Ultimate Homemade Teriyaki Grilled Chicken: A Juicy, Flavor-Packed Summer Favorite

Prepare to elevate your summer grilling experience with this incredibly juicy and flavorful homemade teriyaki grilled chicken. Each piece of chicken is generously coated in a rich, sweet, and tangy homemade teriyaki sauce, then perfectly cooked on the grill, ensuring every bite is bursting with an irresistible taste. This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the ultimate chicken dinner for those warm, sunny days.

If you’re a fan of the delightful sweet and savory harmony found in this teriyaki creation, be sure to explore our easy Hawaiian chicken recipe next – it’s another fantastic option for a flavorful meal!

Summer means barbecue season, and there’s nothing quite like the smoky aroma and delicious taste of food cooked outdoors. Whether we’re enjoying a perfectly grilled ribeye steak or tender, slow-cooked smoked chicken legs, the grill always brings people together. This teriyaki grilled chicken stands out as an exceptionally easy recipe that’s packed with an incredible depth of flavor, especially when prepared with my absolute best homemade chicken marinade. It takes no time at all for the chicken to grill up beautifully, achieving that ideal balance of tender juiciness inside and a tantalizingly sticky, sweet-savory teriyaki glaze on the outside.

Why This Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Will Become Your New Favorite

This recipe isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s a culinary experience designed for ease and maximum flavor. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making this grilled teriyaki chicken again and again:

• Unbeatable Homemade Marinade: Forget bland, store-bought sauces! Our easy homemade teriyaki sauce is a true game-changer. It masterfully performs double duty as an umami-packed marinade, deeply infusing the chicken with rich, savory, and tangy notes. It has just the right amount of sweetness, complemented by a delightful hint of toasty sesame and the zesty warmth of fresh ginger. This depth of flavor is what truly elevates the dish, making every bite unforgettable.
• Effortless 10-Minute Prep: Life gets busy, which is why this recipe is designed for ultimate convenience. With just about 10 minutes of active preparation, you can have your chicken marinating in the fridge. While you’ll need to plan ahead to allow at least 1-2 hours for the chicken to really soak up all those incredible flavors (though longer is always better!), the hands-on time is minimal, leaving you more time to enjoy your day.
• Incredibly Versatile for Any Meal: One of the best aspects of this grilled teriyaki chicken is its adaptability. It’s fantastic as the star of your next summer barbecue, served alongside classic sides like pasta salad or potato salad. But its versatility doesn’t stop there! Slice the cooked chicken and layer it over fluffy rice, toss it with noodles for a quick stir-fry, or incorporate it into a vibrant veggie bowl. It even makes a delicious and filling addition to wraps and sandwiches for lunch or a lighter dinner.

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Teriyaki Chicken

While you certainly *could* use your favorite store-bought teriyaki sauce if you’re truly pressed for time, I wholeheartedly encourage you to make it from scratch. The depth, freshness, and vibrant flavor of homemade teriyaki sauce are simply unparalleled and will transform this dish. This versatile sauce is not only perfect for chicken but also fantastic on grilled shrimp kebobs and other proteins. Below are some detailed notes on the specific ingredients you’ll need to craft this easy and delicious sauce. For precise measurements and a convenient printable list, please refer to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

• Soy Sauce: This forms the savory backbone of our teriyaki sauce, providing that essential salty, umami flavor. For those with dietary restrictions, tamari or coconut aminos are excellent gluten-free and soy-free alternatives that will still deliver a great taste.
• Mirin: A cornerstone of authentic Japanese cuisine, mirin is a sweet Japanese rice cooking wine, similar in profile to sake but with a lower alcohol content and higher sugar level. It’s absolutely crucial for achieving the signature glaze and subtle sweetness of teriyaki. If mirin is unavailable, dry sherry or a dry white wine can serve as the next best substitute in this recipe, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to balance the savory notes and contribute to the sauce’s desired thickness and beautiful caramelization. You can easily substitute it with brown sugar for a richer, molasses-like sweetness, or honey for a more natural, floral sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar: This ingredient adds a bright, tangy counterpoint to the sweetness and richness of the sauce, preventing it from becoming cloyingly sweet. White wine vinegar can be used as an alternative if rice vinegar isn’t on hand.
• Fresh Garlic and Ginger: For the most vibrant and aromatic flavor, freshly minced garlic and ginger are non-negotiable. They provide a pungent, zesty kick that is characteristic of good teriyaki. In a pinch, you can substitute ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for each fresh clove of garlic and ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger for each tablespoon of fresh minced ginger, but prioritize fresh if possible.
• Sesame Oil: This ingredient is essential for imparting a nutty, aromatic depth that completes the Asian-inspired flavor profile of the teriyaki sauce. I strongly recommend using toasted sesame oil for a more pronounced flavor. While you might be tempted to skip it, its contribution to the sauce’s overall complexity is significant, so try to include it if you can.

Selecting the Perfect Chicken Cut for Grilling

One of the true advantages of this teriyaki grilling recipe is its flexibility – you can use nearly any cut of chicken you prefer! All options will soak up the delicious marinade, but consider these points for the best results:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: A popular lean choice, breasts cook relatively quickly and absorb flavors well. To ensure even cooking and prevent drying out, you might want to pound thicker breasts to a uniform thickness.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These are often praised for their inherent juiciness and rich flavor, making them very forgiving on the grill. They tend to stay moist even if slightly overcooked.
• Chicken Tenderloins: The quickest cooking option, tenderloins are perfect for speedy weeknight meals. Be mindful of their smaller size to avoid overcooking.
• Bone-in Chicken (Thighs, Drumsticks, Wings): Bone-in cuts offer even more flavor and tend to stay exceptionally moist. However, they will require a longer cooking time on the grill compared to their boneless counterparts, and often benefit from a combination of direct and indirect heat.

Regardless of your choice, remember that the internal temperature is key to food safety and deliciousness. I’ll provide some suggested cooking times further down the post, but an instant-read thermometer is your best friend!

Simple Steps to Make Perfect Teriyaki Grilled Chicken

Achieving tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful teriyaki chicken is a breeze with these three straightforward steps. Get ready to impress! Detailed, printable instructions are available in the recipe card found at the end of this post.

• Step 1: Prepare the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce. Begin by combining all the teriyaki sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and allow it to cook for 10-15 minutes. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and helps the sauce thicken to a perfect consistency, ready to cling to your chicken. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before using.
• Step 2: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor. Once your delicious homemade teriyaki sauce has cooled, carefully set aside about ¼ cup of the sauce – this will be used for basting later. Pour the remaining cooled sauce over your chosen chicken pieces in a large bowl or a resealable bag. Toss the chicken thoroughly, ensuring every surface is well coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and place it into the refrigerator to marinate. For optimal flavor absorption, aim for at least 2 hours, but for truly outstanding results, marinating overnight (8-12 hours) is highly recommended.
• Step 3: Grill to Perfection. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to a high heat setting. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken directly onto the hot grill grates. For most boneless chicken cuts, such as breasts or thighs, you’ll want to cook for approximately 5 minutes per side. As the chicken cooks, periodically baste it with the ¼ cup of reserved teriyaki sauce you set aside earlier. *Important: Never baste with the raw marinade that the chicken soaked in.* Continue grilling until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) at its thickest part, checked with an instant-read thermometer. Once cooked, remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve immediately, drizzling any remaining basting sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor.

Optimal Grilling Times for Various Chicken Cuts

The exact time required to grill your teriyaki chicken will vary depending on the specific cut and thickness of the chicken you’re using. However, a universal rule for food safety and deliciousness is to cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) at its thickest part. Always use an instant-read meat thermometer to accurately check the temperature, ensuring your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.

To help guide you, here are some general grilling guidelines for different cuts of teriyaki-marinated chicken. These times assume a medium-high to high grill heat:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Grill for 5-7 minutes per side. For thicker breasts, consider pounding them slightly to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Boneless Skinless Thighs: These typically take 7-10 minutes per side. Thighs are more forgiving and remain juicy even with slightly longer cooking.
• Chicken Tenders: Due to their smaller size, tenders cook very quickly, usually 2-4 minutes per side. Keep a close eye on them to prevent drying out.
• Drumsticks: Plan for 20-30 minutes total grilling time. Turn them frequently to ensure even cooking and a beautiful char on all sides.
• Bone-in Thighs: These require more time, approximately 30-40 minutes total. Flip them occasionally and consider moving them to indirect heat after initial searing to finish cooking through without burning the exterior.
• Wings: Grill wings for 15-25 minutes, turning them often to achieve crispy skin and cooked-through meat.

