What makes the perfect weeknight dinner? A delicious homemade teriyaki-glazed baked chicken that’s quick, easy and packed with flavor thanks to sticky teriyaki sauce and tender chicken. Try baking chicken breasts with a sweet glaze for a simple family favorite, save this idea for a stress-free meal solution.

Teriyaki-Glazed Baked Chicken

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy chicken, smothered in a rich, sticky teriyaki glaze that’s both sweet and savory. This Teriyaki-Glazed Baked Chicken recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their meal prep or impress their family and friends with minimal effort. Using everyday ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, you can achieve restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your own home. The beauty of this dish lies in its balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and the impressive results you can achieve with very little fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The teriyaki glaze is made from common pantry ingredients, ensuring that you can easily replicate the recipe without a special trip to the store. The balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors creates a depth that enhances the chicken beautifully.
Ease of preparation: The steps involved are simple and quick, making this a perfect option for weeknight dinners or when you need a dish that can be prepared ahead of time.
Impressive results with minimal effort: The final product looks and tastes like it was made in a professional kitchen, thanks to the caramelized glaze and the tender, moist chicken. It’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include chicken breasts, teriyaki sauce (which can be store-bought or homemade), brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. For a homemade teriyaki sauce, you’ll need soy sauce, sake (or dry white wine), mirin (or sugar), and rice vinegar. Practical substitutions can be made for sake and mirin if you don’t have them on hand. For example, you can use a bit more sugar in place of mirin and omit the sake or substitute it with a small amount of chicken broth. The sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor, but you can also use olive oil as a substitute in a pinch.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your teriyaki glaze. If using store-bought teriyaki sauce, you can skip to mixing it with brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl. If making your own teriyaki sauce, combine soy sauce, sake, mirin, and rice vinegar in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, then let it cool before using.
Step 2: Prepare your chicken by rinsing it under cold water, patting it dry with paper towels, and then placing it in a baking dish. Brush the chicken with sesame oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Pour the teriyaki glaze over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. If you have any sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, you can add them around the chicken for added flavor and nutrition. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
Step 4: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. You can serve this with steamed vegetables, rice, or noodles for a well-rounded meal.

Handy Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For a crisper glaze, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Consider marinating the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for a few hours or overnight for even deeper flavors.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for baking the chicken is 400°F (200°C), and it should be cooked for about 25-30 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. It’s crucial to not overcrowd the baking dish, as this can affect the even cooking of the chicken. If you’re using a meat thermometer, the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the sesame seeds and the caramelized teriyaki glaze. To enhance the crunch, you can sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the chicken before serving. Additionally, if you’re serving the chicken with vegetables, a quick sauté in a pan can add a nice crunch to the veggies. For an extra crispy glaze, you can broil the chicken for a short time after baking, but be careful not to burn it.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use high-quality ingredients: While it might be tempting to skip on quality for the sake of budget, using good soy sauce, fresh ginger, and real sesame oil can make a significant difference in the flavor of your dish.
Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the chicken rest before slicing helps the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy.
Experiment with flavors: Teriyaki glaze is a versatile base that can be modified with different spices or herbs. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or some dried thyme for an herbal note.

Storage Tips

Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
For reheating, you can use the microwave or oven. If using the microwave, cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. If reheating in the oven, place the chicken in a covered dish with a bit of water or teriyaki sauce to keep it moist.
The teriyaki glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and use as needed.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this dish, perhaps for a potluck or as a meal for a friend, you can package it in a nice, airtight container. Garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds for a pop of color. For a more rustic look, you can wrap the container in a tea towel or place it in a wicker basket. Don’t forget to include a card with reheating instructions to make it easy for the recipient to enjoy their gift.

Flavor Variations

Different spices: Feel free to experiment with various spices to give your teriyaki glaze a unique twist. Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) can add a nice heat, while ground cumin can give it a smoky depth.
Creative toppings: In addition to sesame seeds and green onions, you can top your chicken with diced mango, sliced almonds, or pickled ginger for added texture and flavor.
Ingredient swaps: If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan version, you can substitute the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or portobello mushrooms. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your chicken ends up dry, it might be overcooked. Try reducing the cooking time or covering the dish with foil to prevent overcooking.
Ingredient replacements: If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t be afraid to substitute. For example, if you don’t have sake, you can omit it or use a small amount of dry white wine as a substitute.
Over/undercooking signs: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s cooked through. If you notice the glaze starting to burn, cover the dish with foil to prevent further browning.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. It’s best to freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.
Is it gluten-free? If you’re using a store-bought teriyaki sauce, check the ingredients list for gluten. Many teriyaki sauces contain soy sauce, which can have gluten. If you’re making your own teriyaki sauce, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and adjust the cooking time if necessary. Keep in mind that cooking time might be longer for larger quantities of chicken.

Conclusion

This Teriyaki-Glazed Baked Chicken recipe is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. With its rich, sticky glaze and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this dish is sure to impress. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the process of creating something truly special in your kitchen.

Baked Chicken Teriyaki Glazed