Easy Teriyaki Chicken and Fried Rice Recipe: A Tasty Dinner Win!

My kitchen adventure with teriyaki chicken has become a go-to comfort meal that never disappoints.

Sizzling flavors and simple ingredients come together in this incredible dish.

Japanese-inspired cuisine always makes me excited about cooking something delicious.

I discovered this recipe during a culinary experiment that turned into an instant favorite.

The combination of tender chicken and savory sauce creates pure magic on your plate.

Quick preparation means you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready in under thirty minutes.

You’ll love how effortlessly these flavors blend into a memorable dining experience.

Why Easy Teriyaki Chicken And Fried Rice Is A Weeknight Saver

• Flavor Explosion: Dive into a mouthwatering blend of sweet, tangy teriyaki sauce and perfectly seasoned fried rice that dances on your taste buds.
• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy families and hungry home cooks.
• Texture Triumph: Experience the crispy golden chicken with a glossy teriyaki glaze alongside fluffy, veggie-packed fried rice that offers a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to suit your family's preferences, making this dish a versatile crowd-pleaser for any dinner occasion.

Everything In Easy Teriyaki Chicken And Fried Rice

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that absorbs the teriyaki sauce beautifully, perfect for creating a juicy main dish. Boneless and skinless recommended for easier cooking.
• Eggs: Adds protein and creates soft, fluffy scrambled texture in the fried rice. Fresh eggs will provide the best flavor and texture.

• Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar: Provides deep umami flavor and tangy balance to the teriyaki sauce. Low-sodium soy sauce can be used for health-conscious cooking.
• Honey, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a glossy teriyaki sauce. Helps caramelize the chicken for rich flavor.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces a nutty, aromatic flavor to both sauce and fried rice. Use toasted sesame oil for more intense taste.
• Garlic, Ginger: Provides sharp, aromatic base notes in the teriyaki sauce. Fresh ingredients recommended for maximum flavor.

• Cooked Rice: White rice works best for traditional fried rice. Day-old rice is ideal as it's less sticky and absorbs flavors well.
• Peas, Carrots, Onion: Adds color, nutrition, and texture to the fried rice. Fresh or frozen vegetables can be used.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the teriyaki sauce and create a glossy finish. Ensures sauce clings perfectly to chicken.

How To Make Easy Teriyaki Chicken And Fried Rice

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Teriyaki Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Whisk everything together over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Create a cornstarch slurry and pour it in, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thick liquid. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Sear Juicy Chicken Thighs

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the pan with oil. Carefully place chicken thighs into the hot skillet. Cook each side until beautiful golden-brown edges appear and chicken reaches a perfect internal temperature. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken, turning to ensure every piece gets coated. Let the chicken simmer briefly to absorb all those incredible flavors.

Step 3: Prepare Fluffy Scrambled Eggs

Warm a skillet with vegetable oil. Pour beaten eggs into the pan. Gently scramble until fully cooked with soft, pillowy texture. Transfer eggs to a separate plate.

Step 4: Saute Vibrant Vegetables

• Frozen peas
• Diced carrots
• Chopped onions

Saute until vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 5: Transform Rice Into Deliciousness

Add cooked rice to the vegetable mixture. Break up any stubborn clumps. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring until rice becomes evenly coated with flavor.

Step 6: Combine Everything Deliciously

Return scrambled eggs to the skillet. Gently mix everything together. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Plate And Garnish

Arrange fried rice on a beautiful plate. Place teriyaki chicken alongside. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Enjoy your mouthwatering meal!

Tips For Easy Teriyaki Chicken And Fried Rice

• Sauce Thickening Trick: Whisk cornstarch slurry slowly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy teriyaki sauce consistency.
• Chicken Cooking Hack: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness without drying out.
• Rice Texture Secret: Use day-old cold rice for best fried rice results, as it prevents mushy texture and helps grains separate easily.
• Flavor Boost Tip: Toast sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan to enhance their nutty flavor before sprinkling as a garnish.
• Vegetarian Swap Suggestion: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this delicious dish.

How To Keep Easy Teriyaki Chicken And Fried Rice Fresh

• Refrigerate: Transfer chicken and rice to separate airtight containers. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Microwave Reheating: Place chicken and rice in microwave-safe dishes. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring rice occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Skillet Reheating: Warm chicken and rice separately in a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or broth to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Food Safety: Always check internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C when reheating to eliminate potential bacteria. Discard leftovers if they smell off or show signs of spoilage.

