Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

There’s something irresistibly satisfying about the smoky char of grilled chicken paired with the sweet and savory notes of teriyaki sauce. Our grilled teriyaki chicken recipe combines the juicy tenderness of perfectly grilled chicken with a silky, tangy glaze that’s both rich and refreshingly light.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, preparing a family dinner or simply looking for a flavor-packed meal, this dish promises to impress with minimal fuss. This is one recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients for Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

• Sherry: Sherry is the base for this teriyaki sauce; it imparts deep, rich, earthy flavors that pair well with chicken. If you don’t have any sherry on hand, you can also use chicken broth in a pinch.
• Soy sauce: An essential teriyaki ingredient, soy sauce complements the sherry and aromatics in this marinade.
• Garlic and ginger: You’ll also need two minced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger to punch up the teriyaki sauce with big bold flavors.
• Chicken: Chicken is the star of the show, so use the best quality you can find. We use two boneless skinless chicken breast halves, but you can also use tenders, wings or boneless thighs with this savory sauce.

Directions

Step 1: Make the marinade

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In a small saucepan, combine the water, sherry (or chicken broth), soy sauce, cloves and ground ginger. Bringing them to a boil over medium heat, then cook the marinade for one minute. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

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Once the marinade has cooled, pour it into a shallow dish. Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat them in the sauce. Cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least two hours.

Step 3: Grill the chicken

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Once the chicken has marinated for a few hours, it’s time to grill. Drain and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken, covered, over medium heat until a thermometer reads 165ºF. It should take seven to eight minutes on each side.

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Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Variations

• Skewer the chicken meat: Instead of grilling whole breasts, you can slice them into chunks or strips and skewer the pieces with veggies to make grilled teriyaki kabobs.
• Kick your marinade up a notch: If you like it hot, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of chili crisp into the marinade for an umami-packed hint of heat.
• Trade chicken breasts for chicken thighs: Some would say boneless, skinless chicken thighs are even more juicy and packed with flavor than chicken breasts, which can turn dry when grilled too long.

How to Store Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

This is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, so don’t let any leftovers go to waste! Simply transfer them to sealed, airtight containers or storage bags and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days, until you’re ready for another helping.

Can you freeze chicken teriyaki?

You can freeze raw or cooked chicken teriyaki. Bags of raw marinated chicken teriyaki are great to meal prep and stash in the freezer for quick weeknight meals, although we suggest letting it thaw overnight before you go to grill the poultry. Uncooked chicken parts can be frozen for up to nine months.

Cooked chicken teriyaki can also be stored in freezer containers for up to four months. Let it defrost for a few hours or overnight, then reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave.

Can you make chicken teriyaki ahead of time?

Yes, you can make chicken teriyaki ahead of time. This is a great one to double (or triple) for a crowd or to make for easy heat-and-eat dinners throughout the week. Cooked chicken teriyaki can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container.

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Tips

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Can you marinate chicken too long in teriyaki sauce?

Yes, you can overmarinate chicken. We don’t recommend marinating chicken in a thick sauce like this for more than 24 hours. Any longer and the texture of the meat will change and turn mushy.

Can you bake the chicken instead of grilling it?

You can absolutely bake teriyaki chicken instead of grilling it. If the weather isn’t on your side, or you don’t have access to a grill, bake the teriyaki chicken at 425° for 25 minutes.

What are the best sides to serve with teriyaki chicken?

We love this flavorful chicken with a big bowl of steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up all the yummy juices. Stir-fried veggies or noodles, grilled pineapple and charred shishito peppers would also be delicious.