Chicken Teriyaki Recipe: Juicy chicken in a sweet and savory sauce

Chicken Teriyaki is among the most popular Asian dishes in German kitchens, and for good reason: few ingredients, short cooking time, big flavor. In this Chicken Teriyaki recipe, we show you how to prepare chicken breast or chicken fillet in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce—originally Japanese-inspired, suitable for everyday home cooking, and also perfect for larger quantities in a professional catering setting.

What actually is Chicken Teriyaki?

Teriyaki is not originally a sauce, but a Japanese cooking technique: meat, fish, or vegetables are grilled or pan-fried and repeatedly brushed with a glaze of soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), and sugar. Consequently, Chicken Teriyaki refers to chicken prepared using this method, resulting in a dish that is glossy, lightly caramelized, and aromatically sweet and salty.

The name is composed of two Japanese terms: teri ("shine") and yaki ("grill/fry"). The technique originated in 17th-century Japan and later spread via Japanese immigrants to the USA—where "Teriyaki" is now often used as a synonym for the sauce itself, as is also common in German-speaking regions. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, mirin, the sweet rice wine, is the key ingredient that gives the sauce its characteristic sheen and mild sweetness.

What do you need for an authentic Chicken Teriyaki recipe?

An original teriyaki sauce recipe requires only four basic ingredients: soy sauce, mirin, sake (or dry sherry as a substitute), and sugar. Added to this are chicken breast or fillet as the protein, as well as rice and vegetables as sides.

Soy sauce is one of the most imported Asian staples in Germany: according to the Federal Statistical Office, around 24,903 tons of prepared soy sauce valued at 51.1 million euros were imported into Germany in 2021, a trend that has been rising for years. A good reason to pay attention to quality when it comes to this basic ingredient.

How do you make teriyaki sauce yourself?

Combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar in a ratio of 4:2:1:1 in a saucepan, bring to a brief boil, and simmer over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until the sauce becomes slightly syrupy. It can be further thickened with a little cornstarch dissolved in water.

Follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Optional: Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir in for a glossy, creamy consistency.
4. Stir in grated ginger and garlic to taste.
5. Remove from heat and set aside.

Homemade teriyaki sauce vs. pre-made sauce

For quick everyday meals or larger kitchens, it is worth using a pre-made soy sauce base from our sauces, while the DIY version is recommended for gourmets and those who like to experiment.

Chicken Teriyaki recipe: Step-by-step instructions

Sauce ready, ingredients prepared, now it's time for the actual preparation. This Chicken Teriyaki recipe is on the table in just 20 minutes and can be reliably prepared even by inexperienced home cooks.

Ingredients (2 servings)

• 400 g chicken breast or fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp neutral oil for frying
• Teriyaki sauce (see above)
• Sesame seeds and scallions for garnish

Preparation

1. Pat the chicken dry and cut into uniform pieces. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife like our non-food items.
2. Heat oil in a pan or wok until very hot.
3. Sear the chicken in portions until golden brown on all sides (approx. 5–6 minutes).
4. Reduce heat, add the teriyaki sauce, and turn the chicken in it for 2–3 minutes until fully glazed.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions and serve immediately.

Kitchen hygiene tip: Raw chicken should not be washed before preparation, as this spreads germs like Campylobacter throughout the kitchen. Instead, place it directly from the packaging into the hot pan and cook thoroughly. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment provides further details on this.

What side dishes go well with Chicken Teriyaki?

Classically, Chicken Teriyaki is served with rice; aromatic jasmine or basmati rice works particularly well. Broccoli with rice is one of the most popular combinations, as the slightly bitter broccoli provides a nice contrast to the sweet sauce.

More side dish ideas:

• Steamed broccoli or bok choy
• Wok-fried vegetables (bell pepper, carrot, sugar snap peas)
• Spring rolls as an appetizer, e.g., from our frozen goods
• A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar as a fresh component

For a balanced main meal, the Federal Center for Nutrition recommends composing every meal of a vegetable or fruit component, a side like rice, and a protein-rich food; Chicken Teriyaki with rice and broccoli fulfills this principle automatically.

What else can you use teriyaki sauce for?

Teriyaki sauce is not just suitable for chicken, but also as a marinade for salmon, as a glaze for grilled vegetables, or as a dip for spring rolls and gyoza.

Ideas for more recipes with teriyaki sauce:

• Salmon Teriyaki: Our fresh produce is excellent for the same preparation method as the chicken.
• Vegetable Teriyaki: Sauté broccoli, eggplant, or mushrooms in the sauce, ideal as a vegetarian option.
• Teriyaki Bowl: Combine rice, vegetables, and Chicken Teriyaki in a bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
• As a marinade: Marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30–60 minutes before frying or grilling to further intensify the aroma.

Chicken Teriyaki for catering: What restaurant kitchens should consider

For restaurants, snack bars, and caterers, Chicken Teriyaki is a worthwhile, calculable dish with high customer acceptance. A few practical points for professional use:

• Consistent quality: A standardized soy sauce base from our sauces ensures a consistent flavor across different preparations.
• Batch preparation: The sauce can easily be prepared in larger quantities and stored chilled in portions.
• Cross-selling: Teriyaki base works not just with chicken but also with fish or vegetable dishes—one basic product, multiple menu items.
• Sourcing: For commercial buyers, we offer soy sauce, mirin, and other basic ingredients in larger containers [insert delivery time and minimum order quantity].

The market for Asian gastronomy in Germany is growing noticeably: according to current market data, Asian establishments now account for over 7% of all restaurants in Germany, with particularly strong, sometimes double-digit growth in Korean and Thai cuisine.

This Chicken Teriyaki recipe is worth it for any occasion

Whether as a quick after-work meal with rice and broccoli or as a calculable menu item in the hospitality industry, this Chicken Teriyaki recipe wins people over with few ingredients, a short prep time, and a result that tastes like much more effort went into it than actually did. Once you have made the sauce yourself, you will quickly realize: the difference compared to ready-made products lies primarily in the control over sweetness and seasoning.

Using high-quality soy sauce and mirin as a base, such as from our sauces, Chicken Teriyaki can be prepared reliably and with consistent quality both at home and in a restaurant setting.

Frequently asked questions about Chicken Teriyaki

What exactly is Chicken Teriyaki?

Chicken Teriyaki is chicken prepared according to the Japanese teriyaki method: pan-fried or grilled and repeatedly brushed with a glaze of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. The result is glossy, lightly caramelized, and sweet-savory in flavor.

What do you need for teriyaki sauce?

At its core, only four ingredients: soy sauce, mirin, sake (or dry sherry as a substitute), and sugar. Ginger, garlic, and a little cornstarch for thickening are optional additions for more aroma and consistency.

How do you use teriyaki?

Teriyaki sauce is suitable as a glaze when frying or grilling, as a marinade before preparation, and as a dip for spring rolls or gyoza. It works not just with chicken, but also with salmon, beef, or vegetables.

What is the difference between soy sauce and teriyaki?

Soy sauce is a single ingredient: salty, fermented, and made from soybeans. Teriyaki sauce is a mixture where soy sauce only forms the base; only mirin and sugar give it its characteristic sweetness and shine.

What is the difference between teriyaki chicken and normal chicken?

"Normal" chicken usually refers to unglazed, classically seasoned, or fried meat. Teriyaki chicken is specifically prepared with the sweet-salty glaze, making it glossier, slightly sticky-caramelized, and more aromatic.