Baked Teriyaki Chicken

If you need a recipe that will have everyone running to the table, then try this Baked Teriyaki Chicken. This teriyaki chicken is made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand and it's so incredibly easy to make in the oven.

After trying this recipe, you might be rethinking your store-bought teriyaki sauce and Japanese takeout menus.

What Is Teriyaki Chicken?

Teriyaki chicken is simply chicken that is coated in teriyaki sauce.

The dish comes from the Japanese cooking technique called teriyaki, where meat is grilled or broiled with a soy sauce, mirin, and sugar glaze. Today, teriyaki chicken refers to any chicken with teriyaki sauce — regardless of the cooking method.

What Is Teriyaki Sauce?

Traditional teriyaki sauce is made up of four ingredients: soy sauce, mirin, ginger, and sugar. But many chefs have their own takes on teriyaki sauce.

In this recipe, the teriyaki sauce includes soy sauce, sugar, ginger, cornstarch (for thickening), cider vinegar (instead of mirin), water, garlic, and black pepper.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken

You'll find the full, simple recipe below, but here's a brief idea of what you can expect:

Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, ground ginger, white sugar, minced garlic, cornstarch, cold water, cider vinegar, and black pepper. Simmer until thick and bubbling.

Glaze the Chicken

Coat the chicken on both sides with the teriyaki sauce. For more flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours or overnight.

Bake the Chicken

Bake the chicken in a 425 degree F oven for 50 minutes, brushing with sauce every 10 minutes.

How Long to Bake Teriyaki Chicken

The baking time can vary depending on how big your chicken pieces are. In this recipe, the chicken is cooked for 50-60 minutes. This should work for most chicken thighs.

When in doubt, pull out your digital thermometer. Teriyaki chicken is done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

What to Serve With Teriyaki Chicken

Just like at your favorite restaurant, teriyaki chicken is best served with rice and vegetables. Try one of these tasty side dishes:

Easy Roasted BroccoliBasic White RiceStir-Fried VegetablesSuperfast Asparagus

Cookdap Community Tips and Praise

“This was great! I couldn’t believe that my home-made teriyaki sauce tasted better than most of the bottled sauces out there. My picky eater daughter kept talking about how good it was even the next day and my 21 month son keeps saying yummy,” raves Frank-Jennifer Amaning.

“This is a number one favorite at our house! So juice, tender, and delicious. The only thing I do different, and boy does it make a difference, if make a double batch and I marinade my chicken in a tightly closed zip lock pack (flipping over periodically) for 2 full days. Then I cook it exactly as the recipe calls for,” says Heather Gilmore.

“Every time I’ve made this, I’ve gotten compliments that it’s the best chicken ever. Moist, falls apart, not tough and easy to cut and delicious,” according to MARESSAC79.