Easy Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice Recipe

Discover a quick and flavorful Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice recipe perfect for easy weeknight dinners. This dish balances tender, juicy chicken glazed in a rich, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce served alongside aromatic jasmine rice that soaks up all those delicious flavors. Simple yet packed with taste, this meal is sure to become a staple in your cooking rotation, offering a satisfying dinner without hours spent in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when time is tight.
• Balanced Flavors: The perfect harmony of sweet, salty, and umami in every bite keeps your taste buds dancing.
• Comforting and Filling: Jasmine rice complements the chicken perfectly, creating a truly satisfying meal.
• Minimal Ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples that won’t require a special trip to the store.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak based on personal preferences or dietary needs without losing its essence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of wholesome ingredients is all it takes to assemble this delicious dish. Each component plays an important role in creating the vibrant colors, pleasing textures, and bold flavors characteristic of Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice.

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Juicy protein that soaks up the teriyaki marinade beautifully; thighs stay tender and moist.
• Jasmine rice: Aromatic and fluffy, this rice is the perfect base to absorb all the savory sauce.
• Soy sauce: Provides the salty umami foundation essential for authentic teriyaki flavor.
• Honey or brown sugar: Adds balanced sweetness to complement the soy sauce’s saltiness.
• Garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics that enhance the depth and warmth of the sauce.
• Rice vinegar or mirin (optional): Introduces a subtle acidity and sweetness, rounding out the sauce.
• Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma that elevates the final dish.
• Green onions and sesame seeds: For garnish, adding freshness and texture.

Variations for Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice

This recipe is incredibly flexible and encourages experimentation. Feel free to adapt these ideas to match your pantry contents, dietary preferences, or to simply mix things up!

• Spicy kick: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
• Vegetarian twist: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh, marinated directly in the teriyaki sauce.
• Veggie boost: Toss in steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for added color and crunch.
• Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free without compromising flavor.
• Citrus enhancement: Finish with a splash of fresh orange or lime juice for a bright, tangy note.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Jasmine Rice

Rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Combine the rice with 1 1/4 cups of water in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes to allow the rice to steam to fluffy perfection.

Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or mirin, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger. Set this flavorful marinade aside—it will serve as both the marinade and the pan sauce.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Place 4 boneless chicken thighs (or breasts) in a shallow dish and pour half of the teriyaki sauce over them. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the rich flavors; if time allows, 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge is even better for deeper taste.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the leftover marinade) and cook each side for about 5-6 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Pour the remaining marinade into the pan and simmer for 2 minutes to thicken and glaze the chicken beautifully.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Serve the perfectly glazed chicken on a bed of steaming jasmine rice. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for a delightful finish that adds freshness and crunch.

Pro Tips for Making Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice

• Marinate longer: The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavor will be; overnight is ideal.
• Use chicken thighs: They stay juicier and more forgiving than breasts during cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed to ensure even browning.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste the sauce and add more honey or sugar gradually to balance the soy’s saltiness.
• Rest the chicken: Let cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep juices locked inside.
• Fluff rice with a fork: Avoid stirring vigorously, which can make jasmine rice sticky or mushy.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice

Garnishes

Brighten up the dish with a sprinkle of fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds for subtle crunch and color contrast. A few thin slices of fresh chili or a wedge of lime can also add a kick and freshness if you prefer.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, bok choy, or carrots to add vibrant color, additional nutrition, and delightful texture to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken and jasmine rice in a hollowed-out pineapple bowl or on a platter with an array of colorful veggies and pickled ginger to evoke a restaurant-style presentation at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the flavors fresh and the texture enjoyable.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Pack the chicken and rice separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce if needed to keep the chicken moist and the rice fluffy. Microwaving on medium power in short intervals also works if you’re short on time.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice can be a healthier alternative, but it will require a longer cooking time and a slightly different water ratio.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating enhances flavor and tenderness, but if you’re in a hurry, you can cook the chicken and then toss it in the sauce at the end for a quicker version.

Where can I find mirin or rice vinegar?

Most grocery stores carry mirin and rice vinegar in the Asian foods section. Rice vinegar adds acidity while mirin brings sweetness, so both act as great substitutes depending on availability.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace standard soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing flavor.

How do I get the sauce to thicken?

Simmering the marinade after cooking the chicken allows it to reduce and thicken into a glaze. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) during simmering.

Final Thoughts

Easy to make and absolutely delicious, Teriyaki Chicken with Jasmine Rice is a true crowd-pleaser that fits seamlessly into any weeknight menu. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you master this simple dish, it’s going to become one of your favorites for good reason!

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