When it comes to cooking for large gatherings (I had to serve more than 80 students!), like a school food festival, finding a recipe that is easy to make yet delicious can be a challenge. This year, I brought my version of teriyaki chicken to my child’s school event—and it was a hit! With only three steps, five simple ingredients, and a no-fuss cooking method using the oven. This dish delivers bold, savory-sweet flavors with minimal effort. Below, I’ll walk you through how I prepared it and provide tips for making your own oven-baked teriyaki chicken at home.
Why Teriyaki Chicken is the Perfect Choice for a School Event
Cooking for school events means balancing flavor, ease, and portability. Teriyaki chicken checks all these boxes:
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- Only five ingredients: You can whip it up with pantry staples.
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- Easy oven preparation: No need for fancy equipment or multiple pans.
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- Delicious yet simple: Kid-friendly flavors make it appealing to young palates.
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- Portable: Whether served on food cups, in bento boxes, or with rice, it travels well and stays flavorful.
By focusing on ease and taste, I avoided complicated steps while ensuring the food was festival-worthy. It’s a dish that requires little active cooking time, making it ideal for busy parents juggling multiple tasks. Plus, the sweet and savory teriyaki glaze guarantees it will be a crowd favorite.
The 5-Ingredient Magic
The key to this recipe lies in keeping things simple but flavorful. Below are the five ingredients I used. Since I had to serve more than 80 students, I actually bought 8lbs of chicken!
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- Chicken Thighs (1lb): I opted for boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they remain juicy and tender even after baking.
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- Soy Sauce (2tbs): This adds depth and umami flavor.
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- Japanese rice wine or white wine (2tbs): Balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and enhances the depth of the dish.
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- (Brown) Sugar (1tbs): Adds a caramelized sweetness to the glaze.
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- Corn starch or arrow root powder (1tbs): Adds gloss and thickness to the sauce.
These ingredients form the base of a classic teriyaki sauce. With no need for hard-to-find items, this recipe is quick to assemble and perfect for large batches.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken in the Oven: Only 3 steps!!
Cooking teriyaki chicken in the oven not only makes it easier but also ensures that the chicken stays juicy without much oversight. Here’s how I prepared it:
3 Easy steps
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- Marinate the Chicken: In a oven-safe dish, mix soy sauce, Japanese rice wine or white wine and (brown) sugar. Coat the chicken thighs with the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. This helps infuse the flavors into the chicken.
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- Bake the Chicken: Bake the marinated chicked directly in the preheated oven (410F) for 30-40 minutes, take it out halfway and stir to ensure even cooking.
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- Make the sauce: Pour the remaining marinade from the dish into a pan and thicken it with water and cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
The result? Juicy, flavorful chicken with a sticky glaze that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or vegetables.
Serving Tips for the School Festival
At the festival, I wanted the dish to be easy for kids to eat on the go. Here are a few serving ideas that worked well:
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- On food cups: I cut the baked chicken into bite-sized pieces and put them in the food cups. It made it easier for my child to serve.
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- With Rice in Bento Boxes: For a more traditional feel, packing the chicken with white rice and pickled vegetables in small bento-style containers makes a perfect lunch.
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- In Lettuce Cups: As a lighter option, serving pieces of chicken wrapped in lettuce leaves, offering a fresh, crisp contrast to the sweet glaze.
These serving ideas made the dish versatile and visually appealing, ensuring it stood out among the other festival foods.
What Makes Oven-Baked Teriyaki Chicken Stand Out?
Many people associate teriyaki chicken with grilling or stir-frying, but baking offers unique benefits:
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- Less Hands-On Time: Once the chicken is in the oven, you can focus on other tasks.
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- Even Cooking: The oven ensures the chicken cooks evenly, reducing the risk of under- or overcooking.
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- Caramelized Glaze: The broiling step adds a restaurant-quality finish without much effort.
The simplicity of the process means you can scale the recipe for large gatherings without stress, making it perfect for school festivals or parties.
