Baked Teriyaki Chicken So Saucy

Published 1/7/2022 • Updated 6/4/2022

Flavorful Baked Teriyaki Chicken Breast

There truly isn’t anything better than super saucy baked teriyaki chicken! This is a favorite at our house because it’s easy to whip up and SO SAUCY. We are big sauce people and we know you will love this teriyaki chicken marinade. It’s sweet and savory all at the same time and perfect for chicken breast. This meal is ready in less than an hour and the baked chicken comes out so tender on the inside with lots of leftover sauce on the outside.

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Marinade

Store-bought teriyaki sauce is convenient, but did you know a homemade teriyaki chicken marinade is super simple to make? Here’s what you need:

Soy sauce: soy sauce is the star ingredient in this marinade. It’s salty and savory. Feel free to use tamari (gluten-free) or even a low-sodium soy sauce.Grated ginger: freshly grated ginger is a must! If you’re lazy like us, check out grated ginger in a tube that we like to keep in the fridge at all times.Sriracha: sriracha adds a nice kick. It’s not 100% necessary, but we do suggest it.Garlic: you can use pre-minced garlic, or chop your own.Maple syrup (or brown sugar): we swapped traditional brown sugar for maple syrup because it’s an all-natural sweetener and it gives the flavor some warmth.Green onion: green onion is a fun, fresh add. As it bakes in the oven it will help infuse the chicken with even more flavor.Rice vinegar: rice vinegar helps bring out all of the other delicious flavors of the teriyaki sauce.

What is the difference between teriyaki sauce and teriyaki chicken marinade?

There is not much difference flavor-wise between teriyaki sauce and teriyaki marinade. The main difference is the thickness. The sauce is essentially thickened marinade (typically done with cornstarch). Check out some of our homemade recipes below:

Homemade Teriyaki SauceTeriyaki Chicken Marinade

What Kind of Chicken Should I use?

While we recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breast, you’re more than welcome to follow this method with other cuts of chicken such as thighs or legs. Quick tip: Per 1/2 cup teriyaki chicken marinade: use 1 to 1.5 lbs. chicken breast.

How to Make Baked Teriyaki Chicken Breast

How to Thicken The Sauce

If you want to thicken your sauce for serving, you MUST do this immediately after the dish comes out of the oven so that the sauce is hot enough to activate the cornstarch slurry. Here’s how to do it:

6 Chicken Breast Marinades

You are going to love these 6 Easy Chicken Marinades. They’ll infuse your chicken breast with flavor and they’re so easy to put together!

Other Cook Methods

Don’t feel like using your oven? Try this teriyaki chicken with a different cooking method. Grilled: Use our grilled chicken breast recipe and grill your chicken at 400ºF for around 15-20 minutes flipping halfway. Instant Pot: Use our Instant Pot chicken breast recipe and transfer the chicken breast and marinade into your Instant Pot on top of the trivet. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Slow Cooker: Use our slow cooker chicken breast recipe and transfer the chicken breast and marinade into your slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Just make sure: that the internal temperature of your chicken breast is at least 165ºF.

Tips & Questions

Serving Suggestions

Our favorite thing to serve this baked teriyaki chicken recipe with is a simple combination of white rice and stir-fried or steamed broccoli. However, combinations are endless! Here are some other grain ideas: Thermoworks Thermapen

6 Baked Chicken Breast Recipes

You are going to love these 6 oven baked chicken breast recipes. Check out how to bake chicken breast perfectly every time and get 6 delicious flavor variations!

Cauliflower riceQuinoaBrown riceFried riceCauliflower fried riceChicken fried rice

Storage

Let baked teriyaki chicken breast cool completely. Then, transfer it into an airtight container and seal. Refrigerate for up to 3-5 days.

Freezer Instructions

Looking to freeze your teriyaki chicken? We actually recommend doing this before baking. When you are ready to cook, make sure to thaw completely and then follow the direction in the recipe card for this baked teriyaki chicken recipe.