Can I marinate the chicken longer than 4 hours?

I don't recommend marinating the chicken for longer than 4 hours, as it will lead to it becoming too salty due to the soy sauce. It's best to stick to the recommended marinating time for the most balanced flavor.

Can I make chicken teriyaki ahead of time?

Yes, chicken teriyaki can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. Store the cooked chicken and sauce separately in the refrigerator. When it's time to reheat, you can warm the chicken in the microwave or in a 350°F oven covered with foil, while the sauce can be reheated on the stovetop.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

The juicy, rich nature of thighs makes them a better match for the bold flavor of the teriyaki sauce. However, chicken breasts can be used as an alternative. Just keep in mind that they are leaner and can dry out more easily. To prevent this, pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness (or use chicken tenderloins, which are naturally tender) before marinating and be careful not to overcook them.

Chicken Teriyaki - Once Upon a Chef

Chicken Teriyaki

By Jenn Segal

Chicken teriyaki—succulent marinated chicken glazed in a sweet and savory sauce—is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare!

Servings: 6 to 8

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 15 Minutes

Total Time: 30 Minutes, plus at least 1 hour to marinate

Ingredients

1 cup soy sauce
¾ cup sugar
2 tablespoons mirin
2 teaspoons Asian sesame oil
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh ginger, from a 2-inch knob
4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

¾ cup water, divided
3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 scallions, dark green parts only, for serving
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for serving

Instructions

Make the teriyaki sauce: Combine the soy sauce, sugar, mirin, oil, ginger, garlic, and ½ cup of the water in a blender and process until smooth, about 1 minute. It will be foamy; that's okay. Set aside 1 cup of sauce and refrigerate until ready to cook (you'll use it for serving).
Place the chicken in a 1-gallon zipper-lock bag and add remaining blended teriyaki sauce. Press out the air, seal the bag, and turn to coat the chicken with marinade. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours (no longer or the dish will be too salty).
To Grill: Place the chicken on a medium-high grill and cook, covered, until chicken is lightly charred and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes per side, rearranging as needed to ensure even browning.
To Broil: Position an oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler and preheat the broiler to high. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with heavy-duty aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Before placing the chicken on the baking sheet, let any excess marinade drip off to reduce charring and smoke during broiling. Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Broil for about 8 minutes on each side, or until it's well-browned and fully cooked. Keep an eye on the broiler while cooking, as the sugar in the marinade can cause some charring on the foil.
Thicken the sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk the reserved sauce (be sure it’s cold or room temperature), the remaining ¼ cup water, and cornstarch until completely smooth. Bring the sauce to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.
Slice the chicken crosswise about ½-inch thick, if desired, and serve with the teriyaki sauce, scallions, and sesame seeds. Be judicious with the sauce — a little goes a long way.

Pair with

Nutrition Information

Per serving (8 servings)
Calories: 326
Fat: 9 g
Saturated fat: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 23 g
Sugar: 19 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 37 g
Sodium: 1913 mg
Cholesterol: 160 mg

Gluten-Free Adaptable Note

To the best of my knowledge, all of the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free or widely available in gluten-free versions. There is hidden gluten in many foods; if you're following a gluten-free diet or cooking for someone with gluten allergies, always read the labels of your ingredients to verify that they are gluten-free.