Homemade Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

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These homemade Teriyaki Chicken Thighs are juicy, tender, sweet, and savory with a beautifully caramelized glaze. Cooking them in the Ninja Air Fryer (or Ninja Foodi) makes the outside slightly crispy while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. This recipe has become a big hit in many homes because it’s simple, fast, and packed with bold Asian-inspired flavor.

Whether you’re making this for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this teriyaki chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super juicy chicken thighs

  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory

  • Crispy caramelized edges

  • Easy Ninja Air Fryer method

  • Great for meal prep

  • Family-friendly

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:

  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • ½ cup water

  • ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

  • 2 tablespoons cold water (to mix with cornstarch)

Optional Garnish:

  • Sesame seeds

  • Sliced green onions

  • Red pepper flakes (for heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken thighs. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Dry chicken helps the seasoning stick better and allows for better caramelization.

Place the thighs in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss until evenly coated.

Set aside while you prepare the teriyaki sauce.

Step 2: Make the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine:

  • Soy sauce

  • Water

  • Brown sugar

  • Honey

  • Rice vinegar

  • Garlic

  • Ginger

  • Sesame oil

Whisk everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer.

In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking continuously.

Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens to a glossy consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.

Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. The sauce will thicken more as it cools.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

For maximum flavor, pour about half of the teriyaki sauce over the seasoned chicken. Toss to coat.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for 2–4 hours. If short on time, you can skip this step and still get great results.

Reserve the remaining sauce for glazing later.

Cooking in the Ninja Air Fryer (Ninja Foodi)

Step 4: Preheat

Preheat your Ninja Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the basket. Do not overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary.

Cook at 375°F for 12 minutes.

Flip the chicken and cook for another 8–10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Glaze and Caramelize

Brush the chicken generously with the reserved teriyaki sauce.

Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes at 400°F to caramelize the glaze.

Watch carefully so the sugars don’t burn. You want a sticky, glossy, slightly charred finish.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Oven Method:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  • Place chicken on a lined baking sheet.

  • Bake for 25–30 minutes.

  • Broil for 2–3 minutes after glazing.

Grill Method:

  • Grill over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side.

  • Brush with sauce during the last few minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Teriyaki chicken thighs pair beautifully with:

  • Steamed white or jasmine rice

  • Brown rice

  • Fried rice

  • Stir-fried vegetables

  • Roasted broccoli

  • Asian slaw

  • Noodles

For a complete meal, serve over rice with extra sauce drizzled on top and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

You can also slice the chicken and use it for:

  • Teriyaki chicken bowls

  • Wraps

  • Tacos

  • Salads

  • Meal prep containers

Pro Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

  1. Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for maximum juiciness.

  2. Don’t skip drying the chicken before seasoning.

  3. Marinate for deeper flavor.

  4. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

  5. Always check internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

  6. Save extra sauce for dipping.

Storage & Meal Prep

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

  • Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.

  • Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.

For meal prep, divide into containers with rice and vegetables for easy grab-and-go lunches.

Flavor Variations

Spicy Teriyaki

Add:

  • 1 teaspoon sriracha

  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Pineapple Teriyaki

Add:

  • ¼ cup pineapple juice to the sauce

  • Grilled pineapple slices for serving

Garlic Lover’s Version

Double the garlic for a bold flavor.

Low-Sugar Version

Reduce brown sugar to 2 tablespoons and replace honey with a sugar substitute.

Nutrition Benefits

Chicken thighs provide protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc. Making homemade teriyaki sauce allows you to control sugar and sodium levels compared to store-bought sauces.

Using the Ninja Air Fryer also reduces excess oil while still giving crispy results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using too much sauce during cooking (can burn)

  • Overcooking chicken (becomes dry)

  • Not thickening sauce enough

  • Skipping preheating

Final Thoughts

These Homemade Teriyaki Chicken Thighs in the Ninja Air Fryer are incredibly flavorful, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to be a family favorite. The sticky, sweet-savory glaze combined with juicy chicken makes this dish irresistible.

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