Chicken

Chicken Teriyaki

Name: Chicken Teriyaki
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds (680g) chicken thighs, boneless; 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce; 1/4 cup (60ml) sake; 2 tablespoons (30g) sweetener; 2 tablespoons (30g) vegetable oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon (15g) grated ginger; 1 teaspoon (5g) sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon (2g) salt; 1/4 teaspoon (1g) black pepper; 2 tablespoons (30g) chopped green onions, for garnish

By Wesley Whitlock · June 19, 2026 · Chicken

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

Chicken Teriyaki is one of my favorite dishes to make at home. It's a classic Japanese recipe that's easy to adapt to a low-carb keto diet. The key to making great Chicken Teriyaki is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the chicken to perfection. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a delicious and authentic Chicken Teriyaki dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

I've always been a fan of Asian cuisine, and Chicken Teriyaki is one of my go-to orders at Japanese restaurants. But when I started following a low-carb keto diet, I realized that most restaurant versions of this dish were loaded with sugar and carbs. So, I set out to create my own low-carb keto version of Chicken Teriyaki that's just as flavorful and delicious as the original.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Asian cuisine and wants to make a delicious and healthy meal at home. The best part is that it's incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. You can serve it with a side of cauliflower rice or a simple green salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's very versatile. You can adjust the amount of sauce to your liking, and you can also add other ingredients such as bell peppers or mushrooms to make it more substantial. I've also included some variations and substitutions at the end of the recipe, so you can experiment and find your favorite way to make Chicken Teriyaki.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make a delicious and authentic Chicken Teriyaki dish. From preparing the ingredients to cooking the chicken to perfection, I'll show you how to make this dish like a pro. So, let's get started and make some amazing Chicken Teriyaki!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be served with a side of cauliflower rice or a simple green salad.
The recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your tastes and preferences.
The dish is low in carbs and keto-friendly, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet.
The recipe is authentic and flavorful, with a rich and savory sauce that's made with high-quality ingredients.
The dish is perfect for anyone who loves Asian cuisine and wants to make a delicious and healthy meal at home.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Chicken Teriyaki is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the chicken to perfection. The sauce is made with a combination of soy sauce, sake, and sweetener, which gives it a rich and savory flavor. The chicken is cooked in a hot skillet with some oil, which helps to create a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.

The cooking technique used in this recipe is called fat-forward browning, which involves cooking the chicken in a hot skillet with some oil to create a crispy exterior. This technique helps to lock in the juices and flavors of the chicken, making it tender and delicious. The sauce is then added to the skillet and simmered until it thickens, which helps to coat the chicken evenly and add more flavor.

The resting time is also important in this recipe, as it allows the chicken to retain its juices and flavors. By letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving, you can ensure that it stays tender and juicy, and that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Overall, the combination of high-quality ingredients, proper cooking technique, and resting time all come together to make a delicious and authentic Chicken Teriyaki dish. Whether you're a fan of Asian cuisine or just looking for a new recipe to try, this dish is sure to please.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including chicken thighs, soy sauce, sake, and sweetener. You'll also need some oil and garlic for added flavor. The key to making great Chicken Teriyaki is to use high-quality ingredients, so be sure to choose the best you can find.

When shopping for ingredients, look for chicken thighs that are fresh and have a good texture. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs work better for this recipe. For the soy sauce, sake, and sweetener, choose high-quality brands that are low in carbs and sugar. You can find these ingredients at most Asian grocery stores or online.

