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If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, perfectly balanced sweet and savory notes, and comes together quickly in one pan, this Skillet Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is here to become your new go-to. Tender chicken thighs simmered in a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce bring comforting warmth and a vibrant, glossy finish to every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a delicious weeknight dinner with minimal fuss, this recipe delivers bold flavors, simplicity, and that satisfying home-cooked feel you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for this Skillet Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is straightforward, yet each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that incredible, rich flavor and satisfying texture. From the tender chicken thighs that soak up every bit of sauce, to simple pantry staples that turn into something magical, these components are essentials worth having on hand.
- 2 pounds chicken thighs: Choosing thighs instead of breasts ensures juicy, tender meat that stays moist throughout cooking.
- 1 1/2 cups water: The base that helps dissolve the brown sugar and meld the flavors together beautifully.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness and depth with a subtle molasses undertone that’s key to perfect teriyaki.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce: Brings that essential salty umami punch that makes this sauce unmistakably teriyaki.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the sauce with a gentle garlic warmth without overpowering other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A fragrant, nutty note that elevates the dish and adds authentic Asian flair.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent to achieve that silky, clingy sauce perfect for coating the chicken.
- 4 tablespoons cold water: Combined with cornstarch to make a smooth slurry that thickens the sauce evenly.
How to Make Skillet Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken thighs into small, manageable strips and place them in a large, deep skillet. This ensures quick, even cooking and plenty of surface area for the sauce to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix the Teriyaki Sauce
In a large glass measuring cup, combine the water, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and sesame oil. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This homemade sauce is what transforms simple chicken into a flavor-packed meal.
Step 3: Simmer the Chicken in Sauce
Pour your freshly mixed sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Place the skillet over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will help the chicken start absorbing that beautiful teriyaki flavor as it cooks.
Step 4: Cover and Cook
Place a lid on the skillet, leaving it slightly ajar so steam can escape. Let the chicken simmer for about 20 minutes, or until it’s completely cooked through, tender, and full of saucy goodness. The slow simmer is key to developing depth of flavor.
Step 5: Remove Chicken Temporarily
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the skillet and set aside on a plate. This step allows you to thicken the sauce without overcooking the meat, preserving its perfect texture.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth, making sure there are no lumps. Add this slurry to the simmering sauce in the skillet, stirring constantly. Continue cooking for a few minutes as the sauce thickens to a luscious glaze consistency.
Step 7: Reintroduce Chicken to Sauce
Put the chicken back into the skillet and toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the thickened, shiny teriyaki sauce. Let it bubble on low heat for 2-3 more minutes to marry the flavors perfectly.
Step 8: Serve It Up
Serve the Skillet Teriyaki Chicken immediately alongside fluffy rice and steamed vegetables to soak up every drop of that heavenly sauce. This meal is ready to impress with minimal effort.
How to Serve Skillet Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and boosts the nutty sesame flavor. Freshly chopped green onions bring a pop of color and a subtle sharpness that cuts through the richness, making each bite livelier and more inviting.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice pairs beautifully as it absorbs the sauce, while crisp steamed or stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy provide a refreshing, natural crunch that balances the tender chicken perfectly. These sides also add vibrant color and nutrition to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your skillet teriyaki chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice or quinoa to mix things up. You can also spoon your chicken over warm lettuce wraps for a lighter, handheld approach that’s perfect for sharing or meal prep lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Skillet Teriyaki Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal even more delicious and effortless.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, freeze your cooked chicken in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to two months. Make sure to separate portions if freezing meals for convenience so you can thaw only what you need.
Reheating
To reheat your Teriyaki Chicken, gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much in storage, bringing back that fresh-from-the-pan lusciousness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs tend to stay juicier and absorb the sauce better, giving you the classic tender texture that makes this Skillet Teriyaki Chicken Recipe so irresistible.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep all the flavor without gluten concerns. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables directly to the skillet?
Yes, adding quick-cooking veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots during the last 5 minutes of simmering works wonderfully to make it a one-pan meal while keeping the vegetables crisp and fresh.
How thick should the teriyaki sauce be?
The sauce should coat the chicken nicely without being too runny or overly thick. It should look glossy and cling to the meat, forming a rich glaze that enhances every bite.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the teriyaki sauce mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two days, making weeknight cooking even faster when you’re ready to sauté your chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Skillet Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is a game changer for busy weeknights or anytime you want a satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s straightforward, full of irresistible taste, and hits that perfect comfort-food vibe with an Asian-inspired twist. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how easy it is to impress yourself and others with homemade teriyaki goodness right from your stovetop.
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Skillet Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Skillet Teriyaki Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce, thickened to perfection in a skillet. Perfectly balanced with flavors of soy, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil, this easy one-pan dish is ready in under 35 minutes and pairs beautifully with rice and steamed vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, trimmed of fat and cut into small slices
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Thickening Mixture
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Slice the chicken thighs into small pieces and place them evenly in a large deep skillet.
- Make the teriyaki sauce: In a large glass measuring cup, combine the water, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and sesame oil, stirring well until the sugar is dissolved.
- Simmer chicken in sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Place the skillet over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cover and cook: Cover the skillet with the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape. Let the chicken simmer for about 20 minutes, or until fully cooked through and tender.
- Remove cooked chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken pieces to a plate and set aside.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth with no lumps. Stir this mixture into the simmering sauce in the skillet, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and the sauce to bubble and coat the chicken thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the teriyaki chicken immediately alongside steamed rice and vegetables for a delicious, balanced meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust the sugar amount to taste for a less sweet version.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.
- Make sure to stir the cornstarch slurry thoroughly before adding to avoid clumps in the sauce.
- Pair with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for a complete meal.
