Sweet, savory, and packed with flavor, this Teriyaki Ground Chicken recipe is one of the easiest dinners you can make on a busy night.

Ground chicken is cooked until tender, then coated in a rich homemade teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of brown sugar. The sauce clings to every bite, creating a meal that’s delicious over rice, noodles, or even tucked into lettuce wraps.

I make Teriyaki Ground Chicken whenever I need something quick that still feels like a complete meal. It comes together in about 25 minutes, and I usually toss in whatever vegetables I have in the fridge to make it even heartier.

It’s cheaper than takeout, easy to customize, and the leftovers taste just as good the next day. Once you try this homemade version, you’ll probably find yourself adding it to your regular dinner rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 25 minutes.
• Sweet, savory, and full of homemade teriyaki flavor.
• Better than takeout.
• Budget-friendly and made with simple ingredients.
• Great for meal prep.
• Easy to customize with vegetables.
• Perfect over rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps.
• Family-friendly and beginner-friendly.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound ground chicken – Ground chicken cooks quickly and absorbs the teriyaki sauce beautifully. Lean or regular ground chicken both work well, depending on your preference.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor that gives this dish its signature Asian-inspired taste. A little goes a long way, so you only need a small amount.
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced – Onion adds sweetness and extra flavor while helping build the base of the dish. Dice it finely so it cooks quickly and blends into the chicken.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic gives the teriyaki sauce a bold, savory flavor. Mince it finely so it cooks evenly without leaving large pieces.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated – Fresh ginger adds warmth and a bright, slightly spicy flavor that balances the sweetness of the sauce. Fresh ginger gives the best flavor, but ginger paste can also be used.
• ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce – Soy sauce creates the salty, savory base of the homemade teriyaki sauce. Using low-sodium soy sauce helps keep the dish from becoming overly salty.
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar – Brown sugar adds sweetness while giving the sauce a rich caramel-like flavor. You can use honey if you prefer a more natural sweetener.
• 2 tablespoons honey – Honey adds another layer of sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Rice vinegar brightens the sauce with a little acidity, balancing the sweet and savory flavors. Apple cider vinegar can be substituted if needed.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Cornstarch thickens the teriyaki sauce so it clings to every piece of chicken. Mix it with water before adding it to avoid lumps.
• 2 tablespoons water – Water is combined with the cornstarch to create a smooth slurry. This helps the sauce thicken evenly.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Black pepper adds a mild warmth that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
• 2 green onions, sliced – Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and make a simple garnish that brightens the finished dish.
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional) – Sesame seeds add a light crunch and make the finished dish look even more appealing.

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

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How to Make Teriyaki Ground Chicken

Step 1: Cook the aromatics

Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the chicken

Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink.

Step 3: Make the teriyaki sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and black pepper. In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water until smooth.

Step 4: Add the sauce

Pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the chicken. Add the cornstarch slurry and continue stirring for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Remove from the heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables.

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Recipe Variations

Spicy Teriyaki Ground Chicken

Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Teriyaki Ground Chicken and Broccoli

Stir in steamed broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for an easy one-pan dinner.

Pineapple Teriyaki Ground Chicken

Mix in diced pineapple for a sweet and tropical twist that pairs perfectly with the teriyaki sauce.

Teriyaki Ground Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Spoon the cooked chicken into crisp lettuce leaves and top with shredded carrots and chopped peanuts for a lighter meal.

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What to Serve With Teriyaki Ground Chicken

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Brown rice
• Fried rice
• Lo mein noodles
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted green beans
• Egg rolls
• Cucumber salad
• Lettuce wraps

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How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator

Store leftover Teriyaki Ground Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water until heated through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the cornstarch slurry

Without the slurry, the sauce will stay thin and won’t coat the chicken properly. Always mix the cornstarch with water before adding it to the skillet.

Cooking the garlic too long

Garlic burns quickly and can become bitter. Add it after the onions have softened and cook it for only about 30 seconds.

Using high heat

Medium heat allows the sauce to thicken gradually without burning the sugars in the teriyaki sauce.

Overcooking the chicken

Ground chicken cooks quickly, so remove it from the heat as soon as it’s fully cooked to keep it juicy.

Forgetting to taste the sauce

Taste the sauce before serving. If you want it sweeter, add a little more honey. If you’d like it saltier, add a small splash of soy sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Yes. Ground turkey is an excellent substitute and works just as well with the homemade teriyaki sauce.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Absolutely. If you’re short on time, you can replace the homemade sauce with about ½ cup of your favorite bottled teriyaki sauce.

What vegetables go well with Teriyaki Ground Chicken?

Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, and edamame are all great additions.

Is Teriyaki Ground Chicken good for meal prep?

Yes. It stores and reheats very well, making it perfect for meal prep lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Simply use gluten-free tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce, and make sure any other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free.