Why You’ll Love this Sweet Teriyaki Chicken
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort, this Sweet Teriyaki Chicken recipe is about to become your new go-to.
I’m obsessed with how the brown sugar creates a perfect sweet-savory balance with the soy sauce. Can you resist that glossy, caramelized glaze that coats every piece?
The marinade does double duty – tenderizing the chicken while infusing it with flavor.
Plus, turning some of it into a thickened sauce means nothing goes to waste. Serve it over steaming rice and watch everyone reach for seconds.
Meal prep friendly, too – because who doesn’t need more delicious shortcuts?
What Ingredients are in Sweet Teriyaki Chicken?
This Sweet Teriyaki Chicken recipe requires just a handful of pantry staples to create that irresistible sweet-savory flavor we all crave. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—you likely have most of these ingredients already tucked away in your kitchen.
The combination of brown sugar and soy sauce creates that signature teriyaki glaze that’s both sticky and shiny, coating each piece of chicken perfectly.
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in thin pieces
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¾-1 cup brown sugar (¾ cup for less sweetness)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Rice for serving
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters, particularly with the chicken and soy sauce. Look for chicken breasts that are plump and fresh—they’ll absorb the marinade better.
For soy sauce, I recommend using a low-sodium variety if you’re watching your salt intake, as the regular kind can make the final dish quite salty. The cornstarch might seem like a small addition, but it’s essential for achieving that thick, glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
Feel free to adjust the brown sugar to your preferred level of sweetness—that’s the beauty of making it at home rather than ordering takeout.
How to Make this Sweet Teriyaki Chicken
Making this Sweet Teriyaki Chicken is easier than you might think, and the results are absolutely restaurant-worthy. Start by combining ¾ cup water, ½ cup soy sauce, ¾-1 cup brown sugar (I recommend starting with the lower amount if you prefer less sweetness), ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger in a bowl. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves—this magical mixture becomes the foundation of your teriyaki experience.
You’ll use half of this sauce to marinate your 1½ pounds of thinly sliced chicken breasts for 2-3 hours, turning once halfway through to guarantee even flavor absorption.
While your chicken is soaking up all that delicious flavor, take the remaining sauce and stir in ½ tablespoon cornstarch. This little trick is what transforms your sauce from watery to wonderfully thick and glossy. Right before you’re ready to cook the chicken, bring this cornstarch mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly.
Then allow it to cool to room temperature while you prepare the chicken. When you’re ready to cook, drain the marinade from the chicken, but remember to reserve 2 tablespoons of it—this is essential for that final glaze.
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet and stir-fry the chicken pieces until they’re almost cooked through. For authentic Asian-inspired stir-frying that creates perfect caramelization, consider using a premium wok set that distributes heat evenly. The thin slices cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them—nobody wants dry chicken, right?
When the chicken is nearly done, add those reserved 2 tablespoons of marinade and continue stir-frying until the chicken is completely cooked and beautifully glazed. The chicken should have a gorgeous sheen to it, with the sauce clinging to each piece.
For perfect presentation that rivals the best desserts, consider using premium pie supplies to plate your chicken beautifully.
Serve your masterpiece over hot rice and drizzle with the cooled teriyaki sauce you prepared earlier. The contrast between the sticky, glazed chicken and the smooth sauce creates the perfect balance of textures and intensifies that sweet-savory teriyaki experience.
Sweet Teriyaki Chicken Substitutions and Variations
While traditional teriyaki chicken is absolutely delicious, you don’t need to feel locked into following my recipe exactly as written.
Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier meat, or try salmon or firm tofu for a completely different spin.
Not a fan of brown sugar? Honey or maple syrup make wonderful alternatives.
For a spicy kick, add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Going gluten-free? Simply replace regular soy sauce with tamari.
You can even transform this into a complete meal by adding vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas during the stir-frying process.
What to Serve with Sweet Teriyaki Chicken
The perfect side dishes can transform your sweet teriyaki chicken from a simple entrée into a complete, satisfying meal.
I always serve mine over fluffy white rice, which soaks up that delicious teriyaki sauce like a dream.
Steamed vegetables make an ideal companion—broccoli, carrots, or snap peas add vibrant color and nutritional balance.
Want something invigorating? Try a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds.
For a heartier option, consider adding vegetable fried rice or chow mein noodles.
Don’t forget garnishes like sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or pineapple chunks to brighten the plate!
Final Thoughts
Sweet teriyaki chicken has become my go-to recipe whenever I’m craving something that balances savory and sweet flavors perfectly.
There’s something magical about that glossy sauce coating tender chicken pieces, isn’t there? The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and those subtle hints of ginger and garlic creates such a comforting dish.
What I love most is how versatile this recipe is. You can adjust the sweetness to your preference, make it ahead for busy weeknights, or double the batch for guests. Similar to the hearty classic meatloaf that combines ground beef with vegetables and seasonings, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Trust me, this teriyaki chicken might just become your family’s new favorite dinner request. For an equally simple but healthier dessert option, try chia pudding which requires minimal preparation but needs several hours to set properly.
