This gluten-free teriyaki chicken recipe is perfect for any night of the week. With tender pieces of chicken tossed in an easy, sweet teriyaki sauce that comes together in a few minutes, the whole family will be asking for more!
Need a quick and easy dinner for all those busy nights but want something with tons of flavor that will be a crowd-pleaser for even the pickiest of eaters? Then you want to make this sweet and tangy teriyaki chicken tonight!
It's funny because my husband would order this a lot from the Chinese place we went to in Kansas. I always wondered why they had it because, technically, teriyaki is a Japanese cooking thing. Granted, I can't say the Chinese food restaurant did it any good since I never ate it there, but it certainly looked a little bit like their sweet and sour chicken. I guess the two really are close but still not the same.
Don't worry, though; if you don't typically make Japanese food, this recipe is super simple to make.
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It's All About The Sauce
Traditionally, teriyaki sauce has four main ingredients: soy sauce, sake, mirin, and a type of sugar. Sake and mirin are actually types of rice-based wines. I've mixed things up a bit to help make it gluten and even grain-free for those who want it that way.
Ingredients
- Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Gluten-free Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos: Gives the deep umami taste while keeping it gluten-free.
- Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: Deepens the sweetness and gives the sauce a rich caramelized flavor.
- Honey: Enhances the sweetness of the final dish.
- Mirin: A Japanese sweet rice wine that brings authentic teriyaki flavor and a glossy finish to the sauce.
- Cornstarch or Arrowroot Starch: Helps to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Ginger and Garlic
Helpful Tips for Making Gluten-Free Teriyaki Chicken
Cut the chicken into even pieces: Because we are cooking the chicken in a skillet, you want to ensure the pieces are cut evenly. This will help them cook at the same time. Do not overcook the chicken.
Cooking equipment: You don't need a wok to make this stir fry. This recipe can easily be made in any skillet.
Common Questions
Nope, not at all. I've used boneless chicken breast and even boneless thighs in this recipe, and it all works. You could also make the sauce, put it over some stir fry veggies, and leave the chicken out together if you wanted. I have even marinated some salmon in this sauce before, and it is delicious. Because the sauce is the star of the show here, everyone will want some!
Mirin is a type of sweet wine that is similar to sake. If you can't find mirin, you can substitute in sake, a dry sherry, or sweet marsala wine. You can also add more rice vinegar but be sure to add about an extra tablespoon of the brown sugar to counteract the sourness from the vinegar.
Gluten-free soy sauce can be heavy on the salt flavor. If you prefer to have a less salty taste, I suggest using coconut aminos.
How to Make Gluten-Free Teriyaki Chicken
- Dice and cook the chicken with the sesame oil.
- Combine the remaining ingredients into a bowl and whisk them together.
- Add the sauce to the chicken when it's almost cooked through.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce until it thickens, and enjoy!
Leftovers and Reheating Gluten-Free Teriyaki Chicken
This teriyaki chicken recipe makes a really good meal prep because it stores and reheats well. Leftovers can be kept in a container in the fridge for up to a week. You can either reheat the chicken and sauce in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or place it on the stove over medium heat until the chicken is warm. If you are using the stove, you will want to add a splash of water to help the sauce thin out a bit and keep it from burning.
Can you make teriyaki chicken ahead of time?
Yup! This recipe not only comes together in minutes, but it's also great to prep ahead. You can choose to cook the chicken and sauce separately or even together. I often make little bowls for quick and easy pre-made lunches for my husband.
Serving Suggestions
I love to serve this teriyaki chicken alongside some cauliflower rice and stir-fry veggies. Feel free to put it with your favorites.
More quick and easy dinners!
- Beef and Broccoli
- Chili Mac
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
- Crispy Chicken Sandwiches
- Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
📖 Recipe
Gluten-free Sweet and Tangy Teriyaki Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Chicken Cubed
- 2 Tablespoons Sesame Seed Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Honey
- ¼ Cup Dark Brown Sugar
- ¼ Cup Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
- ½ Cup Gluten-free Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos
- 2 Tablespoons Mirin or 2 teaspoons umami powder.
- 3 Cloves Minced Garlic or 1 ½ Teaspoons ground garlic
- 12 Teaspoons Minced Ginger or 1 Teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 Tablespoons Corn Starch or Arrowroot Starch
- 1 TBS Green Onion Optional
- 1 TBS Sesame Seeds Optional
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the sesame oil and the chicken. Allow the chicken to cook, rotating as needed until the chicken is almost cooked.1 Pound Chicken, 2 Tablespoons Sesame Seed Oil
- While the chicken is cooking, add the remaining ingredients into a bowl and mix till combined.2 Tablespoons Honey, ¼ Cup Dark Brown Sugar, ¼ Cup Rice Vinegar, ½ Cup Gluten-free Soy Sauce, 2 Tablespoons Mirin, 3 Cloves Minced Garlic, 12 Teaspoons Minced Ginger, 2 Tablespoons Corn Starch
- Add the sauce mixture to the chicken, reduce the temperature and let it simmer until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve alongside your favorite rice, cauliflower rice, or even some stir-fry veggies on the side and enjoy!1 TBS Green Onion, 2 Tablespoons Sesame Seed Oil
Jerika says
Looks so delish!:) This gluten-free teriyaki chicken is a perfect weeknight food together with my family. Thanks!:)
nancy says
fab recipe . the teriyaki chicken was really tender and juicy!
amanda says
This was so delicious, my kids kept asking for more!
Sara Vaughn says
So glad your kids loved it!
Agnieszka says
Fabulous teriyaki chicken recipe. It was easy and delicious!