If you’re craving a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is here to delight your taste buds. This recipe takes simple pantry staples and transforms them into a glossy, flavorful marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating juicy chicken breasts with a tantalizing glaze. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, this Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of well-chosen ingredients, this recipe achieves amazing depth of flavor and lush texture. Each component plays an essential role—from the salty soy sauce that forms the base of the marinade, to the honey and brown sugar that give it that irresistible, caramelized sheen.
- Soy sauce: Provides the savory, umami backbone crucial for that classic teriyaki taste.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze on the chicken.
- Honey: Enhances sweetness with a smooth, natural flavor to balance the saltiness.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a light acidity that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- Sesame oil: Offers a rich, nutty aroma that makes the dish irresistible.
- Minced garlic: Delivers an aromatic kick that deepens the marinade’s complexity.
- Fresh ginger, grated: Adds a fresh, zesty warmth for balance.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, perfect for quick grilling and soaking up the marinade.
- Olive oil: Prevents sticking and lends subtle fruitiness when grilling.
- Sesame seeds (optional): A crunchy, toasted garnish for added texture and visual appeal.
- Green onions, sliced (optional): Fresh and vibrant topping to brighten each bite.
How to Make Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Marinade
Begin by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Whisk them until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. This marinade is the heart of your Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe, infusing every bite with those incredible layers of flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, then pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is fully coated so that the flavors soak deep into the meat. Cover the dish tightly or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—though allowing 1 to 2 hours will take the taste to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Step 3: Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, which is key for that enticing char and caramelization. Before placing the chicken, brush the grill grates or pan with olive oil to prevent sticking and to add a subtle fruitiness that complements the marinade perfectly.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the breasts on the hot grill and cook them for about 6 to 7 minutes per side. This timing helps the chicken reach that ideal internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring juicy, perfectly cooked meat. In the last minute of grilling, generously brush on some of the leftover marinade for an extra burst of flavor and that signature teriyaki glaze.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the chicken off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute, keeping each slice tender and moist. Then, slice the chicken into strips or serve whole for a stunning presentation. For that final flourish, sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top to add texture, color, and fresh brightness to your Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe.
How to Serve Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like lightly toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions amplify flavor and add an inviting crunch and pop of color. These simple toppings make your Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe look restaurant-worthy and elevate each bite.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up all the luscious sauce. Grilled or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers bring vibrant texture and nutrition alongside the rich chicken, creating a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this grilled teriyaki chicken over a fresh Asian-style salad or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a lighter option. You can also slice and toss it into a bowl with rice noodles, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce for an irresistible bowl meal that’s easy to customize.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled teriyaki chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken chilled promptly preserves its tenderness and flavor so you can enjoy it in salads, sandwiches, or reheated as a main dish.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for longer, freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain quality. This makes having your favorite Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe on hand a breeze for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, gently warm the chicken in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of water or a few drops of soy sauce during reheating can help keep it moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice if you prefer meat that stays extra juicy and flavorful. Just be sure to adjust grilling time accordingly since thighs can cook faster or more unevenly depending on their thickness.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it sit for 1 to 2 hours really intensifies the teriyaki flavors, but avoid going much longer than that to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy.
Is it necessary to use a grill for this recipe?
While grilling gives the best smoky charred flavor and texture, you can also use a grill pan or even broil the chicken in the oven. Just watch carefully to avoid burning the marinade’s sugars and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I make the teriyaki sauce in advance?
Yes! The marinade doubles as a delicious sauce, so feel free to prepare extra ahead of time. Store it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week and brush it on grilled chicken or use it as a dipping sauce.
What can I serve with this chicken for a complete meal?
Steamed rice and sautéed or grilled veggies are classics, but you can also try noodles, quinoa, or even a fresh cabbage slaw. Adding a citrusy or spicy side salad pairs wonderfully with the sweet and savory notes of the grilled teriyaki chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is a true winner for anyone who loves bold flavors with simple preparation. Its perfect blend of sweet, salty, and aromatic ingredients makes it a standout dish for any occasion. I encourage you to try this recipe and watch it quickly become a staple in your home cooking — friends and family will keep asking for seconds!
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Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 25m (excluding marinating time)
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
This Grilled Teriyaki Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Perfectly grilled to perfection, this dish offers a savory and slightly sweet taste complemented by optional sesame seeds and green onions, making it an ideal main course served alongside rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Main
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing grill)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the teriyaki marinade.
- Mix Ingredients: Whisk the marinade ingredients together thoroughly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, then pour the teriyaki marinade over them, ensuring they are completely coated.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 to 2 hours to deepen the flavor.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking.
- Prepare Grill Surface: Brush the grill grates or grill pan lightly with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking while cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and place on the preheated grill.
- Grill: Cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Brush Extra Marinade: During the last minute of grilling, brush some additional marinade onto the chicken to enhance flavor and glaze.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the grilled chicken from heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes to retain juices.
- Slice and Garnish: Slice the chicken breasts into strips or serve whole; optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and flavor.
- Serve: Present the grilled teriyaki chicken with rice or vegetables of your choice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours for best flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce some of the marinade on the stove before brushing it during grilling.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- For added smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill or add wood chips to your gas grill.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Sesame seeds and green onions are optional but add nice flavor and presentation.
