Sharing is caring!

This grilled teriyaki chicken takes boneless, skinless chicken thighs, and coats it in a deliciously sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce, topped with crunchy sesame seeds and fresh green onions.

Teriyaki chicken is a family favorite for a reason!

Teriyaki in Japanese comes from 2 words; the first word “teri” which means shine, and “yaki” which means grilled. And together, they make deliciously grilled meat, glazed in a gloriously sweet and savory sauce.

This grilled teriyaki chicken uses my homemade teriyaki sauce (which is a fantastic combination of salty, umami, and sweetness) and boneless, skinless chicken thighs, grilled to perfection, and topped with crunchy sesame seeds and fresh green onions.

So get your grill ready!

This grilled teriyaki chicken is sure to be on the menu at your next backyard BBQ!

Ingredients for grilled teriyaki chicken

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs – These boneless, skinless chicken thighs have maximum flavor and juiciness and are perfect for this recipe!
• Homemade teriyaki sauce – My homemade teriyaki sauce is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, but feel free to use your favorite store-bought variety instead.
• Toppings – I’ve used both sesame seeds and green onions here for both crunch and freshness.

Alternative proteins

If you’re not a fan of chicken thighs, no worries! Here are some other great proteins that work perfectly with this dish:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or cutlets
• Tofu
• Shrimp

Side dishes

Grilled teriyaki chicken goes with almost any side dish! Here are some of my favorites:

• Honey roasted carrots
• Air fryer Brussels sprouts
• Cucumber tomato salad
• Baked brown rice

Tips for easy grilling

Does your chicken stick to your grill? 

Here are some helpful tips to make sure your grilled teriyaki chicken comes out perfect every time:

• Make sure your grill is clean: Take care in removing old debris that can cause your chicken to stick.
• Oil up your grill: Using oil to lubricate the grill will make it easy for the chicken to release.
• Get your grill super hot: Not having a hot enough grill will cause your chicken to cling to the grates and shred apart when you try to flip it.
• Let your chicken cook: Don’t try to flip or move your chicken too early. Once you place it on your hot grill, please resist the urge to poke at it for at least 5 minutes! Letting the crust form and the chicken cook will help it release from the grates. 

Storage and leftovers

Any leftover grilled teriyaki chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish covered loosely with a damp paper towel and heat for 2-3 minutes or until heated thoroughly.

More chicken recipes

• Love Asian-inspired chicken? Try my Sweet Soy Marinated Grilled Chicken Thighs
• Craving something spicy? Try my Hot Honey Chicken Skewers
• Need something fresh and bright? Try my Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs
• Want something sweet and savory? Try my Pineapple Chicken Kebabs