20-Minute Teriyaki Chicken: Your Go-To Quick & Easy Weeknight Dinner

Craving that irresistible sweet, savory, and sticky teriyaki chicken you get at your favorite food court, but don’t want to leave the house? This easy 20-minute Teriyaki Chicken recipe is your answer! It’s incredibly simple to make, uses everyday pantry ingredients, and is perfect for a lightning-fast weeknight dinner or efficient meal prepping. The whole family will absolutely love this tender, flavor-packed dish!

Imagine succulent, tender chicken pieces generously coated in a glossy, sweet, sticky, and deeply umami-rich teriyaki sauce, perfectly balanced with vibrant, al dente broccoli florets. Now, picture all of this served over a bed of fluffy, aromatic steamed rice, ready to be devoured. This isn’t just a fantasy; it’s the reality of a homemade teriyaki chicken that can be on your table in just twenty minutes from start to finish, using simple, mostly pantry-staple ingredients. Yes, please, indeed!

Growing up, a visit to the bustling mall was never truly complete without a mandatory stop at the Japanese restaurant in the food court. The highlight for me was always a quick shrimp or chicken teriyaki bowl. These bowls typically featured perfectly steamed rice, a medley of crisp, sautéed cabbage, and of course, incredibly tender protein swimming in that signature, addictive teriyaki sauce. While my college days of working at the mall and indulging in these treats are long gone, the nostalgic flavors linger, bringing back a flood of fond memories.

After years of savoring those classic food court flavors, I was inspired to create a homemade version. My goal was a recipe that captured the essence of that beloved mall teriyaki – its deep flavor and tender texture – but was also incredibly easy to prepare on a busy weeknight with minimal effort. This recipe not only meets that criterion but also exceeds it. It’s so straightforward that almost anyone, regardless of their cooking experience, can master it with ease.

Seriously, this dish is practically effortless. It’s designed to bring maximum flavor with minimum fuss, making it an ideal choice when time is short but you still want a satisfying, wholesome meal. Say goodbye to complicated steps and hello to a quick, delicious dinner solution!

Essential Ingredients for Your 20-Minute Teriyaki Chicken

Crafting this incredible 20-minute teriyaki chicken requires a selection of accessible ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Boneless Chicken: For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken is ideal. You can choose chicken breasts, tenders, or even thighs for a richer flavor. The key is to cut them into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and quick preparation. This size also maximizes the surface area for the sauce to cling to!
• Baking Soda (The Secret Tenderizer): This might seem unusual, but baking soda is my absolute secret ingredient for achieving that incredibly tender, “take-out” texture in chicken, even with minimal marinating time. It works by slightly raising the pH of the chicken’s surface, breaking down muscle fibers and preventing them from seizing up during cooking. Don’t skip this step – it makes a noticeable difference!
• Seasonings: We’ll be using a simple yet effective blend of salt, white pepper, and a touch of garlic powder to season the chicken before cooking. These basic seasonings enhance the natural flavor of the chicken and create a delicious base for the teriyaki sauce.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli florets from your grocery store are perfect here. However, if frozen broccoli is all you have, that works too! Just ensure you lightly steam or blanch the broccoli beforehand. You want it to be crisp-tender, not mushy, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. This retains its vibrant color and pleasant bite.
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce: This is the fundamental base of our flavorful teriyaki sauce. Using low-sodium soy sauce is crucial to prevent the dish from becoming overly salty, allowing you to control the seasoning precisely. Regular soy sauce can overwhelm the other delicate flavors.
• Minced Garlic + Grated Ginger: These fresh aromatics are non-negotiable for authentic and vibrant teriyaki flavor. The pungent garlic and zesty ginger infuse the sauce with incredible depth and warmth, elevating the entire dish. Using freshly minced and grated ingredients makes a world of difference compared to dried versions.
• Rice Vinegar: A splash of rice vinegar is essential for balancing the richness and sweetness of the teriyaki sauce. Its mild acidity cuts through the savory and sweet notes, adding a bright, tangy finish that prevents the sauce from being cloyingly sweet.
• Dark Brown Sugar: I highly recommend using dark brown sugar for this recipe. The higher molasses content in dark brown sugar imparts a deeper, richer, and more complex caramel-like flavor to the sauce compared to light brown sugar. If dark brown sugar isn’t available, light brown sugar is a perfectly acceptable substitute, but you might notice a slight difference in flavor depth.
• Cornstarch: This humble ingredient is key to achieving that signature thick, glossy, and clingy teriyaki sauce. Cornstarch acts as a thickener, creating that wonderful consistency that coats every piece of chicken and broccoli beautifully.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: A drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the end adds a distinct nutty, aromatic depth to the finished dish. It’s a finishing oil that enhances the overall Asian-inspired flavor profile and provides a warm, inviting aroma.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Teriyaki Chicken from Scratch

Getting this delicious teriyaki chicken on the table in just 20 minutes is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:

