Sesame Teriyaki Grilled Chicken

Name: Sesame Teriyaki Grilled Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; 2 green onions, sliced for garnish; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Fast Dinner Recipes

I absolutely love preparing Sesame Teriyaki Grilled Chicken for my family on the weekends. The sweet and savory teriyaki marinade infuses the chicken with amazing flavor, and the toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can elevate any meal, whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering. Grilling the chicken gives it that perfect charred flavor. I can't wait to share this recipe with you, as it has become a favorite in my kitchen.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-04T18:02:27.927Z

When I first experimented with this Sesame Teriyaki Grilled Chicken, I wanted to combine familiar flavors with an exciting twist. I discovered that marinating the chicken overnight in the teriyaki sauce not only deepened the flavors but also made the meat incredibly tender. It's such a simple tip, yet it elevates the dish significantly, making each bite burst with savory goodness.

While grilling, I love to add a sprinkle of sesame seeds right before serving, which adds that crunch and a touch of elegance. Pairing it with steamed rice and vegetables rounds off the meal perfectly, and I know you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite.
Juicy, tender chicken enhanced with a rich marinade.
Quick to prepare, making it excellent for busy weeknights.

The Role of Marinade

Marinating chicken is crucial for enhancing flavor and tenderness. The combination of soy sauce and honey in this marinade not only builds a deliciously glossy glaze but also helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it incredibly juicy once cooked. I recommend allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for optimal results, refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, ensuring every bite is infused with that sweet and savory profile we love.

The garlic and ginger are key players in this marinade, contributing to its aromatic depth. Fresh garlic adds a raw, pungent note while ginger introduces a warm spiciness. If you're out of fresh ginger, you can substitute with ground ginger, using about a teaspoon. Be mindful to adjust the marinating time as ground spices can impart flavor quickly.

Grilling Techniques for Perfect Chicken

When grilling, achieving the perfect char is about managing heat. Preheating your grill to medium-high is essential; it creates searing hot grates that lock in juices and mark the chicken beautifully. To ensure even cooking, it’s wise to aim for an external temperature of around 400°F. If your grill has a temperature gauge, keep an eye on it. If you see excessive flare-ups, it’s a cue to move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill temporarily.

Don’t forget to oil your grill grates! This simple step prevents sticking and allows for clean release once the chicken is ready to be turned. You'll know it's time to flip when the chicken naturally releases from the grill and displays those tantalizing grill marks. Be cautious with cooking times; overcooked chicken can lose its juiciness. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F, and your grilled chicken will be perfectly cooked.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious dish:

Ingredients for the Marinade

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil

Ingredients for the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste

Ensure all ingredients are fresh and ready to allow for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Sesame Teriyaki Grilled Chicken:

Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil until well combined.

Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a glass dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for best results).

Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and season with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. During the last few minutes of grilling, sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

Serve

Once grilled, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Slice it, garnish with green onions, and serve with your choice of sides.

Enjoy this dish hot and fresh from the grill!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, you can add chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick. Always let your chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

Serving Suggestions

This Sesame Teriyaki Grilled Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables tossed in a light soy sauce, which echoes the flavors of the chicken. For something a bit lighter, a fresh, crunchy cucumber salad drizzled with sesame dressing complements the dish well and adds a refreshing contrast.

For those looking to elevate their meal, you can serve this chicken with a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce or a sprinkle of additional sesame seeds just before plating. A dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a delightful kick, pleasing spice lovers at the table.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, the grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To maintain the best texture, try to separate the chicken from any leftover sauce before storing. For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken, where it will keep well for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even warmth.

When reheating, avoid the microwave if possible, as it can lead to dry chicken. Instead, preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the chicken with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. Alternatively, return it to a grill or skillet over low heat for a few minutes, adding a splash of water or chicken broth for moisture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor.

→ How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for best flavor, but even 30 minutes works well.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

Steamed jasmine rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad are great accompaniments.

→ Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes if you can't grill.