Easy Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or meal prep session. The sweet and savory sauce beautifully coats tender chicken, resulting in a delightful balance of flavors and moisture that everyone in the family will love. This recipe not only simplifies dinner preparations but also works wonders for lunch boxes, ensuring you have ready-to-eat meals throughout the week. Because it’s meal prep-friendly, you can easily whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy it even on the most hectic days. If you’re interested in additional meal prep ideas, check out the Easy Chicken Meal Prep Bowls for some inspiration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

This recipe serves four, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead. You may also find Best Crock Pot White Chicken Chili Easy Dump And Go useful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Meal Prep Friendly: This teriyaki chicken can be made in larger batches and stored for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. You may also find Easy Healthy High Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip useful.
Easy Portioning: With clear serving suggestions, it’s simple to divide the meal into multiple containers for ready-to-eat portions.
Busy Weekday Convenience: The quick cooking time means you can have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, a lifesaver for weekday cooking.
Accessible Ingredients: The ingredients used are commonly found in most kitchens, making it easier to whip up whenever the craving strikes.
High-Protein Meal: Chicken is an excellent source of protein, making this dish both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes

Chicken: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are the best choice for this recipe due to their quick cooking time and tenderness. You can also use thighs for a richer flavor.
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your sodium intake. The balance of sodium in the sauce complements the sweetness of honey perfectly.
Honey: This ingredient not only provides sweetness but also helps to glaze the chicken for a nice finish. You can substitute maple syrup if you prefer.
Rice Vinegar: It adds a subtle tang to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor. If not available, apple cider vinegar can serve as a substitute.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the sauce for a glossy finish.

Equipment

Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups
Meal prep containers

How to Make Easy Teriyaki Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Set aside some sauce for drizzling later if desired.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Allow it to warm for a minute before adding a bit of oil if needed.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet, cooking them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are browned and cooked through. You’ll know they are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, mix together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet. Bring it to a simmer and then add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously. The sauce will begin to thicken in a minute or so.

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, allowing it to soak in the sauce for a couple of minutes. This will add flavor and ensure that each piece is deliciously coated.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once the chicken is glossed with sauce, serve it sprinkled with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and a pop of color.

Meal Prep Instructions

To effectively prepare this Easy Teriyaki Chicken for meal prep:

Portion the Chicken: Cut the glazed chicken into bite-sized pieces for easier portioning.
Create Meal Containers: Divide the chicken into airtight meal prep containers, ideally with accompanying rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables, to make a complete meal.
Store Separately if Necessary: Consider storing the teriyaki sauce in a small container separate from the chicken to maintain texture during storage.
Cool Down Before Refrigerating: Let the chicken cool to room temperature before sealing the containers to avoid condensation and sogginess.

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Tips for the Best Results

Marinate Ahead: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) before cooking.
Cooking Temperature: Achieve a nice sear by heating your skillet adequately before adding the chicken.
Consistent Sizing: Cut your chicken pieces to a uniform size for even cooking.
Sauce Consistency: Make sure to stir the slurry into the sauce quickly to prevent lumps from forming.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and ginger to enhance the flavor impact of your teriyaki sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different take on this dish.
Vegetable Additions: Stir-fry vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas can be added to the skillet for a nutrient boost and color.
Grain Choices: Serve with rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.

How to Store This Meal Prep

Refrigerator

Store the prepared portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The teriyaki chicken can be kept fresh for up to 4 days, while the vegetables, if included, should stay crisp if stored properly.

Freezer

This teriyaki chicken freezes well. To freeze:

Cool the chicken to room temperature.
Place it in individual freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
It can be stored for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. This helps maintain the chicken’s moisture. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, covering the dish and heating in short bursts to prevent it from drying out.

What to Serve With Easy Teriyaki Chicken

Pair this teriyaki chicken with steamed broccoli, fluffy jasmine rice, or a side salad topped with sesame dressing. These accompaniments can easily be prepared in advance to complement your meal prep efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, the teriyaki chicken is suitable for make-ahead meals and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

2. How do I freeze this dish?

Let the chicken cool, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.

3. What is the best way to reheat teriyaki chicken?

Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, ensuring you cover the dish to retain moisture.

4. Can I use a different protein?

Yes! Feel free to substitute chicken with tofu, beef, or shrimp according to your preference.

5. What should I do with leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed in salads, on rice, or even in wraps for sandwiches.

By incorporating Easy Teriyaki Chicken into your meal planning, you can simplify cooking during the week while still enjoying a tasty and nutritious meal. Explore more practical Meal Nourish recipes to make your weekly cooking even easier.