Express Teriyaki Chicken Recipe | Irresistibly Quick & Juicy

Why I Love This Recipe

This Express Teriyaki Chicken takes me right back to the comforting meals of my childhood—but with way less effort than my mom probably put in. These days, I’m all about finding that sweet spot between convenience and flavor, and this dish delivers every single time.

What makes it such a standout in my kitchen is how balanced the sauce turns out. It’s bold and flavorful, but not overwhelming. The soy sauce brings that deep, salty base, while the brown sugar softens things with a subtle, warm sweetness. It’s the kind of sauce that clings to the chicken and makes every bite taste like something special—even though the whole meal comes together in under an hour.

I love how easy it is to prep ahead. I often stir the marinade together while my coffee is brewing, then let the chicken hang out in the fridge until I’m ready to cook. And when I do, the sizzle from the pan and the aroma of garlic and ginger fill the kitchen—it always feels like a little victory.

There’s something so satisfying about meals like this. The ingredients are basic, the method is simple, but the results feel comforting and generous. It’s one of those recipes that reminds me why I started Easy Peasy Recipes in the first place—to show that anyone can create something delicious, no matter how busy or beginner they might be.

Step-by-Step Instructions

When it comes to weeknight meals, Express Teriyaki Chicken is a personal favorite because the steps are straightforward, and the payoff is always delicious. Here’s how I bring it together without stress.

Step 1: Mix the Marinade

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, water, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and a splash of oil. Stir well until everything is dissolved. This quick sauce is what gives Express Teriyaki Chicken its bold, balanced flavor.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Use about 1.75 pounds of boneless thighs and place them in a glass dish or any non-metal container. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure it’s evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least half an hour. If I’m planning ahead, I often let it soak overnight for even more depth.

Step 3: Start Cooking

Heat a tablespoon of oil in your favorite skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is ready, arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer, letting any excess sauce drain off first so it doesn’t burn.

Step 4: Finish in the Pan

Cook until one side is browned and starts to caramelize, then turn each piece and do the same on the other side. As it finishes, the liquid in the pan thickens into a rich glaze that coats the chicken beautifully. That’s the moment Express Teriyaki Chicken earns its name—flavorful and fast.

Step 5: Let It Rest

Once the chicken is done, place it on a cutting board and wait five minutes before slicing. Resting keeps the juices locked in and the chicken extra tender.

Serving Suggestions

When I make Express Teriyaki Chicken, I’m always thinking about what to pair it with to round out the meal—and honestly, it works with just about anything. My go-to is a bed of warm jasmine rice. The way that glaze seeps into the rice is pure comfort. If I have brown rice or even leftover quinoa on hand, that works beautifully too.

As for vegetables, I like to keep things simple. Steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or even some roasted baby carrots add color and balance to the plate. On busier nights, I’ve even microwaved a frozen veggie mix and tossed it with a drizzle of sesame oil for a quick and tasty side. The sweet and savory flavor of Express Teriyaki Chicken complements pretty much any veggie you have in the fridge.

If you’re serving a group—or just want to mix things up—I sometimes slice the chicken thin and serve it over a big salad with shredded cabbage, scallions, and a sesame vinaigrette. It’s fresh, easy, and still feels special.

You could also tuck the chicken into soft tortillas with crunchy slaw for a fun twist, or pair it with Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes for a hearty, homemade combo. And when I want something a little more impressive for guests, I’ll add my Lemon Herb Salmon as a second main.

The beauty of Express Teriyaki Chicken is that it’s flexible—no matter how you serve it, it always delivers.

Storage Instructions

One of the many reasons I love Express Teriyaki Chicken is that it stores and reheats like a dream. Whether you’re cooking ahead or saving leftovers, this dish keeps its flavor and texture really well.

If you’ve got leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. I usually slice it before storing, which makes it quicker to reheat when I’m rushing through lunch or dinner.

To warm it up, I like to use a skillet over low heat with just a splash of water to loosen the glaze and keep the chicken moist. A microwave works too—just cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.

Express Teriyaki Chicken also freezes beautifully. I slice the cooled chicken and pack it into freezer-safe containers or bags in individual portions. It’ll last up to two months this way, which is perfect for those days when I don’t have time to cook but still want something homemade.

If you’re a meal prep fan, this dish is a total win. Pair it with cooked rice and a veggie, and you’ve got ready-to-go bowls that are way more exciting than takeout.

Conclusion

Express Teriyaki Chicken has become one of those reliable meals I turn to again and again. It’s fast, flavorful, and never feels like a hassle to make—even on those evenings when I’m short on energy and time. That’s exactly the kind of recipe I created Easy Peasy Recipes for: food that’s simple, comforting, and satisfying.

This dish really proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients or long prep times to get something delicious on the table. The marinade is quick to mix, the chicken cooks up beautifully in one pan, and the whole thing feels like a cozy upgrade from takeout. It’s just the kind of no-fuss dinner that makes me feel a little more put together, even if the rest of the day has been chaos.

What I really appreciate about Express Teriyaki Chicken is how adaptable it is. You can pair it with any grain or veggie you like, scale it up for meal prep, or tweak the flavors to suit your mood. It’s easy enough for beginners but still impressive enough to serve to friends.

Thanks for stopping by my kitchen today. If this recipe brings a little joy to your dinner table, I’d love for you to try some of my other favorites like Honey Garlic Chicken or Lemon Herb Salmon. Let’s keep cooking simple—and delicious.