Go Back
Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Honey Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

This honey teriyaki chicken recipe features juicy chicken coated in a glossy honey teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey. Serve it with rice and broccoli for an easy skillet dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Honey Teriyaki Sauce
  • ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 3 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
For Serving
  • Cooked jasmine white, or brown rice
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Sliced green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into evenly sized bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Season the chicken: Season the chicken lightly with salt and black pepper.
  3. Mix the sauce: Whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
  4. Make the slurry: Stir cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl until completely smooth.
  5. Brown the chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
  6. Remove the chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate while preparing the sauce.
  7. Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and pour the honey teriyaki sauce into the same skillet.
  8. Thicken the glaze: Stir the cornstarch slurry again, add it gradually to the simmering sauce, and cook for 1–2 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened.
  9. Glaze the chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss for 1–2 minutes until every piece is coated with the sticky sauce.
  10. Serve: Spoon the chicken over warm rice and finish with broccoli, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

  • For juicy chicken: Boneless chicken thighs are especially forgiving, while chicken breasts work well when not overcooked.
  • For a glossy glaze: Add the cornstarch slurry gradually and stop cooking once the sauce coats the chicken.
  • For less sweetness: Reduce the honey slightly according to your taste.
  • For extra garlic flavor: Add one additional minced garlic clove.
  • Food safety: Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Serving idea: Jasmine rice and steamed broccoli pair especially well with the sweet-savory glaze.

Storage

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months for best quality.

Reheating

Reheat gently and add a small splash of water if the sauce has become too thick.