If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table, Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Thighs is the answer. Juicy, tender chicken thighs are coated in a rich, sweet, and savory teriyaki sauce that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks.
This recipe gives you that restaurant-style taste without the hassle. The homemade teriyaki glaze is simple to make and strikes the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami-rich flavors. Whether you bake, grill, or pan-sear these chicken thighs, the sauce creates a sticky, flavorful coating that makes every bite irresistible.
Best of all, you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Let’s get started!
The Ingredients That Bring This Dish to Life
A great teriyaki dish starts with the right combination of simple, bold ingredients. Here’s what makes this recipe so good:
- Chicken Thighs – Juicy and flavorful, they stay tender while soaking up all the delicious sauce.
- Soy Sauce – This is the base of the teriyaki glaze, adding depth and a rich, savory flavor.
- Brown Sugar or Honey – A touch of sweetness balances out the saltiness and helps create that signature sticky glaze.
- Ginger & Garlic – These aromatics take the sauce to the next level, adding warmth and complexity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), minced garlic, ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar. If you want a thicker sauce, add cornstarch mixed with water.
- Marinate the Chicken: For the best flavor, let the chicken thighs soak in the sauce for at least 30 minutes. This allows the meat to absorb all the rich flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: You can pan-sear for a crispy, caramelized exterior, bake for an easy hands-off option, or grill for a smoky, charred finish. Whichever method you choose, baste the chicken with the sauce as it cooks.
- Reduce the Glaze: While the chicken is cooking, simmer the remaining marinade in a small pot until it thickens into a sticky glaze.
- Coat and Serve: Brush the thickened teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken thighs and serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
How to Customize Your Teriyaki Chicken
This recipe is already packed with flavor, but here are some ways to make it your own:
- Add Some Heat – Stir in red pepper flakes or a little sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Make It Lighter – Swap out brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
- Go Gluten-Free – Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Try Different Proteins – This teriyaki glaze works just as well with salmon, shrimp, or tofu.
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What Makes This Teriyaki Chicken a Must-Try
There’s a reason teriyaki is a go-to sauce for so many meals. It’s versatile, easy, and packed with bold flavors. Here’s why this dish is always a winner:
- Balanced Flavors – The mix of savory, sweet, and umami keeps every bite exciting.
- No-Fuss Cooking – Whether you pan-fry, bake, or grill, this recipe is foolproof.
- Works with Everything – Serve it over rice, noodles, or even as a protein-packed meal prep option.
What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
This dish shines on its own, but pairing it with the right sides takes it to another level. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – The soft, fluffy rice soaks up all that delicious teriyaki sauce.
- Garlic Butter Green Beans – A simple veggie side with just the right amount of crunch.
- Asian Slaw – A refreshing, tangy slaw balances the richness of the chicken.
- Sesame Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Adds a touch of natural sweetness that complements the teriyaki glaze.
Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- Skillet or Grill For cooking the chicken
- Small Pot For thickening the sauce
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on or boneless
- 1/2 cup soy sauce low sodium recommended
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey for a natural sweetness
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar.
- Marinate the chicken thighs in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the chicken in a hot skillet or grill over medium heat, basting with sauce as it cooks.
- Simmer the remaining marinade in a small pot until thickened into a glaze.
- Brush the glaze over the cooked chicken and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
- Serve with rice, noodles, or a side of steamed veggies.
- Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
Sherry Eiler
Friday 7th of March 2025
A quick meal that feels like a gourmet treat.
Frank Byrd
Friday 7th of March 2025
Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection.