This easy teriyaki chicken marinade uses just four ingredients and only a few minutes to mix. It’s perfect for summer grilling, freezer-friendly, and yields tender, deeply flavored BBQ chicken every time.
This teriyaki chicken marinade is one of my earliest and most-used recipes. Over decades of testing and summer barbecues, it has become a reliable favorite. The combination of salty soy, mellow brown sugar, warming ginger, and garlic creates a simple yet balanced marinade that keeps chicken juicy and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken Marinade
- Quick & easy: only four main ingredients and minimal prep.
- Flavorful & moist: this marinade produces tender, juicy chicken every time.
- Flexible timing: mix it in the morning and let it marinate all day.
- Freezer-friendly: marinade and freeze chicken in the same bag — it thaws and marinates simultaneously.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Marinade
Exact measurements are provided here for convenience.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced)
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Teriyaki Chicken Marinade
This reliable teriyaki chicken marinade is ideal for grilling, baking, or freezing for later. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have flavorful chicken ready for dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- In a container with a tight-fitting lid or a resealable plastic bag, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Stir or seal and shake until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Add the chicken breasts to the marinade. Poke each breast a few times with a fork or knife so the marinade can penetrate, then turn to coat both sides.
- Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. For best flavor, marinate up to overnight. Turn the chicken occasionally to ensure even coating.
- If freezing for later: place the chicken and marinade together in a labeled freezer bag and freeze. When ready to use, move the bag to the refrigerator to thaw; it will thaw and marinate as it defrosts.
Grill Instructions
- Oil clean grill grates and preheat the grill to high heat.
- Place the marinated chicken on the grill and brush with a little extra marinade.
- Cover and cook about 3 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Adjust time for thicker breasts; thinner pieces will cook faster.
- If the chicken sticks, allow it to sear a bit longer — it will release when the sear is ready.
- Chicken is done when juices run clear and there is no pink at the center when cut. Use a meat thermometer if desired: chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
How to make Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (with pictures)
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1. Stir together the marinade ingredients. -
2. Place chicken breasts in the marinade and turn to coat.
In your chosen container or bag, stir the soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic until fully combined. Add the chicken breasts and gently press a few small punctures in each piece so the marinade can penetrate. Turn to ensure both sides are coated, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Make-ahead & freezer tips: For a quick freezer meal, place the chicken and marinade together in a labeled freezer bag. Freeze flat for easier storage. When you’re ready to use it, transfer the bag to the refrigerator to thaw; the chicken will marinate as it thaws, saving time on the day you cook it.
How to grill marinated chicken on a BBQ
To grill this chicken, oil the grates, preheat the grill to high, and place the chicken directly over the heat. Brush with extra marinade and cover. Cook about 3 minutes per side, adjusting for thickness. Let the chicken rest a few minutes after grilling to retain juices before slicing.
What to serve with this easy BBQ teriyaki chicken
This teriyaki chicken pairs well with a variety of sides: steamed rice, grilled vegetables, a fresh green salad, or a classic potato salad. Leftovers can be shredded into sandwiches, tossed into salads, or added to grain bowls for quick lunches.
Other easy dinner ideas
- Honey mustard chicken marinade — great for baking or grilling.
- BBQ turkey burgers for a leaner option.
- Lasagne or creamy chicken chili for cozy, family-style dinners.
- Freeze-ahead meatballs or chicken and cheese chimichangas for simple reheats.
If you enjoyed this teriyaki chicken marinade, save the recipe for your next barbecue or meal-prep session. It’s an effortless way to add consistent, crowd-pleasing flavor to chicken with minimal effort.
