Low Calorie Teriyaki Chicken that ACTUALLY tastes GOOD!

Low Calorie Teriyaki Chicken that ACTUALLY tastes GOOD! is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 4. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by ice.karimcooks on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 16 min | Total: 31 min

Cost: $7.25 total, $1.81 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (cut into bite‑size pieces or strips)
  • 1 cup Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (or 2 tbsp Swerve granulated sugar for reduced calories)
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar (adds acidity)
  • 2 tablespoons Water (dilutes the sauce)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger Paste (fresh or jarred)
  • 1 teaspoon Honey (optional, for extra gloss)
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water to form slurry)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce

    In a mixing bowl combine soy sauce, brown sugar (or Swerve), rice vinegar, water, minced garlic, ginger paste, and honey. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Make the Cornstarch Slurry

    In a small bowl whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth; set aside.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Coat the Chicken

    Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then toss them in the prepared sauce until evenly coated.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Pre‑heat Air Fryer

    Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it pre‑heat for 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 400°F

  5. Air Fry the Chicken

    Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 13–15 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 400°F

  6. Add Slurry and Finish

    After the initial cooking, drizzle the cornstarch slurry over the chicken, then air fry for an additional 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 400°F

  7. Rest and Serve

    Remove chicken, let rest 2 minutes, then serve over steamed rice or vegetables.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
210
Protein
25 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Low‑Calorie, Gluten‑Free if using tamari, High‑Protein

Allergens: Soy, Honey

Last updated: April 18, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Low Calorie Teriyaki Chicken that ACTUALLY tastes GOOD!

Recipe by ice.karimcooks

A quick, low‑calorie Japanese‑style teriyaki chicken made in the air fryer in under 30 minutes. The sauce is sweetened with a touch of honey and optional Swerve for a lighter version, while the chicken stays juicy and flavorful.

EasyJapaneseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
9m
Prep
22m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
41m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.25
Total cost
$1.81
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Prepare the sauce and ensure sugar is fully dissolved
  • Make a lump‑free cornstarch slurry
  • Air fry chicken in a single layer for even caramelization
  • Add slurry at the end to achieve a glossy glaze

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot air fryer basket with oven mitts to avoid burns
  • Be careful when adding the hot slurry; it may steam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of teriyaki chicken in Japanese cuisine?

A

Teriyaki originated in Japan as a method of grilling fish or meat with a sweet soy‑based glaze. Over time, the technique was adapted for chicken, becoming a popular home‑cooked dish that balances salty, sweet, and umami flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of teriyaki chicken in Japan?

A

In the Kansai region, teriyaki sauce is often sweeter with more mirin, while in the Kanto region it may be less sweet and use more sake. Some regions add grated daikon or citrus zest for brightness.

cultural
Q

How is low‑calorie teriyaki chicken traditionally served in Japanese households?

A

It is typically served over a bed of steamed rice, accompanied by pickled vegetables (tsukemono) and a side of miso soup, making a balanced meal.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations feature teriyaki chicken in Japanese culture?

A

Teriyaki chicken is a common weekday family dinner but also appears at casual gatherings and bento boxes for school lunches, valued for its quick preparation and appealing flavor.

cultural
Q

What makes this low‑calorie teriyaki chicken special compared to traditional versions?

A

This version swaps regular brown sugar for Swerve or reduces the amount of sugar, uses skinless chicken breast for fewer calories, and relies on an air fryer to achieve a crisp glaze without excess oil.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making low‑calorie teriyaki chicken?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the air fryer basket, which prevents caramelization, and over‑cooking the chicken, which can dry it out. Also, adding the cornstarch slurry too early can result in a gummy texture.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a cornstarch slurry at the end instead of thickening the sauce earlier?

A

Adding the slurry at the end allows the glaze to coat the chicken quickly without becoming too thick during the long air‑fry period, ensuring a glossy finish and preventing the sauce from burning.

technical
Q

Can I make low‑calorie teriyaki chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 4 hours ahead. After cooking, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the low‑calorie teriyaki chicken is done?

A

The chicken should be golden‑brown with a glossy, slightly sticky glaze and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The pieces should be tender but not rubbery.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel ice.karimcooks specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel ice.karimcooks focuses on quick, health‑conscious recipes that use modern kitchen gadgets like air fryers and instant pots, often emphasizing low‑calorie and low‑sugar adaptations of classic dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel ice.karimcooks' approach to Japanese cooking differ from other Japanese cooking channels?

A

ice.karimcooks blends traditional Japanese flavors with contemporary, low‑calorie techniques such as air frying, whereas many Japanese cooking channels stick to classic stovetop or grill methods and may not prioritize calorie reduction.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Tastiest Low Calorie High Protein Spicy Grilled Chicken Wraps!
22

Tastiest Low Calorie High Protein Spicy Grilled Chicken Wraps!

A quick, high‑protein, low‑calorie wrap featuring garlic‑seasoned grilled chicken, a tangy spicy yogurt sauce, fresh lettuce, red onion, and tomato, all wrapped in a low‑calorie tortilla. Ready in under 35 minutes and only about 350 calories per wrap.

34 minServes 2$13
American
High protein low calorie chicken wrap!
4

High protein low calorie chicken wrap!

A quick, low‑calorie, high‑protein chicken sandwich packed with flavor. Seasoned chicken breast is pan‑seared to perfection, topped with fresh tomato and onion, and finished with a tangy light‑mayo sauce. Perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.

30 minServes 2$21
American
EASY LOW CALORIE CHICKEN NUGGETS RECIPE
5

EASY LOW CALORIE CHICKEN NUGGETS RECIPE

A trending Chinese‑style low‑calorie chicken nugget recipe that uses lean chicken breast, a hint of potato for moisture, and a light corn‑starch coating. Fried on low heat for a golden crust, these nuggets are perfect as a healthy snack or light main dish.

40 minServes 4$6
Chinese
Low-Calorie McChicken 🤤 (only 316 calories & 40g Protein!)
7

Low-Calorie McChicken 🤤 (only 316 calories & 40g Protein!)

A copycat low‑calorie McChicken made with lean ground chicken, mustard, and a crunchy cornflake coating. Air‑fried to a golden crisp, each patty delivers about 316 calories and 40 g of protein—perfect for meal‑prep or a quick high‑protein lunch.

34 minServes 3$13
American
This HACK will cut your calories in HALF! Chicken Alfredo Meal Prep I High Protein & Low Carb
6

This HACK will cut your calories in HALF! Chicken Alfredo Meal Prep I High Protein & Low Carb

A keto‑friendly, low‑calorie version of the classic Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo using broccoli instead of pasta. Tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce made lighter with unsweetened almond milk, and a cheesy mozzarella topping make this comforting casserole perfect for meal‑prep, weight‑loss, or diabetic‑friendly dining.

62 minServes 4$13
Italian
CAJUN CHICKEN ALFREDO (Low Calorie /High Protein Meal Prep)
7

CAJUN CHICKEN ALFREDO (Low Calorie /High Protein Meal Prep)

A high‑protein, low‑calorie Cajun‑spiced chicken tossed with a creamy, protein‑packed Alfredo sauce, egg‑noodle pasta and zucchini noodles. Perfect for meal‑prep, it can be customized for keto, bulk‑up or low‑calorie diets.

1 hr 8 minServes 5$26
American