This homemade Honey Molasses Teriyaki Chicken is sweet, savory, glossy, and packed with flavor. Instead of brown sugar, this version uses honey and a touch of molasses to create that rich teriyaki flavor while giving honey the starring role.

Serve it over rice with steamed broccoli, carrots, or your favorite vegetables for an easy weeknight dinner that comes together quickly.

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Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Course: Main Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Recommended Honey: Clover or Buckwheat honey

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Why You’ll Love It

This teriyaki chicken is quick enough for a busy weeknight but still tastes like something special. Honey gives the sauce a smooth sweetness and beautiful glaze, while a small amount of molasses adds the deeper caramel notes you would normally get from brown sugar.

It is also easy to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1½–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

For the Honey-Molasses Teriyaki Sauce

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

For Thickening

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Optional for Serving

• Cooked rice
• Steamed broccoli
• Shredded or steamed carrots
• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Cook the chicken.
   Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
2. Make the teriyaki sauce.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, molasses, ¼ cup water, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Add the sauce.
   Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken and stir to coat.
4. Simmer.
   Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes.
5. Thicken the sauce.
   In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the skillet while stirring.
6. Finish the chicken.
   Continue cooking for 1–2 minutes, or until the sauce becomes thick and glossy and coats the chicken.
7. Serve.
   Spoon the Honey-Molasses Teriyaki Chicken over warm rice and serve with broccoli, carrots, green onions, and sesame seeds if desired.

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Pro Tips

Brown the chicken first.
Because honey can caramelize and scorch more quickly than regular sugar, cook and brown the chicken before adding the sauce.

Don’t overdo the molasses.
One tablespoon gives the sauce a rich brown-sugar-like depth without overpowering the honey. For a stronger molasses flavor, increase it to 1½ tablespoons.

Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
Boneless chicken thighs stay especially juicy and work beautifully with the sticky teriyaki glaze.

Watch the sauce once it thickens.
The cornstarch works quickly, so remove the skillet from the heat once the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

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Variations

Honey Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli
Add steamed broccoli directly to the skillet just before serving and toss it in the sauce.

Pineapple Honey Teriyaki Chicken
Stir in pineapple chunks during the final few minutes of cooking for a sweet tropical variation.

Spicy Honey Teriyaki
Add crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce to the teriyaki sauce.

Teriyaki Chicken Bowls
Serve over rice with broccoli, shredded carrots, cucumber, avocado, green onions, and sesame seeds.

Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep
Divide the chicken, rice, and vegetables between individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week.

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Storage

Store leftover Honey-Molasses Teriyaki Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. If the sauce becomes too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of water before reheating.

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Why Use Honey?

Honey replaces the traditional brown sugar in this teriyaki sauce while adding natural sweetness, depth, and a beautiful glossy finish. A small amount of molasses complements the honey and creates the rich caramel flavor people expect from teriyaki.

Want to learn more about cooking and baking with honey? The National Honey Board offers helpful tips on using honey in beverages, baking, and everyday recipes.

Learn more: https://www.honey.com/

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Share Your Creation

Made this Honey-Molasses Teriyaki Chicken? We’d love to see it! Share your creation and tag Browning’s Honey so we can see how you bring honey to your table.

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About Browning’s Honey

Browning’s Honey has been producing quality honey since 1921. From our hives to your home, we love sharing simple ways to make honey part of everyday cooking.