🍗 Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

Juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly sticky-sweet—this Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is a summer grilling favorite that delivers bold flavor in every bite. With a simple homemade teriyaki marinade, this dish is the perfect blend of salty, sweet, and smoky. It’s ideal for backyard BBQs, weeknight dinners, or meal prep for the week ahead. Serve it over rice, alongside grilled pineapple, or tucked into lettuce wraps.

🕒 Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Marinate Time: 2–12 hours

• Grill Time: 10–14 minutes

• Total Time: ~2½ to 13 hours

• Servings: 4–6

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

• Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

For the Homemade Teriyaki Marinade

• ½ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening marinade)

🔥 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Marinade

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.

2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

3. Optional: Mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the sauce to thicken. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until glossy.

4. Let cool completely before using as a marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish.

2. Pour ⅔ of the cooled teriyaki marinade over the chicken.

3. Seal and refrigerate for 2–12 hours, flipping occasionally. Reserve the remaining ⅓ marinade for basting or serving.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

1. Heat your grill to medium-high (400°F).

2. Oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

1. Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess.

2. Grill over direct heat for 5–7 minutes per side, or until internal temp reaches 165°F.

3. During the last 2 minutes, brush with reserved marinade to glaze.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

2. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

3. Serve over steamed rice, grilled veggies, or in wraps.

✅ Tips & Variations

• Cut of meat: Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts also work—adjust grilling time accordingly.

• Make it spicy: Add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade.

• Meal prep tip: Grill extra and refrigerate for up to 4 days—great for rice bowls or salads.

• Shortcut: Use store-bought teriyaki sauce if you're in a hurry, but homemade really enhances flavor.

📋 Printable Recipe Card

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Sticky, smoky, and full of flavor—perfect for BBQs and easy dinners.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts

• ½ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 2 tbsp sesame oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

• Optional: cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water)

• Green onions, sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Combine all marinade ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer, cool.

2. Marinate chicken in ⅔ of the sauce for 2–12 hours.

3. Preheat grill to medium-high. Oil grates.

4. Grill chicken 5–7 min/side, brushing with reserved sauce.

5. Rest 5 minutes, garnish, and serve.

✅ Tips & Variations

• Cut of meat: Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts also work—adjust grilling time accordingly.

• Make it spicy: Add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade.

• Meal prep tip: Grill extra and refrigerate for up to 4 days—great for rice bowls or salads.

• Shortcut: Use store-bought teriyaki sauce if you're in a hurry, but homemade really enhances flavor.

📋 Printable Recipe Card

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Sticky, smoky, and full of flavor—perfect for BBQs and easy dinners.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts

• ½ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 2 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 2 tbsp sesame oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

• Optional: cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water)

• Green onions, sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Combine all marinade ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer, cool.

2. Marinate chicken in ⅔ of the sauce for 2–12 hours.

3. Preheat grill to medium-high. Oil grates.

4. Grill chicken 5–7 min/side, brushing with reserved sauce.

5. Rest 5 minutes, garnish, and serve.