Restaurant-Quality Chicken Teriyaki Recipe (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

Chicken teriyaki is a dish that holds a special place in my heart. It was the very first recipe I learned to cook when I worked as a line cook in a Japanese restaurant in Amsterdam. The Japanese chef I worked for had a teriyaki sauce pot that had been simmering for over seven years, each day infused with layers of deep, umami-packed flavor from the previous day's batch.

That experience inspired me to create this foolproof, restaurant-quality 3-ingredient teriyaki chicken recipe that anyone can master at home in just 30 minutes!

Why This Recipe Works

Unlike many teriyaki recipes that require marinading, this method cooks the chicken first and then allows it to soak in the sauce, resulting in a crispy-skinned, flavor-packed dish without the long wait.

Ingredients (Serves 2-3)

• 500g chicken thighs (skin-on)

• All-purpose flour (for coating)

• Oil (for frying)

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

• 1/2 cup white sugar

• 1/2 cup Japanese soy sauce (like Kikkoman)

• 1/2 cup water

The Secret to Authentic Teriyaki Chicken

1. Choosing the Right Chicken

Authentic Japanese teriyaki chicken is always made with chicken thighs, never chicken breast. The extra fat in the thighs ensures the meat stays juicy and tender, while the skin crisps up beautifully without the need for additional oil. Leave the thighs whole while cooking to retain moisture and maximize flavor, slicing them into strips only after cooking.

2. The Right Soy Sauce Matters

While you can use any soy sauce, I highly recommend using Japanese shoyu like Kikkoman for a truly authentic taste. The balance of saltiness and umami in Japanese soy sauce creates a perfectly rich teriyaki glaze.

3. No Need to Marinate!

Unlike many Westernized versions, Japanese teriyaki doesn’t require hours of marination. Instead, the sauce is added directly to the pan after cooking the chicken, allowing it to soak up all the flavor while keeping the skin crisp.

How to Make Restaurant-Quality Chicken Teriyaki

Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, sugar, and water.

2. Stir gently until the sugar fully dissolves (about 5 minutes).

3. Once dissolved, turn off the heat and set the sauce aside.

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

1. Lightly coat the chicken thighs with all-purpose flour (this helps achieve a crispier crust).

2. Heat a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat.

3. Place the chicken skin-side down and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy.

4. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for another 5 minutes until browned.

Step 3: Add the Teriyaki Sauce

1. Pour the teriyaki sauce into the pan (it should come up about halfway around the chicken thighs).

2. Immediately reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.

3. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the skin to develop a deep, glossy caramelization.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

1. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a minute.

2. Slice into thick strips and drizzle with the remaining teriyaki sauce from the pan.

3. Serve traditionally over steamed white rice, or try it with roast potatoes for a modern twist!

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Teriyaki

✔ Want extra crispiness? Let the chicken cook skin-side down undisturbed for the full 7 minutes before flipping.

✔ To Finish Like a Pro: Sprinkle a dash of togarashi (Japanese chili powder) or black pepper for a restaurant touch.

✔ Want a thicker sauce? Simmer the sauce for an additional 5 minutes after removing the chicken to reduce and concentrate the flavors.

Final Thoughts

This 3-ingredient chicken teriyaki recipe proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something truly spectacular. It’s all about using the right techniques to achieve that deep, savory-sweet umami goodness that makes teriyaki chicken such a beloved dish.

If you’re looking for restaurant-quality teriyaki chicken that’s simple, fast, and packed with flavor, this is THE recipe to follow. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Craving more Japanese-inspired recipes? Check out my other foolproof favorites on Hunger Hugs! 🍜🔥