Best Teriyaki Chicken Marinade
This teriyaki chicken marinade is my go-to recipe when I want something flavorful, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re grilling in summer or baking indoors, this marinade delivers juicy, delicious results every time. It’s a reliable recipe to prep ahead, freeze, or use right away. Plus, it pairs perfectly with rice bowls, salads, or stir-fry dishes.
PrintTeriyaki Chicken Marinade
A simple, flavorful teriyaki chicken marinade ideal for grilling, baking, or pan-frying.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Marinating: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Dinner
Ingredients
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons honey
½ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon fresh ginger
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
Instructions
Place chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag.
In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, press out the air, and seal the bag.
Massage the marinade around to coat the chicken evenly.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
You can freeze the chicken in the marinade and let it thaw in the fridge or in cold water.
Cook chicken using one of the following methods:
Grill: 6-8 minutes per side
Pan-fry: 6-8 minutes per side on medium heat
Bake: At 375°F for 20-30 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F
Let the cooked chicken rest under foil for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, though 2 hours yields richer flavor. Avoid over-marinating past 24 hours due to acidity. For chicken thighs, use 8-10 pieces—cook time remains similar.
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 334
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 1842mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 102mg
Keywords: teriyaki chicken marinade, boneless chicken breasts, skinless chicken breast, pineapple juice, cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, rice
Teriyaki Chicken Marinade FAQs
Let the chicken marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, though 2 hours gives the most flavor. For added flexibility, you can marinate it for up to 24 hours.
Simply mix all ingredients, pour over chicken, seal in a bag, and refrigerate to soak up the flavors.
Use soy sauce as a base with added sweeteners, acids, and aromatics like garlic and ginger for balance and flavor depth.
If using it as a glaze, brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking or use as a finishing sauce after cooking.
Yes, store-bought teriyaki sauce works well for quick marinades.
Best Teriyaki Chicken Marinade Recipes to Try Next
Explore more tasty ideas featuring variations of teriyaki chicken marinade:
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Panda Express Copycat – Perfect grilled flavor.
Copycat Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki Chicken – Restaurant-style at home.
Healthy Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl – A wholesome option.
How to Grill Teriyaki Chicken – Step-by-step grilling guide.
Panda Express Grilled vs. Original – See which style you prefer.
Final Thoughts
This teriyaki chicken marinade is a must-have in your recipe collection. It’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Use it with chicken breasts or thighs, prepare it using your preferred method, and serve alongside rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad. Perfect for meal prep, dinner parties, or weeknight meals! The bold, savory-sweet flavors soak into the chicken, creating tender bites every time. Whether you grill, bake, or pan-fry, this marinade guarantees delicious results. It’s also freezer-friendly, making it ideal for busy families and anyone looking to save time without sacrificing taste.
