Easy Baked Teriyaki Chicken: Sweet, Savory, and Ready in 45 Minutes

Hey there, busy cooks! If you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, this Easy Baked Teriyaki Chicken is exactly what you need. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for something that’s simple yet flavorful, this dish is sure to hit the spot.

I’m all about easy recipes that save time but still taste amazing. This baked teriyaki chicken is juicy, tender, and covered in a sticky, sweet teriyaki glaze. The best part? You don’t need a lot of ingredients, and the entire meal comes together in less than an hour. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a weekly favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Teriyaki Chicken

I think we all need a handful of go-to recipes that are quick, flavorful, and loved by everyone. This one checks all those boxes and more! Here’s why:

  • Simple ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients already in your kitchen.
  • No marinating required: Unlike many teriyaki recipes, you don’t need to marinate the chicken. The sauce is easy to make and packs tons of flavor.
  • Quick & easy: Ready in under 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy nights!
  • Versatile: Serve it with rice, veggies, or a simple salad, and it’s a full meal.
  • Kid-approved: My kids absolutely love it (and I love how easy it is to make).

This recipe is the definition of comfort food, with just the right balance of sweet, salty, and savory. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love chicken baked in a rich, sticky sauce?

Ingredients for Easy Baked Teriyaki Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need for this simple but delicious dinner:

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp corn starch
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger

For the Chicken:

  • 4 small boneless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)

Simple, right? The teriyaki sauce is made from ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. And the chicken is juicy and tender, cooked in the sauce to absorb all that wonderful flavor.

How to Make Easy Baked Teriyaki Chicken

This recipe couldn’t be easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your teriyaki chicken on the table in no time.

Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, and water.
  • Add the minced garlic, black pepper, and ginger to the mix.
  • Stir everything together and bring to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pro Tip: Keep stirring the sauce so it doesn’t burn! The cornstarch will thicken the sauce, giving it that perfect sticky consistency.

Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken

While the sauce is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish large enough to fit your chicken breasts.

Place your chicken breasts into the prepared dish. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

  • Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
  • After 15 minutes, pour the rest of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken.
  • Continue baking for another 10-20 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (you’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F).

Pro Tip: If you want extra crispy edges, turn on the broiler for the last 5 minutes of cooking. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it with rice, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad. You can also garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor.

Pro Tip: The leftovers are just as tasty! This chicken tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.

Juicy boneless chicken breasts drizzled with teriyaki sauce and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, presented in a white ceramic dish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Easy Baked Teriyaki Chicken

  • Boneless chicken breasts work best for this recipe, but you can use bone-in chicken if you prefer. Just note that it might need a bit more cooking time.
  • Don’t skip the sauce: The homemade teriyaki sauce makes the dish, so be sure to follow the recipe and let it thicken properly.
  • Marinate if you have time: If you have a few extra minutes, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This step adds even more flavor, though it’s optional.
  • Use store-bought teriyaki sauce: If you’re in a rush, using store-bought teriyaki sauce works just fine. Just skip the homemade sauce step and pour it directly over the chicken before baking.

FAQs About Easy Baked Teriyaki Chicken

Q: What temperature should I bake teriyaki chicken at?
Bake at 375°F for the best results. This temperature allows the chicken to cook through without drying out while the sauce caramelizes perfectly.

Q: Should baked chicken be covered or uncovered in the oven?
Bake the chicken uncovered so that the sauce thickens and becomes sticky on the chicken. If you cover it, the sauce won’t caramelize as nicely.

Q: Do I add teriyaki sauce before or after cooking chicken?
For this recipe, you add half of the sauce before baking and the other half halfway through the cooking time. This gives the chicken a chance to absorb the sauce, but still lets the glaze thicken in the oven.

Q: Can you use teriyaki sauce straight from the bottle?
Absolutely! If you’re in a time crunch, using store-bought teriyaki sauce is a great shortcut. Just skip the homemade sauce steps and pour it directly on your chicken.

Q: How long does it take to cook chicken in the oven at 375°F?
It typically takes 25-35 minutes for boneless chicken breasts to cook at 375°F. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure it’s reached 165°F.

More Easy Chicken Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this Easy Baked Teriyaki Chicken, check out these other quick and delicious chicken dishes:

Pinterest Inspiration

Pin this recipe for later and find more easy chicken dishes on our Pinterest page.


Juicy boneless chicken breasts drizzled with teriyaki sauce and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, presented in a white ceramic dish.

Final Thoughts on Easy Baked Teriyaki Chick

This Easy Baked Teriyaki Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together quickly, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights. The chicken comes out tender and juicy, covered in a sweet, sticky sauce that everyone will love. Whether you serve it with rice, veggies, or a salad, this recipe is guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your thoughts or any fun twists you added. Happy cooking, friends!

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Juicy boneless chicken breasts drizzled with teriyaki sauce and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, presented in a white ceramic dish.

Easy Baked Teriyaki Chicken: Sweet, Savory, and Ready in 45 Minutes


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  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Easy Baked Teriyaki Chicken is a quick, savory dish that takes less than an hour from start to finish. The chicken is perfectly baked in a sweet, sticky homemade teriyaki sauce that makes every bite bursting with flavor. Serve it with rice and veggies for a complete family meal that everyone will love.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

  • 1/3 cup sugar

  • 1 tbsp corn starch

  • 1 tbsp water

  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger

For the Chicken:

  • 4 small boneless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)


Instructions

  • Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:
    In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Add garlic, black pepper, and ginger. Stir well and bring to a boil.
    Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.

  • Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.

  • Prepare the Chicken:
    Place the chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

  • Bake the Chicken:
    Bake the chicken for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, pour the remaining teriyaki sauce over the chicken and bake for another 10-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

 

  • Serve and Enjoy:
    Once done, remove from the oven and let the chicken cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired. Serve with rice, vegetables, or a salad.

Notes

  • For extra crispy chicken: Try broiling the chicken for the last 5 minutes to get a crispy top.

  • Customize the sauce: Add a bit of chili paste or hot sauce if you want a spicy kick to your teriyaki chicken.

 

  • Chicken thighs: You can swap chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness. Just add a few more minutes to the cooking time.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish, Chicken
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Japanese

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