This simple teriyaki chicken marinade uses only four ingredients and takes minutes to prepare. Ideal for summer grilling, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to deliver tender, flavorful BBQ chicken.
This teriyaki chicken marinade is a longtime favorite—one of the first marinades I experimented with years ago. It’s simple, reliable, and perfect for backyard BBQs. With minimal prep and just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll get juicy, flavorful chicken every time.
Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken Marinade
- Fast and easy — mix four ingredients and you’re ready to marinate.
- Juicy and flavorful — the marinade keeps the chicken moist while adding sweet-savory teriyaki notes.
- Flexible timing — marinate for a few hours or leave it in the fridge all day.
- Freezer-friendly — freeze chicken in the marinade for convenient meal prep; it thaws and marinates at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Marinade
See the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Ginger
- Garlic powder (or fresh garlic)
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
Teriyaki Chicken Marinade
This quick teriyaki chicken marinade is perfect for grilling and meal prep. With just four ingredients and minimal hands-on time, it produces tender, juicy chicken that’s great hot off the grill or saved for later.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder (or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced)
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic in a container with a tight-fitting lid or in a resealable plastic bag. Stir or shake until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the chicken breasts to the marinade. Poke each breast a few times with a knife to help the flavors penetrate, then turn the pieces to coat both sides evenly.
- Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, turning occasionally so the chicken marinates evenly.
- To grill: oil the clean grates and preheat the grill to high. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and brush with any remaining marinade.
- Cover and cook about 3 minutes per side, depending on thickness. If the chicken sticks, give it a little more time—when it’s ready it will release easily.
- Chicken is done when the inside is no longer pink and juices run clear. Slice to check if unsure.
Share your results
If you try this recipe, leave a comment or share a photo on social media and tag @harbourbreeze.
How to Make Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (Step-by-Step with Photos)
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1. Stir together the marinade ingredients. -
2. Place chicken in the marinade, turn to coat, and cover completely.
In a container or resealable bag, mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic until well combined. Add the chicken breasts, poke each a few times so the marinade can penetrate, then turn to coat both sides.
Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, turning occasionally so every piece is coated. For meal prep, place the chicken and marinade together in a labeled freezer bag and freeze—when you move the bag to the fridge to thaw, the chicken will marinate as it thaws.
Freezer-Friendly Meal Prep Tips
Marinating meat in zipper bags is one of the easiest freeze-ahead strategies. Use a large family pack of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, portion them into bags with the marinade, label with the date and contents, and freeze flat. The night before or the morning you plan to cook, transfer a bag to the refrigerator to thaw and marinate.
- Buy a family pack of boneless, skinless chicken breasts for convenient portions.
- Place chicken in a resealable bag, pour in the marinade, remove excess air, seal, and freeze flat.
- Thaw slowly in the refrigerator—while it thaws it will continue to absorb flavor.
How to Grill Marinated Chicken on a BBQ
Follow these steps for perfect grilled teriyaki chicken:
- Oil the grill grates and preheat to high heat.
- Place the marinated chicken on the grill and brush with extra marinade.
- Cover and cook about 3 minutes per side, adjusting time for thickness.
- If the chicken sticks, give it a little longer—when ready it will release easily.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked with no pink inside before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This teriyaki chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Classic potato salad is a delicious contrast, or use leftover chicken in a salad with a tangy peanut-chili dressing. Steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a simple green salad all complement the sweet-savory flavors.
More Easy Dinner Ideas
- Honey Mustard Chicken Marinade — great for baking or grilling
- BBQ turkey burgers
- Lasagne
- White Chicken Chili
- Freeze-Ahead Meatballs
- Chicken and Cheese Chimichangas
For more freezer meal planning ideas, consider keeping a running list of go-to recipes and frequently used portions to streamline shopping and prep.
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