This baked teriyaki chicken recipe is a wholesome and flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, sweet, and savory teriyaki glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s easy to prepare and delivers restaurant-quality flavor in less than an hour. Serve it over rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Ready in just 45 minutes, ideal for weeknight dinners.

Delicious homemade sauce: The sweet and savory teriyaki glaze is made from scratch with simple ingredients.
Healthier option: Baked instead of fried, with lean chicken breast as the base.
Family-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults for its mild, balanced flavor.

Versatile: Pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Meal prep friendly: Stores and reheats beautifully for next-day meals.

Customizable: Easily adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your preference.
Asian-inspired comfort food: A takeout favorite made simple at home.
Naturally dairy-free: Fits into a variety of dietary preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 large breasts)
½ cup soy sauce
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup rice vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Green onions, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 13x9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Place the chicken breasts in the prepared pan in a single layer.

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then whisk into the sauce.
Cook the sauce over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil. Reduce heat to low and whisk until the sauce thickens slightly.

Pour the teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
Bake for 20 minutes, then spoon the sauce from the pan over the chicken.
Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.

Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm over rice or with vegetables.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Low-sodium version: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce to cut down on salt.
Sweeter glaze: Add 1–2 tablespoons of honey or pineapple juice for extra sweetness.

Spicy twist: Stir in sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat.
Ginger boost: Add fresh grated ginger for a stronger aromatic flavor.
Vegetable addition: Bake with sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for a one-pan meal.

Chicken thighs: Substitute boneless, skinless thighs for juicier meat.
Gluten-free option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Extra glossy sauce: Brush on additional teriyaki sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Citrus flavor: Add a splash of orange juice or zest for brightness.
Grilled version: Grill the chicken and baste with sauce for a smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken with sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay even juicier when baked.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). You can check using a meat thermometer.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare and refrigerate the teriyaki sauce up to 3 days in advance. Reheat gently before pouring over chicken.

What can I serve with baked teriyaki chicken?

It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, quinoa, noodles, or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.

Is it okay to use a store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, but homemade sauce gives you fresher flavor and control over sweetness and saltiness.

Can I use honey instead of sugar?

Yes, honey or maple syrup can be used as natural sweeteners. Adjust to taste.

Why is my sauce too thin?

Simmer the sauce longer, or add an extra ½ teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.

How can I reduce the sodium content?

Use low-sodium soy sauce and avoid adding extra salt.

Can I turn this into a meal prep recipe?

Definitely. Divide cooked chicken and sauce into containers with rice or vegetables for easy grab-and-go lunches.

Conclusion

Baked teriyaki chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that brings a taste of your favorite takeout meal right to your kitchen. The homemade teriyaki glaze adds the perfect balance of sweetness and savory depth, coating each bite of tender chicken in irresistible flavor. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or prepping meals for the week, this quick and healthy recipe is sure to become a staple in your rotation

Baked Teriyaki Chicken