If you love bold flavors, juicy chicken, and rich homemade sauces, these Sweet and Sticky Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Thighs will quickly become one of your favorite comfort meals. This dish combines tender, pan-seared chicken with a thick, glossy teriyaki glaze that’s sweet, savory, and slightly smoky. Served over fluffy steamed rice and finished with fresh herbs, every bite is warm, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners, this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients yet delivers restaurant-style results. The sauce caramelizes beautifully around the chicken, creating that irresistible sticky coating that clings to each piece. It’s the kind of meal that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make at home.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this teriyaki chicken is comforting, filling, and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the teriyaki glaze
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons mirin or rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for depth)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For serving
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- Chopped parsley or green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Start by preparing the chicken thighs. Pat them dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is important because it helps create a golden, crisp surface when cooking. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken thighs in the pan. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until nicely browned and cooked through. Avoid moving the chicken too often so it develops a good sear.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside while you prepare the glaze.
In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in soy sauce, honey, mirin, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for a few minutes.
Add the cornstarch slurry and continue stirring until the sauce thickens into a rich, glossy glaze. It should coat the back of a spoon and look smooth and shiny.
Return the chicken thighs to the pan and spoon the glaze over them. Let everything simmer together for another 3 to 5 minutes so the sauce caramelizes and sticks to the chicken. Turn the pieces occasionally to coat them evenly.
Once done, remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Spoon warm steamed rice into bowls or plates. Place the glazed chicken thighs on top and drizzle extra sauce over everything. Finish with chopped parsley or green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
You can also serve this dish with stir-fried vegetables, broccoli, snap peas, or a fresh cucumber salad to create a balanced meal.
Cooking Tips
Chicken thighs are recommended because they stay juicy and tender, even when cooked longer. However, you can substitute chicken breasts if preferred. Just reduce cooking time slightly to prevent dryness.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in half of the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. This step enhances the savory taste.
If you like a thicker glaze, let the sauce simmer a bit longer. For a thinner consistency, add a splash of water or chicken broth.
You can also bake the chicken in the oven at 200°C for about 20 minutes and brush with glaze during the last 5 minutes for an alternative cooking method.
Storage and Meal Prep
This teriyaki chicken stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the chicken and rice in separate airtight containers. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
It’s also perfect for meal prep lunches. Simply portion rice and chicken into containers and add vegetables for a complete, ready-to-go meal.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe balances sweet, salty, and umami flavors perfectly. The sticky glaze adds depth and richness, while the tender chicken and soft rice create a comforting texture. The ingredients are simple, affordable, and easy to find, making it a practical dish for everyday cooking.
With its glossy finish, bold flavor, and satisfying taste, these sweet and sticky teriyaki glazed chicken thighs are guaranteed to become a household favorite.