This authentic grilled teriyaki chicken has the declious umami, sweet and salty flavors you expect. Marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, the chicken is perfectly grilled, delivering a smoky, charred exterior and a tender, juicy interior.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a dinner party, or simply looking for a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit with kids and adults.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Packed Full of Flavorful: The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce gives the chicken a delicious, umami-packed taste.
Easy to make: The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal preparation.
Versatile: Serve it with your favorite sides, from rice and noodles to stir-fried vegetables.
Perfect for any occasion: This dish is a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner.
What You’ll Need To Cook Smoked Teriyaki Chicken
Boneless Chicken Thighs
Orange Juice
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
Rice Vinegar
Sesame Oil
Ground Ginger
Minced Garlic
Honey
Green Onions
Water
Cornstarch
How to Cook Teriyaki Chicken on the Grill
Step 1: Preparing The Marinade
Whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, honey, and green onions in a bowl. Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade for later.
Step 2: Marinate The Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a gallon-sized freezer bag. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and seal the bag. Refrigerate for 2-8 hours.
Step 3: Grill The Chicken
Reheat your grill to medium heat—lightly oil the grates. Grill the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 4: Make The Glaze
Whisk the reserved marinade, water, and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 3: Finished The Chicken
Brush the chicken with the glaze and grill for an additional 30 seconds. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy!
What To Serve With It
You can serve teriyaki chicken with rice or a salad, but if you’re looking for some more adventurous sides, I recommend you try the following.
How To Store Leftovers
To store leftover grilled teriyaki chicken, follow these steps:
- Cool completely: Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container: Place the chicken in a container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate: Store the leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
- Consume within 3-4 days: Consume the leftovers within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
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Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (trimmed of fat)
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 sliced green onions
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, honey, and green onions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade for later.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a gallon-sized freezer bag. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and seal the bag. Refrigerate for 1.5-8 hours.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved marinade, water, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Finish the chicken: Brush the chicken with the glaze and grill for an additional 30 seconds.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy!
Smoke On!
Charlie
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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