Interested in making a delicious chicken dinner from scratch? This easy, 3-ingredient teriyaki chicken marinade is perfect for busy moms who want a flavorful, home-cooked meal without the hassle.
Whether you’re grilling outside in the summer or baking in the oven on a cold winter evening, this chicken teriyaki marinade adds just the right amount of sweetness and savory notes to your chicken.
It’s so simple that you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!
Plus, you probably already have everything you need in your pantry or fridge, making this recipe not just easy but budget-friendly, too.
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (not including marinating time)
- Main Ingredients: 7up, store-bought teriyaki sauce, vegetable oil, and boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Servings: 4-6
- Extras: Cook teriyaki chicken and serve it up with white rice, roasted Brussels sprouts and other veggies, garlic butter noodles, lettuce wraps, grilled pineapple and grilled red potatoes
3-Ingredient Teriyaki Chicken Marinade
I know this might seem like such a simple recipe, but this teriyaki chicken marinade recipe is packed with flavor.
This is our go-to teriyaki marinade. You can let some chicken soak up the sauce and then grill it, broil it, bake it, or toss it in the crockpot, and you will have chicken that tastes amazing every time.
The best part is how frugal it is. I am able to get most of these items for really cheap, thanks to my coupons and sales.
When it’s time to prepare dinner, I love how quick and easy it is to make this marinade mixture. I gather everything I need right from my cupboards!
You really only need three ingredients for delicious chicken:
- 7up
- Teriyaki sauce
- Oil (Vegetable or olive oil works great)
There’s something satisfying about knowing you only need three ingredients to create such amazing flavor.
You can also make a homemade teriyaki sauce with low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and a few other ingredients, but Kikkoman makes a great sauce, in my opinion, if you want a little less effort!
After pouring the 7up into a bowl, the teriyaki sauce follows, adding that deep, savory touch that makes this marinade so unique.
The oil is important, so don’t skip it! It really keeps the chicken tender and juicy, whether I’m grilling it or popping it in the oven later.
Once it’s all mixed, I transfer the marinade and chicken into a resealable bag.
Letting the chicken sit in the marinade is key. Ideally, I like to prepare it the night before or early in the morning, allowing the chicken to soak up all that flavor for at least 12 hours.
It can be fine after an hour or 2, but this is something I can throw together in the morning in less than 5 minutes, so I try to at least prep it during breakfast so the chicken has alllllll day to soak in the marinade.
On busy days, I’ll just toss everything in the fridge and forget about it until it’s time to cook. Whether you grill, bake, or use a slow cooker, the result is always a crowd-pleaser for our regular dinners and family picnics.
Just be sure to put any remaining marinade right on top to get all that good flavor in the dish!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 7up
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
- 1- 1 1/2 lb chicken breasts or thighs or another meat if you prefer
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix together.
- Place the marinade in a bag with the chicken.
- Allow to marinade for 12 - 24 hours.
- Then grill, bake, r prepare the chicken as desired.
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
Chicken teriyaki is so versatile that it pairs well with a variety of sides.
For a classic combo, I love serving it with steamed white rice, which soaks up all that delicious sauce. Brown rice works well, too, if you’re looking for a heartier, healthier option.
Roasted veggies, especially broccoli and bell peppers, are a simple but tasty addition to the plate. I love making roasted Brussels sprouts to eat with the teriyaki sauce, it’s so tasty together and even my daughters eat it!
For a more filling meal, I sometimes serve it alongside garlic butter noodles, which complement the savory chicken beautifully. Black beans and rice are also very filling if you want a bit less carbs and more protein.
If I’m in the mood for something lighter, I’ll make lettuce wraps with thinly sliced chicken, rice, and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce.
For a summer BBQ, teriyaki chicken skewers with grilled pineapple chunks always impress my guests, with some grilled red potatoes on the side for a complete meal.
FAQs
Can I use diet soda instead of regular 7up?
Yes, you can, but the results may be slightly different. The sugar in regular 7up helps tenderize the chicken and adds a subtle sweetness, so using diet soda might not give you the same depth of flavor.
I found the lack of sugar changed the taste a bit, but you should try it both ways to see which you like better.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Ideally, you should marinate the chicken for 12-24 hours. If you’re short on time, even a few hours will still give the chicken some great flavor, but the longer it marinates, the better.
However, on that note, remember that raw chicken doesn’t last forever- I wouldn’t let this sit for more than 2 days, depending on how fresh the chicken was when you popped it in the marinade.
What cuts of chicken work best with this marinade?
Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts are ideal for this recipe, but you can also use bone-in cuts if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?
Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead option. You can freeze the chicken directly in the marinade, and when you’re ready to cook, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Make sure it’s all thawed before cooking; that way, you avoid uneven cooking and any potential for bacteria to grow.
Can I use this marinade on other meat or for other dishes?
Yes! This marinade works well with pork, beef, or even tofu if you’re looking for a plant-based option.
Not only that, but this marinade at its heart is a sauce- a sauce you can add to fried rice, over noodles, drizzled over salad, or whatever you like.
I sometimes make extra for basting the chicken on the grill and serving some extra on the side if someone wants it at dinner.
Final Thoughts
This simple teriyaki chicken marinade is a go-to in my kitchen, and for good reason. It’s quick to throw together, budget-friendly, and the flavor is always spot on.
Whether you’re feeding a family on a weeknight or impressing friends at a weekend BBQ, this recipe delivers.
Plus, with only three ingredients, it’s the perfect solution for busy moms who want to make a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Give it a try, and you’ll see how easy it is to make a delicious dinner that everyone will love!
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