My Go-To Teriyaki Spicy Chicken Recipe (So Easy!)

Ever wonder how to make a truly memorable chicken dinner?

I found the answer in my kitchen. I wanted a dish that was fast and full of flavor.

After many tries, I created my special teriyaki spicy chicken recipe. It takes only about 25 minutes from start to finish.

Key Takeaways

• Use chicken thighs for extra juicy results.
• Adjust chili flakes for your desired heat.
• Serve hot over rice or with noodles.

The secret is the homemade marinade. It gives the chicken an amazing sweet and spicy taste. This recipe will show you how to make this fantastic meal at home.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

Here is a quick look at what you need to know. This snapshot helps you plan your cooking time for this tasty dish.

Preparation Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Yield	Skill Level	Spice Level
10 Minutes	15 Minutes	25 Minutes	4 Servings	Beginner	Medium (Adjustable)

Why This Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is a Must-Try for Dinner

This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It brings together exciting flavors that your whole family will love. It is easy and fun.

The Perfect Balance of Sweet, Savory, and Spicy

This recipe has the perfect taste mix. The teriyaki sauce gives a sweet and savory flavor. Chili flakes and fresh jalapeños add a nice bit of heat. Every bite is a wonderful mix of these tastes. It is not too sweet or too spicy.

A Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner Solution

You can make this meal fast. It is great for busy nights. The steps are simple to follow. You do not need special cooking skills. You can have a delicious dinner ready in less than 30 minutes. It makes weeknight cooking easy and enjoyable for everyone.

Customizable and Better Than Takeout

Making this dish at home is great. You can choose what goes in it. You can make it sweeter or spicier. The ingredients are fresh. This makes it taste much better than restaurant food. It is also healthier for you and your family.

How to Prepare the Spicy Teriyaki Chicken

Follow these simple instructions to make your meal. The process is easy. You will have a wonderful dish in no time at all.

Ingredients	Amount	Alternative
Soy Sauce	3/4 cup	Tamari (for gluten-free)
Brown Sugar	1/4 cup	Coconut Sugar
Mirin	3 tbsp	Rice Vinegar + 1 tsp Sugar
Honey	1 tbsp	Maple Syrup
Sesame Oil	1 tsp	Olive Oil
Red Chili Flakes	1 tsp	Sriracha Sauce
Boneless Chicken	1 lb	Boneless Pork or Tofu
Jalapeño Pepper	1, chopped	Serrano Pepper
Fresh Garlic	1 tbsp, minced	Garlic Powder
Fresh Ginger	1 tbsp, minced	Ginger Powder
Cornstarch	2 tbsp	Arrowroot Powder
Water	2 tbsp	–

Step 1: Whisk Together the Spicy Teriyaki Marinade

First, make your spicy marinade. Get a medium-sized bowl. Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, and honey.

Then, stir in the sesame oil and red chili flakes. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves completely. This marinade is the key to the amazing flavor of the chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Next, prepare your chicken. Cut the boneless chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Put the chicken pieces into the bowl with the marinade.

Stir well to make sure every piece of chicken is covered. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes. For an even better taste, you can marinate it for a few hours in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Sear the Chicken

Now, it is time to cook. Heat a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil. Put the chopped jalapeños, minced garlic, and ginger in the pan.

Cook for about one minute until you can smell them. Then, take the chicken out of the marinade and add it to the pan. Cook the chicken until it is nicely browned.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken Your Sauce

Pour the leftover marinade into the pan with the chicken. Bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for about 10 minutes.

This cooks the chicken all the way through. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Pour the slurry into the pan and stir. The sauce will get thick and glossy.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Result

Here are some helpful hints to make your dish perfect. These simple tips will ensure your spicy teriyaki chicken is delicious every single time.

Don’t Shorten the Marinating Time

Letting the chicken marinate is very important. This step helps the chicken soak up all the sweet, savory, and spicy flavors of the sauce.

A minimum of 10 minutes is needed. If you have more time, marinating for an hour or more will make the taste even deeper and more delicious.

Adjust the Spice Level to Your Preference

You can easily change how spicy this dish is. For a mild heat, use fewer chili flakes or remove the seeds from the jalapeño.

If you love spicy food, add more chili flakes. You can also use a hotter pepper like a serrano. This way, the dish is perfect for your taste.

Use Chicken Thighs for Juicier Results

Chicken breasts are a good choice for this recipe. However, using boneless, skinless chicken thighs can make the dish even better.

Chicken thighs have a bit more fat. This keeps them very moist and tender during cooking. They soak up the sauce beautifully and do not dry out easily.

Get Your Pan Nice and Hot Before Searing

A hot pan is key for searing the chicken. Searing creates a beautiful brown crust on the outside of the chicken pieces.

This adds a lot of great texture and a richer, caramelized flavor to the final dish. Make sure your pan is properly heated before you add the chicken.

Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger for the Best Flavor

Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Using freshly minced garlic and ginger will give your dish a bright and powerful flavor. The aroma is also much better.

While powdered versions are okay, fresh garlic and ginger will provide a much more authentic and delicious taste to your teriyaki sauce.

How to Store and Serve Your Spicy Teriyaki Chicken

Knowing how to save and present your dish is important. Proper storage keeps it fresh, and good serving ideas make the meal special.

The Storing Method

• To store leftovers, first let the chicken cool down completely. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the chicken fresh and ready for another meal.
• When you are ready to eat the leftovers, you can reheat them easily. Put the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and heat for a couple of minutes. You can also warm it up in a pan on the stove over medium heat.

The Serving Method

• The best way to serve this chicken is over a bed of fluffy steamed rice. The rice soaks up the delicious, thick teriyaki sauce. You can use either white or brown rice. This classic combination is always a family favorite for dinner.
• For a nice presentation, garnish the dish before serving. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top. You can also add some freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. These additions add a pop of color and an extra layer of fresh flavor to the meal.

Variations to Try

Feel free to change this recipe to suit your taste. Trying new things can make cooking fun and lead to new favorite dishes.

Experiment with Different Proteins

This spicy teriyaki sauce is very versatile. It tastes great on more than just chicken. Try making this recipe with shrimp for a quick seafood dinner.

It is also delicious with thin strips of beef or salmon fillets. For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu.

Add Your Favorite Vegetables

Make this a complete one-pan meal by adding vegetables. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snap peas are all great choices.

Add them to the pan during the last few minutes of cooking. They will become tender-crisp and get coated in the yummy sauce.

Grill for a Smoky Flavor

For a different taste, try grilling the chicken. After marinating, thread the chicken pieces onto skewers. Grill them until they are cooked through and have nice char marks.

While they are grilling, heat the remaining marinade in a saucepan and thicken it with the cornstarch slurry to create a dipping sauce.

Common Mistakes, Solution and Prevention

Everyone makes mistakes in the kitchen. Here are a few common ones for this recipe and how you can fix or avoid them easily.

Mistake #1: The Chicken is Dry and Chewy

• Solution: If the chicken is already overcooked, slice it thinly. Toss it well with extra sauce to add some moisture back into it.
• Prevention: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and no higher. Cook on medium-high heat, not the highest setting. Using chicken thighs instead of breasts also helps prevent dryness.

Mistake #2: The Sauce is Too Thin

• Solution: If your sauce is watery, you can easily thicken it. Make a small amount of extra cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water) and stir it into the simmering sauce.
• Prevention: Ensure the sauce is simmering, not boiling, when you add the cornstarch slurry. Stir it in slowly and give it a minute to thicken before adding more.

Mistake #3: The Dish is Too Salty

• Solution: If the final dish tastes too salty, you can balance it by adding a little more honey or brown sugar. A squeeze of lemon juice can also help cut the saltiness.
• Prevention: Use a low-sodium soy sauce from the beginning. This gives you more control over the salt content and is a simple way to prevent the dish from becoming too salty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this spicy teriyaki chicken recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can. Simply replace the regular soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or a similar gluten-free soy sauce alternative. All other ingredients are typically gluten-free, but always check the labels to be sure.

How can I make the sauce spicier without adding more chili flakes?
To increase the heat, try using a hotter pepper like a serrano. You could also add a small amount of sriracha or another chili-garlic sauce to the marinade for an extra kick of spice.

Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Absolutely. The marinade can be made up to three days ahead of time. Just whisk it together and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Now you have everything you need to create a fantastic meal. This teriyaki spicy chicken recipe is so easy and delicious, it is sure to become a regular in your home.

It’s perfect for a quick dinner that is full of amazing flavors. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments. Happy cooking!