The Best Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
This easy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken recipe features juicy thighs in a homemade sweet & savory glaze. Better than takeout and perfect for weeknights or BBQs! Ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1 cup cold water
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tsp honey
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
For the Chicken:
- 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- Optional garnish: Toasted sesame seeds sliced green onions
Instructions
- Make Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk water and cornstarch until smooth. Whisk in brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic powder. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook 3-4 mins, stirring, until thickened. Remove from heat. Reserve ⅓ cup sauce for serving.
- Marinate Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt. In a large bowl, combine chicken with the remaining (non reserved) teriyaki sauce. Toss to coat. Marinate 15-30 mins.
- Grill Chicken: Preheat grill to medium high (400°F). Grill chicken for 5-6 mins per side, basting once after flipping, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest & Serve: Let chicken rest 5-10 mins. Drizzle with reserved sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
- Marinade Safety: Always reserve finishing sauce before it touches raw chicken. Do not baste with used marinade at the end.
- No Grill? Cook in a grill pan or under a broiler, watching closely.
- Serving: Excellent over rice with steamed veggies.