Easy Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice Delight
If you’re searching for a quick, satisfying dinner that bursts with flavor and comfort, this Easy Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines tender chicken glazed in a shiny, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce and fluffy, fragrant jasmine rice to create a harmonious balance of taste and texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s simple to prepare yet impressive enough to share with friends and family, making it an all-around crowd-pleaser you’ll want to keep in your recipe lineup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into busy evenings without compromising on flavor.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce beautifully complements the aromatic jasmine rice for a satisfying meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples that are easy to find, so no complicated shopping trips required.
- Family-Friendly: The mild yet flavorful dish appeals to both kids and adults alike.
- Great for Meal Prep: Easily made in batches, making leftovers taste just as delicious the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh, and flavorful ingredients is the key to the magic behind this Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice. Each component plays an essential role in creating a balanced, delicious plate of comfort food.
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: Juicy and tender, they absorb the teriyaki sauce beautifully for maximum flavor.
- Jasmine Rice: Naturally fragrant and slightly sticky, perfectly pairing with the saucy chicken.
- Soy Sauce: The salty and umami base that anchors the teriyaki flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Adds the perfect hint of sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce.
- Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Provide a fresh, aromatic punch that lifts the whole dish.
- Rice Vinegar: A subtle tang that keeps the sauce bright and balanced.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty aroma that enhances the authenticity of the dish.
- Green Onions: Fresh garnish to introduce a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted for crunch and subtle nutty notes in the final presentation.
Variations for Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice
Feel free to customize this Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice to suit your taste buds or dietary needs—it’s easy to adapt whether you want to add veggies, swap proteins, or make it lighter.
- Vegetarian Twist: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken to create a plant-based delight.
- Extra Veggie Boost: Stir in steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for color and crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of sriracha or red chili flakes to the sauce for heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce.
- Low-Sugar Version: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or reduce the brown sugar without losing depth.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Jasmine Rice
Begin by rinsing 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Place it in a pot with 1.5 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes until the rice is fluffy and all the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat and keep covered while you prepare the chicken.
Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, rice vinegar, and a splash of sesame oil. This mixture will become your luscious teriyaki glaze that brings everything to life with its perfect sweet and savory balance.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and place the boneless chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, allowing it to bubble and thicken, turning the chicken occasionally to coat it thoroughly in the glossy glaze.
Step 4: Plate and Garnish
Fluff the jasmine rice with a fork and serve it generous portions beside the beautifully glazed teriyaki chicken. Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds atop for a fresh crunch and an inviting look.
Pro Tips for Making Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice
- Use Thighs for Juiciness: Chicken thighs stay tender and absorb sauce better than breasts.
- Don’t Skip Rinsing Rice: This removes excess starch and ensures fluffy, separate grains.
- Simmer the Sauce: Cook the teriyaki mixture a bit to thicken it for a glossy finish.
- Let Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
- Fresh Ginger & Garlic: Always use fresh for the most vibrant, authentic flavors.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice
Garnishes
Brighten the dish by sprinkling sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. For an extra pop, scatter freshly chopped cilantro or add thinly sliced red chili for color and a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
Pair the Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice alongside steamed or stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, snap peas, or sautéed mushrooms to add crunch and nutrition. A light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar can add a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of jasmine rice in colorful bowls, or assemble a bento-style plate with small sections of pickled vegetables and edamame. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens can elevate the experience for guests or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled leftovers in airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for an easy grab-and-go lunch or a quick reheat dinner option.
Freezing
Allow the chicken and rice to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Adding a splash of water before reheating jasmine rice helps restore moisture and fluffiness. Cover to keep the chicken saucy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, though thighs tend to stay juicier and better absorb the teriyaki sauce.
Is jasmine rice necessary for this recipe?
While jasmine rice adds its unique aroma and texture, you can substitute with basmati or even brown rice for a healthier twist.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce gently after mixing it to reduce and thicken, or stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry to achieve a glaze-like consistency.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
How long does leftover Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice keep in the fridge?
Properly stored, leftovers will stay good for around 3 days in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
Try this Easy Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice for a delicious, fuss-free dinner that feels special every time. Its perfect blend of sweet, savory, and fragrant notes makes it a winning recipe sure to become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation. Once you make it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner!
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Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice
Easy Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs glazed in a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce, paired with fluffy, aromatic jasmine rice. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes, appealing to the whole family and ideal for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
Rice
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 1.5 cups water
- Pinch of salt
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Jasmine Rice: Rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rinsed rice with 1.5 cups of water and a pinch of salt in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer gently for about 15 minutes until the rice is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and keep covered.
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil until well combined. This will form your sweet and savory teriyaki glaze.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a drizzle of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the boneless chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and allow it to bubble and thicken, turning the chicken occasionally to coat it evenly with the glossy sauce.
- Plate and Garnish: Fluff the jasmine rice with a fork and serve alongside the glazed teriyaki chicken. Sprinkle the chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for a fresh crunch and vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juiciness and better sauce absorption compared to breasts.
- Rinse rice to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy, separate grains.
- Simmer the teriyaki sauce a bit to thicken it and create a glossy glaze.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.
- Always use fresh garlic and ginger for the most vibrant flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: teriyaki chicken, jasmine rice, easy dinner, quick recipe, Asian cuisine, gluten free, family-friendly, meal prep