Teriyaki Chicken Meal

Introduction

Teriyaki Chicken Meal is a flavorful, satisfying dish that features tender chicken glazed with a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce, paired with rice and vegetables for a complete, balanced meal. The rich, umami-packed sauce complements the chicken perfectly, while the rice serves as a comforting base and the vegetables add color and texture.

I first made this dish when I was looking for a quick, wholesome dinner option, and it instantly became a favorite. The aroma of the sauce simmering on the stovetop is absolutely mouthwatering, and the vibrant mix of chicken, rice, and vegetables makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious. One of the best parts about this meal is its flexibility—you can customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand, from broccoli and carrots to bell peppers and snap peas.

What’s great about this Teriyaki Chicken Meal is that it’s not only easy to make but also ideal for meal prep. The components can be stored separately and reheated beautifully, making it perfect for busy weekdays. Whether you’re cooking for your family, planning lunches for the week, or simply craving a classic, flavorful dish, this meal is sure to satisfy!

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Meal prep
• Quick weeknight meals
• Asian-inspired meals
• Chicken lovers

Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken Meal

Here’s why Teriyaki Chicken Meal will become a go-to in your kitchen:

• Flavorful Teriyaki Sauce: The homemade teriyaki sauce is savory, sweet, and packed with umami flavor, making it the perfect glaze for the chicken.
• Tender Chicken: Marinated chicken breasts or thighs are grilled or sautéed to perfection, ensuring they are juicy and flavorful.
• Balanced Meal: The combination of chicken, rice, and vegetables makes for a well-rounded meal that’s both filling and nutritious.
• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this meal can be ready in under 30 minutes.
• Customizable: You can adjust the vegetables or use different cuts of chicken based on your preference.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Teriyaki Chicken Meal:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
• 1 cup jasmine rice (or brown rice)
• 2 cups water (for cooking rice)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for cooking vegetables)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 cup carrots, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 2 teaspoons grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are the perfect protein for this dish, offering both flavor and tenderness.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Homemade teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic is a delicious, easy-to-make addition that elevates the dish.
• Vegetables: Fresh vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots add vitamins, fiber, and color to the dish.
• Rice: Jasmine rice is aromatic and soft, but you can also use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a different texture or lower-carb option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make Teriyaki Chicken Meal:

Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:

1. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, water, cornstarch, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken:

2. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Rice:

4. Prepare the Rice: While the chicken is cooking, rinse the rice under cold water. In a small saucepan, combine the rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.

Vegetables:

5. Sauté the Vegetables: In a separate skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp but still bright in color. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Combine and Serve:

6. Make the Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken.
7. Serve: To serve, plate the rice, top with the sautéed vegetables, and place the glazed chicken on top. Drizzle with additional teriyaki sauce if desired and garnish with sesame seeds.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Meal

Teriyaki Chicken Meal can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a Main Dish: Serve the chicken, rice, and vegetables together as a complete meal.
• With Extra Sauce: Drizzle additional homemade teriyaki sauce on top of the chicken and rice for extra flavor.
• For Meal Prep: This meal is perfect for prepping ahead of time. Store the chicken, rice, and vegetables in separate containers and reheat when ready to eat.
• With a Side of Dumplings: Serve the meal with a side of steamed dumplings or egg rolls for a more complete Asian-inspired feast.

Additional Tips for Teriyaki Chicken Meal

Here are some tips to make your Teriyaki Chicken Meal even better:

• Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
• Add Heat: If you like a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili paste to the teriyaki sauce.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
• Serve with Greens: Add a side of steamed spinach, kale, or other leafy greens for a boost of nutrients.

Recipe Variations for Teriyaki Chicken Meal

Here are 10 variations you can try for Teriyaki Chicken Meal:

• Chicken Thighs: Swap out chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve the teriyaki chicken with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Add pineapple chunks to the teriyaki sauce for a sweet and tropical twist.
• Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the teriyaki sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
• Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry: Make a stir-fry by adding more vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn.
• Baked Teriyaki Chicken: Bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes for an easy, hands-off version of the dish.
• Brown Rice Version: Use brown rice for a heartier, fiber-packed option.
• Add Cashews or Peanuts: Stir in roasted cashews or peanuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Crispy Teriyaki Chicken: Coat the chicken in cornstarch and pan-fry it for a crispy texture before glazing it with teriyaki sauce.

Freezing and Storage for Teriyaki Chicken Meal

• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken, rice, and vegetables separately. Freeze the components in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
• Storage: Store leftover Teriyaki Chicken Meal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Special Equipmentfor Teriyaki Chicken Meal

Here are some tools that will help make preparing Teriyaki Chicken Meal easier:

• Skillet or Pan: A large skillet or sauté pan is essential for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
• Rice Cooker: A rice cooker can simplify the process of cooking the rice perfectly every time.
• Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer ensures the chicken is fully cooked to the right temperature.
• Whisk: Use a whisk to combine the ingredients for the teriyaki sauce.
• Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers for storing leftovers or prepping meals ahead of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of chicken?
   Yes, you can use chicken thighs or even bone-in chicken if preferred. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
   Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought teriyaki sauce can be used, though making your own gives a fresher flavor.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Yes, you can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
4. How do I store leftovers?
   Store the leftover chicken, rice, and vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Simply reheat and serve when ready.

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Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken Meal is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce, and a healthy serving of vegetables and rice. It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this meal is sure to become a favorite in your rotation.

This recipe is as easy to prepare as it is tasty, making it great for everything from weeknight dinners to batch cooking for the week ahead. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it solo, this Teriyaki Chicken Meal delivers a balanced and flavorful meal that everyone will love.

I’d love to see how your Teriyaki Chicken Meal turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!