There’s something undeniably comforting about a homemade meal that comes together in a flash—and that’s exactly what this 15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken Skillet delivers. After a long day when fast food feels uninspired and takeout seems too heavy, this recipe swoops in as a lifesaver. The sizzling chicken glazed in a glossy, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce fills the kitchen with an inviting aroma that instantly lifts your mood. What I love most is how effortlessly the dish balances bold flavors with simplicity—minimal ingredients, one pan, and barely any cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or craving something that impresses without the fuss, this skillet meal hits all the right notes, proving that quick and delicious can absolutely coexist in your kitchen.
Why choose 15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken Skillet?
Speedy and Simple: Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish saves time without sacrificing taste. Bold Flavor: The rich teriyaki glaze perfectly balances sweet and savory for an irresistible punch. One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal. Juicy & Tender: Chicken stays moist and flavorful with every bite. Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for weeknights or impressing guests with ease.
15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken Skillet Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – Choose thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat that stays tender in the skillet.
- Soy sauce – The salty backbone of the teriyaki glaze; opt for low-sodium if you prefer a lighter touch.
- Brown sugar – Adds caramel sweetness, balancing the salty soy for that iconic teriyaki flavor.
- Garlic cloves – Minced for a fragrant, savory depth that elevates the skillet’s aroma.
- Fresh ginger – Grated to add a zesty warmth that livens up the sauce.
- Rice vinegar – Introduces a subtle acidity that brightens the glaze without overpowering it.
For the Sauce & Finish
- Cornstarch – Mixed with water to thicken the sauce quickly, giving that glossy teriyaki sheen.
- Sesame oil – A dash at the end gives a rich, nutty aroma that makes the dish unforgettable.
- Green onions – Sliced for garnish to add freshness, color, and a mild oniony crunch.
- Sesame seeds – Toasted for a delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal.
This 15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken Skillet recipe comes together with these staple ingredients, making it easy to whip up a restaurant-worthy meal straight from your own kitchen.
How to Make 15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken Skillet
- Mix the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar until sugar fully dissolves and mixture looks smooth, about 1 minute.
- Prep Chicken: Pat boneless, skinless thighs dry, cut into 1-inch strips, then season lightly with salt and pepper for a golden sear and tender bites.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a light brush of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add chicken strips. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp at the edges.
- Add Teriyaki Sauce: Pour the prepared teriyaki glaze into the skillet, stirring gently to coat chicken. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat, about 1-2 minutes.
- Thicken Glaze: Stir the cornstarch-water slurry into the skillet, cooking 1 minute until sauce is glossy, thick, and clings to chicken, creating that signature teriyaki sheen.
- Finish & Garnish: Remove skillet from heat, drizzle sesame oil over chicken, then sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for freshness, color, and delightful crunch.
Optional: Serve over steamed rice or toss with stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken Skillet Variations
Feel free to explore and customize this delicious dish to suit your taste and dietary preferences!
- Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, cut into cubes and sauté until golden for a delightful meat-free option.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the rich flavor intact without gluten, making it safe for celiac diets.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze for those who love an extra kick in their teriyaki sauce.
- Sweet & Tangy: Swap out brown sugar for honey or maple syrup to offer a different twist with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Crunchy Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and texture.
- Citrus Zest: Sprinkle some orange or lime zest into the teriyaki glaze to bring a refreshing brightness to the dish.
- Noodle Mix: Serve the chicken over cooked rice noodles instead of rice for a fun twist that makes it feel even heartier.
- Nutty Flavor: Top with chopped cashews or peanuts for an extra crunch and rich, nutty flavor that complements the teriyaki beautifully.
What to Serve with 15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken Skillet?
Create a delightful dining experience that perfectly complements the vibrant flavors of this quick and savory dish.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy and fragrant, jasmine rice soaks up the teriyaki sauce beautifully, making each bite a comforting adventure.
- Garlic Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with garlic add a fresh crunch that balances the richness of the chicken.
- Crispy Asian Slaw: A blend of crunchy vegetables with a tangy dressing provides refreshing bites that lighten the meal and add texture.
