Gluten free teriyaki chicken recipe: Quick, Sticky, and Perfectly Sweet

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There’s something about recreating a takeout favorite in your own kitchen that feels like a quiet victory. When my husband told me teriyaki chicken was his favorite Friday night comfort food, I knew I had to make it safe for his gluten free lifestyle, and just as satisfying as the original. I worked to capture every bit of that sticky, rich, umami flavor without the hidden gluten or preservatives.

This gluten free teriyaki chicken recipe​ quickly became one of our go tos. Tender chicken caramelized in a glossy, homemade teriyaki sauce, served over steaming rice with a few crisp vegetables. It’s better than takeout, it’s weeknight easy, and most importantly, it’s made with love and intention.

If your family loves cozy Asian style meals, this one will join the ranks of favorites alongside our gluten free beef and broccoli recipe and gluten free stir fry sauce. Let’s get started.

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A Heartfelt Takeout Favorite, At Home

Why This Recipe Matters

This gluten free teriyaki chicken recipe​ isn’t just about dinner, it’s about care. For anyone navigating gluten intolerance or celiac, takeout becomes risky. Sauces like teriyaki often contain soy sauce made with wheat, and that can easily trigger a reaction.

But this recipe? It’s full of flavor, trust, and comfort. I remember watching him take his first bite, eyes closed, savoring the homemade sauce, and smiling, “It tastes just like the real thing.”

That moment is why I make this. So that your home can feel like the safest place to eat.

What Makes It Better Than Takeout

This gluten free teriyaki chicken recipe​ is proof that you don’t need a restaurant to enjoy rich, satisfying flavors. With a quick homemade teriyaki sauce (using gluten free tamari or coconut aminos), you control the ingredients and adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or spice.

The sauce coats the chicken in a glossy glaze that thickens beautifully in the pan, making it perfect to pair with jasmine rice or your favorite stir fry veggies. Want to turn it into a bowl meal? Try adding a scoop of our gluten free fried rice.

Whether it’s a date night in or a fast weeknight dinner, this dish delivers flavor, warmth, and nourishment in every bite.

Ingredients & Simple Tools

Ingredients You’ll Need for the gluten free teriyaki sauce and Chicken

Making this gluten free teriyaki chicken recipe free starts with clean, simple ingredients, no bottled sauce shortcuts needed. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this teriyaki to life:

For the chicken:

• 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the gluten free teriyaki sauce:

• ¼ cup gluten free tamari (or coconut aminos)
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or honey)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)

The tamari or coconut aminos give that classic salty sweet flavor without the wheat. Maple syrup creates a lovely depth, but if you’re feeling nostalgic, honey works beautifully too, just like we use in our gluten free orange chicken, which has a similar glossy finish.

Helpful Kitchen Tools to Keep it Simple

You don’t need anything fancy, just a few basics to make this a weeknight winner.

• A large nonstick skillet or sauté pan
• Whisk (for the sauce)
• Medium mixing bowl
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Small saucepan (if making sauce ahead)
• Digital thermometer (optional, for perfectly cooked chicken)

How to Make gluten free teriyaki chicken recipe (Step by Step)

Quick Cooking Instructions (Start to Finish in 20 Minutes)

This is the kind of dinner that looks and tastes impressive but comes together with ease, especially when your ingredients are prepped. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have tender, saucy chicken that rivals any takeout place, minus the gluten risk.

Step-by-step overview:

1. Make the teriyaki sauce
2. Sear the chicken
3. Add the sauce and simmer
4. Let it thicken and coat
5. Serve and garnish

It’s that simple, just like how we build flavor in our gluten free sesame chicken recipe, it’s all about the sauce and timing.

8-Step Visual Guide for Easy Weeknight Cooking

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together tamari, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. In another bowl, stir the cornstarch with cold water until smooth.
2. Cut and Season the Chicken:
   Trim chicken thighs and cut into bite sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear 3–4 minutes per side until browned and nearly cooked through.
4. Add the Sauce Base:
   Reduce heat to medium. Pour the teriyaki mixture into the pan with the chicken.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
   Stir in the cornstarch slurry. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.
6. Check for Doneness:
   Chicken should reach 165°F internally. The sauce will bubble gently and cling to the pieces.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or a squeeze of lime.
8. Serve Over Rice or Veggies:
   Plate with fluffy jasmine rice, stir fried veggies, or serve it as part of your next gluten free rice bowl.

Pro Tips and Stir Fry Variations

5 Tips for the Best Gluten Free Teriyaki Sauce Texture

Making a thick, glossy sauce without flour is simpler than it sounds, you just need a few tricks:

1. Use a cold-water slurry: Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to the sauce, this prevents clumping.
2. Simmer, don’t boil: A gentle simmer thickens the sauce beautifully and keeps it smooth.
3. Stir constantly: This keeps the sauce from sticking and ensures even coating.
4. Let it bubble slightly: Once it thickens, a quick 1–2 minute simmer deepens the flavor.
5. Adjust to your taste: If it’s too salty, add a splash of water or a drizzle of honey.

How to Customize Stir Fry with Any Protein or Veggies

Once you fall in love with this sauce, and you will, you’ll want to put it on everything. And you can!

Other proteins:

• Tofu (extra firm, pan seared)
• Shrimp (add in last few minutes)
• Salmon (baked or pan seared, then glazed)
• Ground turkey or beef (for a quick bowl style meal)

Veggie additions:

• Broccoli florets
• Snap peas
• Red bell peppers
• Carrots
• Zucchini or mushrooms

For a plant based twist, try swapping the chicken with tofu and pairing it with our Gluten Free Chicken Tenders Recipe. It’s satisfying and deeply flavorful either way.

Sauce First; Use it Beyond Chicken

Make Ahead Gluten Free Teriyaki Sauce

This gluten free teriyaki sauce deserves a spot in your fridge. Once you try it, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything. You can double the batch and store it in an airtight glass jar for up to 1 week. Just reheat gently and stir before using.

Here’s why it works so well: the cornstarch holds up, the flavor deepens with time, and it clings beautifully to both proteins and veggies. Much like our Recipe for Gluten Free Beef Stroganoff, this one was made for prepping ahead and pouring over the week’s meals.

Use It for Dips, Marinades, and Meal Prep

Don’t stop at stir fry. This gluten free teriyaki chicken recipe doubles as a launching pad for tons of meal ideas:

• Dipping sauce for dumplings or gluten free egg rolls
• Marinade for grilled chicken skewers, salmon, or even burgers
• Base for teriyaki noodle bowls with rice noodles or gluten free spaghetti
• Topping for baked potatoes, tofu bowls, or even roasted vegetables

This isn’t just gluten free teriyaki sauce, it’s a flavor foundation. Keep it in your rotation and use it like you would a homemade dressing or condiment. It adds boldness, sweetness, and balance to just about anything.

gluten free teriyaki chicken recipe​ conclusion

This gluten free teriyaki chicken recipe​ is proof that you don’t need takeout to enjoy rich, flavorful meals. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a new family favorite, this recipe hits the spot with its tender chicken, sweet and salty glaze, and quick cooking time.
The homemade gluten free teriyaki sauce not only makes the dish but can also be used in a variety of other meals, making it a must have in your gluten free kitchen.

So, next time you crave something savory and comforting, skip the takeout and bring the flavor home. Much like our gluten free chicken tenders recipe, this teriyaki chicken will quickly become one of your go to recipes. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, safe for those with gluten sensitivities, and packed with love.

Frequently Asked Questions