Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is one of the simplest and easiest ways to use your grill. Why not make it even better with a great Teriyaki marinade as well?

A plate of white rice topped with sliced grilled chicken breast, drizzled with a dark teriyaki sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. A fork and green onions are beside the plate.
5 from 1 vote(s)4 comments
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Why You’ll Love My Recipe

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken keeps things simple on the grill without sacrificing bold, delicious flavor. It’s even better with a quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce for that perfect sweet-and-savory balance.

Make sure to whip up your own Best Teriyaki Marinade for chicken that’s juicy, tender, and full of flavor. You can also try some Fast & Easy Teriyaki Fried Mushrooms on the side for a tasty addition to your chicken.

A plate of white rice topped with a glazed grilled chicken breast, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Utensils, a bowl of rice, and more grilled chicken are in the background.

Karlynn’s Recipe Notes

  • Skill Level: This Teriyaki Grilled Chicken is easy to make. Even beginner grillers can pull this off perfectly!
  • Total Time: Plan for 1–3 hours of marinating time, with less than 10 minutes of actual grilling time.
  • Variations: For a sweet finish, try serving this meal with Grilled Pineapple on the side. Or, for a step up from plain steamed rice, pair your chicken with a quick and Easy Fried Rice. You can also top it with sesame seeds and green onions for a fresh finishing touch.
  • Tools For This Recipe: You will need a measuring cup or small bowl for mixing, an airtight resealable bag or container for marinating, a grill, a pair of tongs, and a brush for glazing.
A plate of white rice topped with glazed teriyaki chicken, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds. In the background, more chicken, a bowl of sesame seeds, and glassware are visible on a white countertop.

What You’ll Need for Ingredients

Chicken Breast Halves: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easy grilling. Karlynn’s Tip: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, gently pound them between parchment paper or plastic wrap with a meat mallet for faster, more uniform cooking.

Sesame Oil: A little sesame oil goes a long way. This gives the dish a nutty, authentic flavor that pairs perfectly with the teriyaki sauce.

Four raw chicken breasts on a wooden board with garlic, fresh ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, and a dark sauce in small bowls, all arranged on a white marble surface.

Teriyaki Sauce: Use either your homemade version or a store-bought sauce for bold and savory chicken. Karlynn’s Tip: For an even deeper flavor, whisk in a splash of rice vinegar or a little grated ginger before marinating.

Brown Sugar: This ingredient is essential for creating a sweet, caramelized glaze on the chicken. It helps balance the tangy flavors and gives the teriyaki sauce its classic finish.

How To Make Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

This is a quick overview of the recipe. The full list of ingredients & complete step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card below.

  1. Mix all the marinade ingredients in a large measuring cup or bowl.
  2. Place the chicken in a Ziploc bag with the marinade and refrigerate for 1–3 hours.
  3. Preheat your grill and lightly oil the grates.
  4. Grill the chicken 6–8 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F.
  5. Brush with fresh teriyaki sauce and enjoy over rice or on its own!
A white plate with grilled chicken slices glazed in sauce, topped with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, served over a bed of white rice. Utensils and side dishes are visible around the plate on a marble surface.

Karlynn’s Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

  • Watch Closely: Keep a close eye on your chicken while it grills. You want it deeply browned but not blackened, so taking your time prevents burning and leaves you with delicious, juicy chicken.
  • Flip with Confidence: If you’re unsure of when to turn the chicken, gently lift a piece with tongs. When it’s ready, it will naturally release from the grill without sticking. If it resists, give it a little more time. Always ensure your chicken reaches the USDA safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Keep It Simple: Teriyaki chicken already has strong, bold flavors on its own. Just a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a bit of chopped green onion adds the perfect finishing touch.
A plate of white rice topped with a grilled chicken breast, drizzled with a dark sauce and garnished with sliced green onions. A cutting board with more grilled chicken is blurred in the background.

Storage Instructions

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is just as tasty the next day, making it a great option for quick lunches or a ready-to-eat dinner.

Refrigerator: Let the chicken cool, then store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, in the oven, or in the microwave to keep it juicy and flavorful.

Freezer: You can freeze your chicken for a convenient meal later. Portion it and cool completely, then store the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for 3 to 4 months according to USDA food safety guidelines. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.

More Delicious Chicken Breast Recipes

Craving more tasty Chicken Breast recipes? Try these out next:

• Instant Pot Chicken Breast is a super easy way to get juicy, tender chicken in no time.

• Pan Fried Chicken Breast is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s a classic everyone will love.

• Chicken Cordon Bleu is a fun twist for dinner that feels fancy but is simple to make at home.

And just like that, you have perfectly grilled Teriyaki Chicken that’s juicy, flavorful, and finished with that bold, mouthwatering glaze.

Give this recipe a try and share in the comments what sides you pair with your chicken. You know that I’m always excited to hear your suggestions!

Happy Cooking!

Karlynn

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Sliced Grilled teriyaki chicken on white rice on a white plate

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is one of the simplest and easiest ways to use your grill. Why not make it even better with a great Teriyaki marinade as well?
5 from 1 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 8 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 220

Ingredients 

  • 4 chicken breast halves , boneless
  • ½ cup teriyaki sauce
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions 

  • In a large measuring cup mix all ingredients except the chicken.
  • Pour the marinade into a large Ziploc bag and add the chicken breasts, seal and ensure they are all coated well. Put in the refrigerator for 1-3 hours turning and coating them every so often.
  • Preheat the grill for high heat.
  • Lightly oil the grate.
  • Remove the chicken from the bag and discard any leftover marinade.
  • Grill for 6-8 minutes on each side until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
  • Remove from the grill. Brush fresh teriyaki sauce over grilled teriyaki chicken for a saucy glaze.
  • Serve warm on a bed of rice garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 2322mg | Potassium: 573mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Karlynn Johnston

I’m a busy mom of two, wife & cookbook author who loves creating fast, fresh meals for my little family on the Canadian prairies. Karlynn Facts: I'm allergic to broccoli. I've never met a cocktail that I didn't like. I would rather burn down my house than clean it. Most of all, I love helping YOU get dinner ready because there's nothing more important than connecting with our loved ones around the dinner table!

Learn more about me

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Comments & Recipe Tips Share a tip or comment!

  1. Mary Kiley says

    I don’t own a BBQ could the chicken be cooked in the oven?

  2. Quincy MC says

    It was the best chicken i ever had but when i made it i did not have teriyaki sauce so i used a classic TSANG sirfrie sauce! and then we got teriyaki sauce so i brushed the chicken in the teriyaki sauce it was SOOO good try it with the sauce you will love it!!!5 stars

5 from 1 vote

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