What ingredients do I need to make teriyaki chicken tacos?

To make teriyaki chicken tacos, you will need boneless skinless chicken breasts, teriyaki sauce or a homemade teriyaki marinade (soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger), tortillas (corn or flour), and toppings such as Asian-style cabbage slaw, cilantro, and sliced green onions. Optional add-ons include lime wedges and sriracha for added spice. These ingredients come together to create flavorful tacos with a sweet-savory profile.

How do I make a simple cabbage slaw for teriyaki chicken tacos?

For a quick cabbage slaw, shred green cabbage and toss it with thinly sliced red onion, cucumber, and fresh cilantro. Whisk together a dressing made of sour cream, honey, salt, pepper, and a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes. Combine the slaw and dressing, then let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. This slaw adds a creamy, tangy crunch that complements the teriyaki chicken.

What’s the best way to prepare chicken for teriyaki tacos?

For even cooking and tender chicken, slice boneless skinless chicken breasts into thin cutlets by cutting horizontally through the middle. Marinate the cutlets in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes to absorb flavor. Then cook them over medium-high heat in a skillet or grill until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Rest the meat before assembling the tacos to keep them juicy.

Can I use pre-made teriyaki sauce, or should I make my own?

Both options work well depending on your preference. Store-bought teriyaki sauce saves time and offers consistent flavor, while homemade teriyaki lets you adjust sweetness, saltiness, and spice to your liking. For a simple homemade version, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar, then simmer until slightly thickened. Use whichever suits your schedule and taste.

What are good side dishes to serve with teriyaki chicken tacos?

Teriyaki chicken tacos pair nicely with fresh, light sides like crunchy cucumber salad or grilled corn salad. Other great options include Asian strawberry sesame salad, corn on the cob, baked plantains, or steamed rice with a drizzle of Sriracha for a spicy kick. These sides balance the rich, savory flavors of the tacos and create a satisfying meal.

Teriyaki Chicken Tacos With Tangy Asian Flavors

Name: Teriyaki Chicken Tacos
Prep time: PT-489531H58M26S
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Asian-American fusion
Ingredients: 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise; 1 ½ cups teriyaki sauce Use 1 cup for marinating the chicken and save the remaining ½ cup for drizzling on top as a finishing touch; 8 to 10 six-inch flour tortillas; 4 pineapple rings, halved lengthwise, or 1 cup diced pineapple Adds a sweet, tropical burst that pairs amazingly with the savory chicken; 1 cup finely shredded cabbage Forms the base of the Asian cabbage slaw for that crisp texture; ¼ of a red onion, thinly sliced Brings a sharp, colorful zing to the slaw; ¼ cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced Offers a refreshing crunch in the slaw mix; 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro Adds a fresh, herby note to brighten up the slaw; ⅓ cup sour cream Mixed into the slaw dressing for creaminess; 2 teaspoons honey Sweetens the slaw dressing just right; ¼ teaspoon salt Seasons the slaw dressing to enhance all the flavors; ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper Gives the dressing a subtle kick; ¼ to ½ teaspoon sriracha sauce or crushed red pepper flakes Brings optional heat to the slaw dressing, depending on your spice level

Description

🌮 Teriyaki Chicken Tacos bring a delectable fusion of tender grilled chicken and tangy Asian flavors wrapped in a soft tortilla.
🍍 The refreshing pineapple and crisp cabbage slaw add a burst of texture and sweetness, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise

1 ½ cups teriyaki sauce Use 1 cup for marinating the chicken and save the remaining ½ cup for drizzling on top as a finishing touch

8 to 10 six-inch flour tortillas

4 pineapple rings, halved lengthwise, or 1 cup diced pineapple Adds a sweet, tropical burst that pairs amazingly with the savory chicken

1 cup finely shredded cabbage Forms the base of the Asian cabbage slaw for that crisp texture

¼ of a red onion, thinly sliced Brings a sharp, colorful zing to the slaw

¼ cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced Offers a refreshing crunch in the slaw mix

1 tablespoon chopped cilantro Adds a fresh, herby note to brighten up the slaw

⅓ cup sour cream Mixed into the slaw dressing for creaminess

2 teaspoons honey Sweetens the slaw dressing just right

¼ teaspoon salt Seasons the slaw dressing to enhance all the flavors

¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper Gives the dressing a subtle kick

¼ to ½ teaspoon sriracha sauce or crushed red pepper flakes Brings optional heat to the slaw dressing, depending on your spice level

Instructions

1-First, mix the 3 halved boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 cup of teriyaki sauce in a sealed container and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to overnight. This lets the flavors soak in and makes the chicken super tender it’s my favorite trick for juicy results!

2-Next, fire up your grill to medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-8 minutes on each side until it’s fully done and has those nice grill marks. While that’s happening, whisk together the slaw dressing: combine ⅓ cup sour cream, 2 teaspoons honey, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper, and ¼ to ½ teaspoon sriracha or red pepper flakes in a bowl.

3-Once the chicken is ready, let it rest for a minute before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. Toss the slaw veggies 1 cup finely shredded cabbage, ¼ thinly sliced red onion, ¼ peeled and thinly sliced cucumber, and 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro with the dressing you just made. Now, assemble your tacos on 8 to 10 six-inch flour tortillas: layer in the sliced chicken, add the pineapple (either 4 halved rings or 1 cup diced), and top with that fresh slaw. Finish with a drizzle of the reserved ½ cup teriyaki sauce for extra zing it’s like adding the cherry on top! If you’re feeling creative, try grilling the pineapple too; it adds a smoky sweetness that always surprises my family.

Notes

🌶️ Adjust sriracha in the slaw to match your preferred spice level.
🍍 Use fresh pineapple for sweeter, juicier tacos or canned for convenience.
🔥 Let chicken marinate overnight for deeper flavor absorption.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes to overnight
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling, marinating
Cuisine: Asian-American fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 taco
Calories: 290 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 26 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: Teriyaki chicken tacos, grilled chicken tacos, Asian slaw tacos, pineapple chicken tacos