- Stir-Fried Broccoli: This leafy green powerhouse brings a delightful bite and sits harmoniously next to the glazed chicken, enhancing the dish’s nutrition.
- Sesame Cucumber Salad: Cool, crisp cucumbers tossed in a sesame vinaigrette offer a refreshing contrast to the warm, bold teriyaki chicken.
- Chilled Sake: A glass of chilled sake can enhance your meal experience, pairing well with both the chicken’s sweetness and umami notes.
- Mango Sorbet: For dessert, try a scoop of mango sorbet; its fruity sweetness and icy texture cleanse your palate beautifully after this savory feast.
Pairing these sides will elevate your 15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken Skillet into a full-fledged culinary adventure, making your meal both satisfying and impressive.
How to Store and Freeze 15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken Skillet
Fridge: Store any leftover teriyaki chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the teriyaki chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To maintain the chicken’s juiciness, reheat over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring to coat in any remaining sauce.
Airtight Storage: Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn and retain the teriyaki flavor for when you’re ready to enjoy this quick meal again.
Expert Tips for 15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken Skillet
- Use Thighs for Juiciness: Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts to keep your teriyaki chicken tender and flavorful throughout cooking.
- Pat Chicken Dry: Before searing, dry the chicken strips thoroughly to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust without steaming the meat.
- Balance Your Sauce: Adjust the brown sugar and soy sauce slightly to match your taste, ensuring a perfect sweet-savory teriyaki chicken skillet glaze.
- Don’t Skip Cornstarch: Mixing cornstarch with water thickens the sauce quickly, giving you that glossy, clingy finish every authentic skillet needs.
- Control Heat Carefully: Cook the chicken over medium-high heat to sear, then lower to medium for simmering the sauce to avoid burning or drying out the meat.
- Add Sesame Oil Last: Drizzle sesame oil off the heat to maintain its rich, nutty aroma without it turning bitter or overpowering your dish.
Make Ahead Options
These 15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken Skillet ingredients are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing those flavors to deepen and develop. Simply mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar for the marinade, then toss your chicken strips in and refrigerate. Additionally, you can prepare the teriyaki sauce (minus the cornstarch slurry) up to 3 days ahead. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the final steps—sauté the chicken, add the sauce, thicken it up, and finish with the sesame oil and garnishes. This way, you’ll have restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, perfect for those busy weeknights!
15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken Skillet Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best chicken for this recipe?
I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender. Look for thighs with a uniform pink color and no dark spots or unpleasant odor—that’s a sign of freshness! Avoid chicken that looks slimy or has a strong smell.
Can I store leftover teriyaki chicken in the fridge? If so, how long will it last?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure to cool the chicken before sealing to keep it fresh. When reheating, warm it gently in a skillet or microwave to keep the meat moist.
Is it possible to freeze the teriyaki chicken skillet? How should I do it?
Yes, freezing is a great option to enjoy later. Here’s how I do it: let the chicken cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on medium heat with a splash of water or broth for best juiciness.
What can cause the chicken to turn dry or tough during cooking and how do I prevent it?
Dry chicken often results from overcooking or cooking at too high a temperature. Patting the chicken dry before searing helps achieve a golden crust without steaming it. Cook at medium-high heat to sear quickly, then simmer the sauce over medium heat just long enough to glaze the chicken, about 1–2 minutes. Using thighs instead of breasts also helps retain moisture.
Are there any allergen or dietary concerns with this recipe?
This recipe contains soy (in soy sauce) which is a common allergen. For gluten-free needs, use a tamari or gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, the dish is not suitable for pets; ingredients like garlic and soy can be harmful to dogs and cats. Always serve this meal only to people and keep furry friends away from leftovers.
Easy 15-Minute Teriyaki Chicken Skillet with Juicy Bold Flavor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Pat boneless, skinless thighs dry, cut into 1-inch strips, then season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat a light brush of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add chicken strips, and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Pour the prepared teriyaki glaze into the skillet, stirring gently to coat chicken, and bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir the cornstarch-water slurry into the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until the sauce is glossy and thick.
- Remove from heat, drizzle sesame oil over chicken, and sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
