Easy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe

Make an easy teriyaki chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce using simple ingredients like soy sauce, honey, and fresh orange juice. This quick recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a perfectly balanced sweet and savory glaze. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or serving over rice with vegetables. Get tips on ingredient swaps, cooking methods, and storage options.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from 1 1/2 medium or 1 large orange)
• 3 Tbsp honey
• 1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 1/2 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6-7 medium), trimmed of fat
• 1 Tbsp light olive oil
• 1 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, orange juice, honey, ginger, and sesame oil to create the marinade.
2. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and add to the marinade. Stir to coat, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
3. Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
4. Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Add the chicken to the hot pan and sauté, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5 minutes).
5. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside in a bowl.
6. Pour the reserved marinade into the pan, add butter, and return to medium-high heat. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly until slightly thickened (about 1 minute), then remove from heat.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to coat in the sauce.
8. Serve over hot, buttery white rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

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Tips

• Marinate the chicken for a longer time (up to 2 hours in the fridge) for deeper flavor.
• Use fresh ginger for the best taste, but ground ginger can be substituted if needed.
• Let the sauce simmer for an extra minute if you prefer a thicker glaze.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option.
• Substitute maple syrup or brown sugar for honey for a different sweetness level.
• Add bell peppers or broccoli for a vegetable-packed dish.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled orange juice works in a pinch.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Store the cooked chicken and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?
Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a balanced meal.
• Pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas.
• Use leftovers in a stir-fry, wrap, or salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
• Perfectly balanced flavors with sweet, savory, and citrusy notes.
• Great for meal prep and reheats well for leftovers.