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Sticky Sweet Teriyaki Chicken

sticky sweet teriyaki chicken - featured image
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An easy homemade teriyaki chicken recipe with a sticky, sweet glaze that balances savory and sweetness perfectly. Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup (85 g) honey
  • 2 tablespoons (25 g) brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (6 g) fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil
  • Water or chicken broth (to adjust sauce thickness)
  • 1 teaspoon (3 g) cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat dry chicken thighs and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until sugar dissolves.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium and pour the teriyaki sauce mixture into the skillet. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it starts thickening.
  5. Return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestle into the sauce, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Optional: Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, stir into the sauce, and cook for another minute until glossy and sticky.
  7. Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Simmer the sauce slowly to avoid burning the sugars and achieve the perfect sticky texture. Turning the chicken occasionally helps it soak up the glaze evenly. For a thicker glaze, use the cornstarch slurry. Marinating the chicken in half the sauce for 20 minutes before cooking adds extra depth of flavor but is optional. Use chicken thighs for juicier results; breasts can dry out if overcooked. Adjust sweetness or add chili flakes for a spicy kick if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: teriyaki chicken, sticky chicken, sweet teriyaki, easy dinner, homemade teriyaki, weeknight meal, chicken thighs, Asian glaze

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/sticky-sweet-teriyaki-chicken-recipe-easy-homemade-teriyaki-chicken-with-sweet-glaze/