1. Marinate the Chicken for Tenderness: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the kosher salt, white pepper, garlic powder, and the magic ingredient – baking soda. Add just one tablespoon of water to this mixture to help create a slurry that coats the chicken evenly. Add your cut chicken pieces and toss thoroughly until every piece is well-coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 5 minutes. If you have a little more time, 30 minutes would be even better for maximum tenderness, but it’s entirely optional and still delicious with a shorter marinade.
2. Whip Up the Teriyaki Sauce: Now, it’s time to prepare the star of the show – the teriyaki sauce! In a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid (or a bowl with a whisk), combine all your sauce ingredients: low sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, dark brown sugar, grated ginger, cornstarch, toasted sesame oil, and an optional pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Add two tablespoons of cold water to the mixture; this helps to prevent the cornstarch from clumping. If using a jar, simply cap it and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the cornstarch has dissolved. If using a bowl, whisk thoroughly until smooth.
3. Cook Your Chicken Teriyaki to Perfection: Heat a generous tablespoon of oil (such as vegetable or canola) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is very hot but not smoking, as this is crucial for a good sear. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot pan, being careful not to overcrowd it (cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning). Stir-fry the chicken, turning occasionally, until it browns evenly on all sides and is almost cooked through, about 4-6 minutes. Next, add the lightly steamed broccoli florets to the pan with the chicken and toss to combine. Give your prepared teriyaki sauce another quick shake or stir, then pour it over the chicken and broccoli. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a beautiful, glossy consistency and coats everything. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.
4. Serve and Garnish: Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is perfectly cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Top your delicious homemade teriyaki chicken with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately over freshly made steamed rice, perhaps with additional sautéed vegetables on the side. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions & Tips for Success

Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?

Absolutely! Broccoli is a fantastic choice, but this teriyaki chicken is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. If you prefer to omit broccoli entirely, feel free! Other excellent options include lightly sautéed mushrooms – just sauté them in the pan before adding the chicken, remove, cook the chicken, and then add them back in with the sauce. Sliced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), snap peas, or even thinly sliced carrots would also be delicious additions. For a classic food court vibe, consider sautéing a bag of shredded cabbage mix and serving it on the side for an authentic touch. Just remember to cook heartier vegetables (like carrots or bell peppers) slightly beforehand to ensure they are crisp-tender by the time the dish is ready.

How long does leftover chicken teriyaki last?

Here’s an exciting secret: leftover teriyaki chicken often tastes even better on the second day as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen! This makes it an ideal candidate for meal prepping. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. While it’s still delicious on day 4, I personally find its peak flavor and texture to be within days 1-3. When reheating, a quick stir-fry in a skillet or a zap in the microwave will bring it back to life. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating can help loosen the sauce if it’s too thick.

Tips for the Best 20-Minute Teriyaki Chicken

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For perfectly browned chicken, ensure there’s enough space between pieces in the skillet. If your pan is too full, the chicken will steam instead of sear, resulting in a less flavorful and less appealing texture. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Adjust Sweetness and Saltiness: Taste your sauce before adding it to the pan. If you prefer it sweeter, add a touch more brown sugar. If it needs more savory depth, a tiny splash of additional soy sauce can help. Remember, it’s easier to add more than to take away.
• Fresh is Best for Aromatics: While garlic powder and ground ginger can be used in a pinch, fresh minced garlic and grated ginger truly elevate the flavor profile of the sauce, providing a much brighter and more pungent kick.
• Serve Immediately: While leftovers are great, this dish is truly at its best when served fresh, straight from the pan, with the sauce still glossy and the chicken tender.

Other Asian-Inspired Takeout Dishes to Try at Home:

If you loved this quick teriyaki chicken, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic takeout-inspired recipes that you can easily make in your own kitchen:

• 15 Minute Fried Rice: An incredibly fast and flavorful side dish or light meal.
• Garlic Noodles: These buttery, garlicky noodles would be an absolutely delicious accompaniment to your teriyaki chicken.
• Sweet and Tangy Thai Cucumber Salad: A refreshing and vibrant side dish to complement richer flavors.
• Instant Pot Korean Beef Bowls: For another quick and delicious beef option.
• The Best Pepper Steak Stir Fry: A hearty and savory stir-fry packed with flavor.
• Thai Basil Chicken: A fragrant and spicy dish for those who love a kick.
• Weeknight Dan Dan Noodles: Satisfying and savory noodles perfect for any night.
• Cashew Chicken: A classic, comforting dish with crunchy cashews.
• General Tso’s Chicken Meatballs: A fun and flavorful twist on a takeout favorite.

This 20-minute teriyaki chicken recipe isn’t just fast; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with smart techniques, can create an explosion of flavor reminiscent of your favorite takeout. Whether you’re looking for a swift weeknight meal, a healthy lunch to prep, or just a delicious dish that satisfies those cravings, this recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the ease and the incredible taste!