1 1/2 pounds (680g) chicken thighs, bonelessChoose fresh and high-quality chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs work better for this recipe.
1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauceChoose a high-quality soy sauce that is low in carbs and sugar. You can find this at most Asian grocery stores or online.
1/4 cup (60ml) sakeSake is a type of Japanese rice wine that adds flavor and depth to the dish. You can find it at most Asian grocery stores or online.
2 tablespoons (30g) sweetenerChoose a low-carb sweetener such as stevia or erythritol for the best results. You can find these sweeteners at most health food stores or online.
2 tablespoons (30g) vegetable oilChoose a high-quality vegetable oil such as avocado oil or coconut oil for the best flavor and texture.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds flavor and depth to the dish. You can mince it yourself or use pre-minced garlic from a jar.
1 tablespoon (15g) grated gingerGinger adds flavor and warmth to the dish. You can grate it yourself or use pre-grated ginger from a jar.
1 teaspoon (5g) sesame oilSesame oil adds flavor and aroma to the dish. You can find it at most Asian grocery stores or online.
1/2 teaspoon (2g) saltSalt enhances the flavor of the dish and helps to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon (1g) black pepperBlack pepper adds flavor and depth to the dish. You can use freshly ground black pepper for the best results.
2 tablespoons (30g) chopped green onions, for garnishGreen onions add flavor and texture to the dish. You can chop them yourself or use pre-chopped green onions from a jar.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerSpatulaTongs

How to Make Chicken Teriyaki

1
In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, sweetener, garlic, and ginger to make the marinade.
2
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3
Preheat a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon (15g) of vegetable oil to the skillet and swirl to coat.
4
Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook in the skillet for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C).
5
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Make sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast.
6
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
7
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon (15g) of vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Add the sesame oil and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
8
Add the marinade to the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
9
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
10
Season the chicken with salt and black pepper to taste.
11
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure it stays juicy and tender.
Adjust the amount of sauce to your liking, and feel free to add other ingredients such as bell peppers or mushrooms to make it more substantial.
Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Don't be afraid to experiment and try new ingredients or variations to make the dish your own.
Serve the chicken with a side of cauliflower rice or a simple green salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Consider making a double batch of the sauce and freezing it for later use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a dish that lacks flavor and texture.
Overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough.
Not letting the chicken rest before serving, which can result in a dish that's not juicy and tender.
Not using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which can result in food poisoning.
Not adjusting the amount of sauce to your liking, which can result in a dish that's too sweet or too salty.
Not experimenting and trying new ingredients or variations, which can result in a dish that's boring and uninspired.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet with the chicken for added flavor and texture.
Use different types of protein such as beef or pork instead of chicken.
Add some grated carrots or zucchini to the marinade for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of sweetener such as honey or maple syrup instead of stevia or erythritol.
Add some chopped nuts or seeds to the sauce for added crunch and texture.
Use different types of oil such as coconut oil or avocado oil instead of vegetable oil.
Add some dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the marinade for added flavor.

What to Serve With Chicken Teriyaki

Serve the Chicken Teriyaki with a side of cauliflower rice or a simple green salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. You can also serve it with some steamed vegetables or a side of stir-fried noodles.

Consider making a double batch of the sauce and freezing it for later use. You can also use the sauce as a marinade for other types of protein such as beef or pork.

Cauliflower riceSimple green saladSteamed vegetablesStir-fried noodlesRoasted vegetablesGrilled asparagus

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

To store in the fridge, place the cooked chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate at 40 F (4 C) or below. To freeze, place the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze at 0 F (-18 C) or below.

To reheat, simply thaw the frozen chicken overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven until hot and steaming. You can also reheat the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop with some added oil or sauce.

Consider making a double batch of the sauce and freezing it for later use. You can also use the sauce as a marinade for other types of protein such as beef or pork.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for this recipe. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer, but thighs have more flavor and texture.

Can I use different types of protein?

Yes, you can use different types of protein such as beef or pork instead of chicken. Just adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

How long can I store the cooked chicken?

You can store the cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container and refrigerate at 40 F (4 C) or below, or freeze at 0 F (-18 C) or below.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months. Just reheat it before using.

What type of oil is best for this recipe?

Vegetable oil works well for this recipe, but you can also use other types of oil such as coconut oil or avocado oil. Just choose a high-quality oil that has a high smoke point.

Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the sauce such as grated carrots or zucchini, or chopped nuts or seeds. Just adjust the amount of sauce accordingly and taste as you go.

How do I reheat the cooked chicken?

You can reheat the cooked chicken in the microwave or oven until hot and steaming. You can also reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop with some added oil or sauce.

Can I serve this dish with other sides?

Yes, you can serve this dish with other sides such as steamed vegetables, stir-fried noodles, or a simple green salad. Just choose a side that complements the flavors of the dish.

The Full Recipe

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