Baked Teriyaki Chicken Breast

When in doubt, make this easy Baked Teriyaki Chicken Breast. The chicken is marinated in an easy homemade teriyaki chicken marinade and then baked in a casserole dish until tender.

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 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:

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

1. Mix marinade: first things first. Combine all of the ingredients for your teriyaki chicken marinade in a large bowl or Pyrex.
2. Marinate the chicken: place your chicken breast in either a plastic bag (or even the casserole dish it’s going to bake in) and then pour the marinade on top of the chicken. Make sure everything is covered and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or ovenight.
3. Bake: Spray a 9×9-inch casserole dish with cooking spray and then transfer the chicken and the marinade into the dish. Bake at 375ºF for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165ºF.
4. Thicken sauce: If you’d like to thicken the sauce use a cornstarch slurry to do so with the leftover marinade.

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:

1. Create a cornstarch slurry by whisking together the cornstarch and water.
2. Then, pour the slurry into the remaining sauce and whisk it until it dissolves.
3. As the sauce sits for a few minutes, the sauce will thicken.

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

Can you bake chicken in its marinade?

Yes! By baking the chicken in its marinade, you are further infusing it with the flavors. Transfer the chicken breast and the marinade into a greased baking dish and bake at 375ºF for 20-25 minutes.

How long should you bake chicken at 375ºF?

Bake chicken at 375ºF for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

You can easily swap the chicken breast for boneless or bone-in chicken thighs.

Can I eat the leftover marinade in the dish?

Yes! We highly recommend serving your baked teriyaki chicken with the leftover marinade. Feel free to thicken the sauce with a little bit of cornstarch.

Use this teriyaki chicken marinade with a different meat

Try this easy baked teriyaki chicken method with a different meat. Here are some ideas below:

• Salmon
• Pork chops
• Beef

Serving Suggestions

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

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.

1. Place teriyaki chicken marinade and chicken breast into a freezer-safe gallon-size bag.
2. Remove as much air as possible and seal.
3. Freeze for up to 3 months.

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.