What To Serve With Easy Teriyaki Chicken And Fried Rice

• Sip a Sweet Sake Companion: Pair the teriyaki chicken with a chilled junmai sake that complements the dish's sweet and savory flavors, balancing the richness of the chicken and cutting through its umami profile.
• Match with Crisp Asian Beer: Grab a light Japanese beer like Sapporo or Asahi, which provides a refreshing contrast to the teriyaki's sticky sweetness and helps cleanse the palate between bites.
• Enhance with Bright Citrus Mocktail: Create a zesty non-alcoholic drink using fresh lime juice, sparkling water, and a touch of ginger, offering a tangy counterpoint to the rich teriyaki chicken and fried rice.
• Serve with Cucumber Salad Side: Add a light, cool cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds to provide a fresh, crisp texture that balances the warm, hearty main dishes.

Flavor Variations For Easy Teriyaki Chicken And Fried Rice

• Spicy Kick Teriyaki: Replace honey with sriracha sauce and add red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a fiery version of the chicken. Incorporate diced jalapeños into the fried rice for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Veggie Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken-based ingredients. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to the fried rice for more nutrition.
• Seafood Fusion Approach: Replace chicken with shrimp or salmon fillets. Incorporate fresh ginger and add a splash of mirin to the teriyaki sauce. Mix in some seaweed flakes or furikake into the fried rice for an authentic ocean-inspired flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Remix: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. Select boneless chicken breasts for a leaner protein. Include additional low-carb vegetables like broccoli and mushrooms in the stir-fry.

Easy Teriyaki Chicken And Fried Rice FAQs

• What makes this teriyaki sauce different from store-bought versions?

This homemade teriyaki sauce uses fresh ingredients like garlic and ginger, giving it a more vibrant and authentic flavor compared to bottled sauces. The combination of honey, brown sugar, and soy sauce creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts. However, chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender. If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out quickly. Adjust cooking time to ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 165F/74C.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe contains soy sauce, which typically has gluten. To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Check all ingredient labels carefully to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a splash of sriracha sauce to the teriyaki sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes when cooking. For extra heat, include a small amount of gochujang or finely chopped fresh chili peppers in the sauce or fried rice.

Easy Teriyaki Chicken And Fried Rice Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling Japanese-inspired “easy teriyaki chicken and fried rice” blends sweet and savory flavors with remarkable simplicity. Home cooks can quickly craft this delicious meal that brings authentic Asian cuisine right to their kitchen table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) soy sauce
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Fried Rice Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked and cooled white rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• ½ cup diced onion
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a robust teriyaki sauce by gently simmering soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small saucepan. Whisk consistently while incorporating a cornstarch slurry to achieve a glossy, thickened consistency.
2. Heat a skillet with a light oil coating, then carefully place chicken thighs to achieve a golden-brown exterior. Cook thoroughly until internal temperature reaches 165F, ensuring complete doneness.
3. Lavishly coat the chicken with prepared teriyaki sauce, allowing it to gently simmer and absorb the rich, complex flavors for a few minutes.
4. Prepare the egg component by whisking eggs and rapidly scrambling them in a heated wok with vegetable oil until perfectly cooked. Transfer eggs to a separate plate.
5. In the same wok, sauté a colorful medley of peas, carrots, and onions until they become tender and fragrant.
6. Introduce cooked rice into the vegetable mixture, meticulously breaking down any clumps while ensuring even distribution of soy sauce and sesame oil.
7. Reincorporate the scrambled eggs into the rice, gently folding to create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
8. Plate the aromatic fried rice alongside the glossy teriyaki chicken, garnishing with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Master the teriyaki sauce by whisking ingredients slowly to prevent burning and achieve a glossy, rich consistency.
• Create a cornstarch slurry with cold water to ensure smooth thickening without lumps in the sauce.
• Use high-heat cooking for chicken to develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
• Opt for day-old rice when making fried rice to prevent mushiness and achieve that perfect slightly crispy texture.
• Quickly sauté vegetables to maintain their crunch and vibrant color in the fried rice.
• Experiment with protein alternatives like tofu or shrimp for dietary variations of this classic dish.
• Add a splash of mirin or sake to enhance the teriyaki sauce’s depth and authentic Japanese flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 1000 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg