Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken Made in the Microwave

Craving takeout teriyaki but stuck at home? Our microwave version delivers sticky-sweet perfection in under 5 minutes—no skillet or oven required.

Zero dishwashing marathons here: you’ll mix sauce and cook chicken right in your microwave-safe bowl. We’ve even tested the ideal wattage (800-1200W) for juicy, safe-to-eat poultry every time.

We’ll walk through each step, share pro tips (like nailing that 165°F internal temp), and suggest tasty twists. Ready to hack your hunger?

What is Teriyaki Chicken?

Teriyaki chicken is a Japanese dish featuring glazed, grilled poultry bathed in a sweet-salty sauce. The name comes from “teri” (glossy shine) and “yaki” (grilled), but we’re skipping the grill for something faster. Traditional sauce mixes soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and ginger—though my mom Linda once substituted grape jelly at a family reunion. Let’s just say…we stick to the classic version now. For a quick and delicious option, consider the Anyday Microwave Meal 2 Minute Chicken Teriyaki Bowl. It captures the same savory flavors in just a couple of minutes, perfect for busy days.

Can You Microwave Teriyaki Chicken?

Absolutely! Microwaving teriyaki chicken works surprisingly well if you use short intervals (15-30 seconds) and stir between bursts. The key is reaching that USDA-safe 165°F internal temp without drying out the meat. Pro tip: place chicken pieces in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate for even cooking.

At our chaotic family reunions, Aunt Linda would sneak entire trays of microwaved teriyaki chicken into the buffet line. Guests never noticed the “hack”—they were too busy sneaking second helpings.

What Does Teriyaki Chicken Taste Like?

Imagine caramelized umami with a sticky-sweet finish—like soy sauce and brown sugar slow-dancing on your tongue. The microwave version leans slightly less caramelized than grilled, but we compensate by adding a 30-second broil post-nuke (optional, but glorious). For an even more delectable treat, consider trying caramelized pineapple delight microwave grilled, which combines sweet, juicy pineapple with that irresistible caramel flavor for a mouthwatering dessert.

Texture-wise, expect tender chicken cloaked in a glossy sauce that clings to rice like edible velcro. It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget you’re eating from a cereal bowl at your desk. The ease of preparing a meal, like a lazy microwave frozen chicken nugget rice bowl, can save time on busy days. Not that we’ve done that…recently.

Now that we’ve covered the “why,” let’s grab ingredients and tackle the “how.” Your microwave is about to become a teriyaki powerhouse.

Ingredients for Easy Teriyaki Chicken Microwave

Grab these pantry staples for a sauce that’ll make your microwave smell like a Tokyo street stall. Our tested ratios balance sweet, salty, and sticky—no fancy gadgets required. Unlike some foods that don’t fare well in microwaves, this recipe truly delivers.

Essential Ingredients

• 12 oz boneless chicken breast or thighs: Thighs stay juicier (our pick), but breasts work
• 3 tbsp soy sauce: Standard or low-sodium—we’ll adjust salt later
• 2 tbsp mirin: Sweet rice wine (find it near sushi supplies)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar: Pack it like you’re mad at the tablespoon
• 1 tsp grated ginger: Fresh kicks harder, but ¼ tsp ground works
• 1 garlic clove: Minced, or ½ tsp jarred paste
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water: Our glossy-sauce secret weapon

Substitutes & Alternatives

No mirin? Mix 1 tbsp rice vinegar + 1 tsp sugar. Out of brown sugar? Honey or maple syrup add floral notes—just reduce microwaving by 10 seconds to prevent scorching. Heating honey in the microwave can be a quick way to make it easier to pour. Cornstarch MIA? Whisk 2 tsp flour into sauce before heating.

My cousin once swapped soy sauce with balsamic glaze during a midnight snack emergency. We don’t recommend it…unless you enjoy teriyaki that tastes like pizza. If you’re looking for something more enjoyable, an easy caprese salad drizzled with microwave balsamic glaze can be a delicious, quick fix. This simple dish brings together fresh flavors and can elevate any meal in just minutes.

Also See: Kid-approved Pinwheel Pizzas: Easy Microwave Recipe

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken in the Microwave

We’ll cook everything in one microwave-safe bowl—because who needs more dishes? Follow these steps for chicken so tender, you’ll question oven existence.

Preparing the Chicken

Chop chicken into 1-inch cubes (size matters for even cooking). Pat dry with paper towels—soggy poultry steams instead of searing. Arrange pieces in a single layer with space between; overcrowding = rubbery texture. For a delicious dinner idea, consider trying a flavorful chicken recipe that incorporates these perfectly cubed pieces.

Mixing the Teriyaki Sauce

Whisk soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic in a separate ramekin. Make a slurry with cornstarch and water until it resembles skim milk. Combine both mixtures—no lumps allowed! Taste and add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy.

Microwaving Steps & Timing

1. Nuke chicken first: Microwave uncovered on high (1000W) for 1 minute
2. Add sauce: Pour over chicken, stir to coat
3. Cook in bursts: Microwave 2 minutes, stir, then 30-second intervals until sauce thickens (usually 1-2 more rounds)

Check temp with a meat thermometer—165°F in the thickest piece. If your microwave is weaker (800W), add 15 seconds per interval.

Tips for Even Cooking

Rotate the bowl 180° halfway through if your microwave has hot spots. Stir vigorously after each interval—this redistributes heat better than a DJ mixing beats. Let rest 1 minute post-cooking; residual heat finishes the job.

Also See: Beachy Coconut Shrimp: Microwave-fried Flavor!

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

We’ve nuked enough hockey-puck chicken to know these pitfalls. Save your dinner (and dignity) with our fixes.

Overcooking in the Microwave

Rubbery chicken often stems from zapping too long initially. Start with 1 minute, then proceed in 30-second bursts. Remember: microwaves keep cooking during standing time. When in doubt, undercook by 10 seconds.

Sauce Consistency Fixes

Too thin? Mix ½ tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water, stir in, microwave 15 seconds. Too thick? Add 1 tsp water and stir—the sauce will loosen as steam releases. Burnt edges? Skip the sugar next time and blame your sweet tooth.

Perfectly saucy chicken achieved? Let’s explore how to keep leftovers tasting fresh (hint: your microwave plays double duty). Cooking chicken in the microwave can save time while ensuring tender and juicy results. With the right approach, it’s easy to prepare delicious microwave chicken dishes that are quick and satisfying.

How to Store Microwave Teriyaki Chicken

Leftovers? No problem. Proper storage keeps your teriyaki chicken tasting fresh—no “mystery fridge smells” allowed. We’ll cover fridge logistics and reheating hacks that rival day-one flavor.

Refrigeration Guidelines

Store your teriyaki chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. This prevents bacterial growth and keeps the sauce from absorbing fridge odors. It’ll stay tasty for 3-4 days at 40°F or below (check that fridge thermometer!).

We’ve found glass containers preserve texture better than plastic—no one likes soggy chicken. For maximum sauciness, pour leftover glaze into a separate mini container before stashing. Pro tip: label containers with dates unless you enjoy playing “expiration date roulette.” Just make sure to use microwave-safe glass containers for reheating your teriyaki chicken.

Reheating in the Microwave

Revive leftovers without turning chicken into rubber: place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between bursts. Aim for 165°F internal temp—yes, even for leftovers. Microwaving is one of the easiest ways to reheat chicken while keeping it juicy and tender.

If the sauce thickens too much, add 1 tsp water before reheating. My roommate once nuked teriyaki chicken uncovered on high—it emerged drier than a desert cactus. Learn from her tragedy: moisture is key. For a delicious alternative, try an easy teriyaki chicken microwave stir fry that retains moisture and flavor while cooking quickly.

Now that your leftovers are sorted, let’s explore how to mix up flavors with veggie additions and protein swaps. Your microwave’s versatility might just surprise you. For a quick and tasty option, consider a fresh veggie medley microwave twist, which can elevate your meals with minimal effort. This simple technique brings out the natural flavors of your veggies while keeping them vibrant and nutritious.

Now It’s Your Turn to Try!

Microwave teriyaki chicken is our go-to when we need a flavorful meal in minutes. With tender chicken coated in that glossy, sweet-savory sauce, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout.

Give this recipe a spin tonight—just grab your ingredients, follow our simple steps, and enjoy restaurant-quality teriyaki without leaving your kitchen. Let us know how your microwave masterpiece turns out!