Expert Tips & Creative Variations for Your Teriyaki Chicken

Mastering grilled chicken is all about technique and a little creativity. Here are some extra tips and exciting variations to make your teriyaki chicken even more spectacular:

• Preventing Burns While Grilling: Teriyaki sauce, with its sugar content, can burn easily over high heat. If you notice the chicken browning too quickly on the outside before it’s cooked through, simply lower your grill’s heat. Alternatively, move the chicken to a cooler, indirect heat zone on your grill to allow it to finish cooking gently without charring excessively. Keep an eye on it!
• Crafting Delicious Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: This recipe is perfect for skewers! Marinate bite-sized pieces of chicken as directed, then thread them onto skewers. For added flavor and visual appeal, alternate chicken pieces with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, red onion, pineapple chunks, or zucchini. Grill these skewers according to the directions for our chicken skewers recipe, basting with the reserved sauce.
• No Grill? No Problem! Alternative Cooking Methods: Don’t have a grill or facing inclement weather? You can absolutely still enjoy this amazing teriyaki chicken indoors!
  • Baking in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, flipping halfway through and basting with reserved sauce. Adjust baking time based on the thickness and cut of chicken, similar to our baked BBQ chicken recipe.
  • Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken: For a hands-off approach, try our fantastic slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe. It yields incredibly tender chicken infused with all the sweet-savory goodness.
  • Pan-Searing: For smaller cuts like tenderloins or thinly sliced chicken breasts, you can pan-sear them in a hot skillet with a little oil. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then finish with a drizzle of the reserved sauce.

Delightful Serving Suggestions for Teriyaki Chicken

This teriyaki chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive summer gathering. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy this sweet and tangy grilled masterpiece:

• Classic Rice and Noodles: Serve your grilled teriyaki chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. Alternatively, toss it with noodles for a satisfying and easy teriyaki chicken noodle bowl. You can also create a vibrant and balanced teriyaki chicken bowl with rice, steamed edamame, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
• Fresh Salads: For a lighter meal, pair the chicken with a crisp salad. A simple tossed green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good choice. For an Asian-inspired twist, try it with our easy Asian salad, featuring crunchy vegetables and a complementary dressing.
• Grilled & Fresh Toppings: Elevate the flavors further by topping your chicken with a refreshing grilled pineapple salsa, which adds a fantastic sweet and smoky counterpoint. A crunchy napa cabbage slaw also provides a delightful texture and zesty flavor.
• Roasted or Steamed Vegetables: Simple roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make excellent, healthy sides that complement the rich teriyaki flavor without overpowering it.
• Repurposed Leftovers: Don’t let any delicious leftovers go to waste! Shred or slice the cooled teriyaki chicken and use it in lunchtime wraps, on top of green salads, or as a flavorful addition to a quick stir-fry.

Storing & Reheating Your Teriyaki Grilled Chicken

Proper storage and reheating ensure that your leftover teriyaki grilled chicken remains just as delicious as when it was first made. Here’s how to keep it fresh and ready for another meal:

• Refrigeration: Any leftover teriyaki chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. It will remain fresh and safe to eat for 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a covered skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350ºF (175ºC) until it’s heated through, usually about 10-15 minutes for individual pieces. Avoid overheating, as this can dry out the chicken.
• Freezing: Cooked teriyaki grilled chicken freezes beautifully for longer storage. To freeze, allow the chicken to cool completely. Then, double-wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using the methods described above.

Discover More Delicious Grilling Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed this teriyaki grilled chicken, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic grilling recipes perfect for any outdoor cooking adventure:

• Grilled Avocado Chicken with Fresh Salsa
• Classic Grilled Chicken Legs
• Zesty Chili Lime Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
• Grilled Chicken with Sweet Peach BBQ Sauce
• Flavorful Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chile Herb Sauce