from becoming too oily.

4. Add the Teriyaki Sauce
Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the pan. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for about 2-3 minutes, turning the chicken frequently to ensure it is fully coated in the glaze. The sauce will caramelize, creating that beautiful shiny finish.

Important: Keep an eye on the heat. The sugar in the sauce can burn easily, so reduce the heat if the sauce starts to thicken too quickly.

5. Serve the Chicken Teriyaki
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the chicken from the pan and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Pour any remaining sauce from the pan over the chicken for extra flavor.

6. Garnish and Serve with Sides
To elevate your Chicken Teriyaki, garnish it with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve the chicken with a side of steamed white rice and vegetables, such as broccoli or sautéed green beans. This combination makes for a well-balanced, satisfying meal.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Teriyaki
Choose the right chicken: Chicken thighs are ideal for teriyaki because of their juicy and tender texture. However, if you prefer leaner meat, chicken breast works too, though it may require a slightly shorter cooking time.

Get the sauce consistency right: The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken, but not so thick that it becomes sticky or clumps. Let the sauce simmer slowly, and remember that it will thicken as it cools slightly.

Use mirin for authenticity: Mirin is a sweet rice wine that adds depth and shine to the sauce. If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with a little more sugar and sake, though the flavor may not be as complex.

Balance the sweet and savory: If you prefer a more savory teriyaki, reduce the sugar slightly. On the other hand, for a sweeter glaze, feel free to add a little extra sugar.

Variations of Teriyaki
Though chicken teriyaki is a staple, there are many other variations of this dish using different proteins:

Salmon Teriyaki: A popular variation, salmon teriyaki uses the same glaze and cooking technique but replaces chicken with fresh salmon fillets. The sauce pairs beautifully with the rich flavor of the fish.

Beef Teriyaki: For a heartier option, thin slices of beef can be cooked with the same teriyaki sauce, creating a flavorful dish that is tender and savory.

Vegetarian Teriyaki: For a plant-based twist, substitute chicken with tofu or vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. The sauce works well with these ingredients and makes for a delicious vegetarian meal.

Conclusion: Savor the Best of Japanese Chicken Teriyaki
This Japanese Chicken Teriyaki recipe brings the authentic flavors of Japan right to your kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, crispy skin, and a sweet-savory glaze makes it an irresistible dish that can be prepared quickly and enjoyed by everyone. Pair it with rice and vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.