Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice Flavorful and Easy Recipe

Are you craving a quick and tasty meal? This Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice recipe is for you! It’s packed with flavor and takes just minutes to prepare. With simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dish that the whole family will love. So, grab your skillet and let’s dive into this easy step-by-step guide to creating a satisfying meal you will adore!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)

– 1 lb chicken breast, diced

– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce

Additional Ingredients

– 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)

– 2 green onions, sliced

– 2 eggs, beaten

– 2 tablespoons sesame oil

– 1 tablespoon soy sauce

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Sesame seeds for garnish

For this teriyaki chicken fried rice, I love using day-old jasmine rice. It has a firmer texture, which makes it perfect for frying. Fresh rice can be too soft and sticky.

You need diced chicken breast for the protein. It cooks quickly and absorbs the teriyaki sauce well. The teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the rice.

To add color and nutrition, I include mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and bell peppers. They bring a nice crunch and freshness to the dish.

Green onions add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color. The beaten eggs give richness and help bind everything together.

Sesame oil is key in stir-frying. It gives a nutty aroma and flavor. A bit of soy sauce enhances the taste, while garlic powder adds depth.

Finally, salt and pepper are essential for seasoning. Don’t forget the sesame seeds! They make a lovely garnish and add a bit of crunch.

With these ingredients, you’ll create a dish that’s not only tasty but also visually appealing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it turns brown and is fully cooked, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes.

Incorporating the Sauce

After the chicken is cooked, pour in 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce. Stir the chicken well, allowing it to soak up those delicious flavors for about 2 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for later.

Cooking the Vegetables and Eggs

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Toss in 1 cup of mixed vegetables, which can include peas, carrots, and bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until they become tender. Next, push the veggies to one side of the skillet. Pour 2 beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble them until they are fully cooked. Mix the scrambled eggs with the vegetables.

Mixing the Fried Rice

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice to the skillet. Stir to combine the rice with the chicken, vegetables, and eggs. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of soy sauce over the mix and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, ensuring that everything is heated through. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet. Stir well to mix it all together. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.

Garnish with sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Enjoy your tasty teriyaki chicken fried rice!

Tips & Tricks

Choosing the Right Rice

Using day-old rice is key for this dish. Fresh rice has too much moisture. This makes it sticky and clumpy. Day-old rice dries out a bit. It helps each grain stay separate. This gives a better texture and allows for perfect frying.

Enhancing Flavor

You can add more flavor to your fried rice. Consider using ginger for a spicy kick. A splash of lime juice can brighten the dish. You can also try hoisin sauce for a sweet touch. If you like heat, add chili flakes or sriracha. Mixing in some sesame oil at the end boosts the nutty flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick movements. Preheat your skillet or wok to get it nice and hot. Keep the food moving to avoid burning. Push ingredients to the side to create space. This method helps each ingredient cook evenly. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed.

Variations

Vegetarian Option

You can easily change this dish to suit a vegetarian diet. Instead of chicken, try using tofu. Tofu soaks up flavors well. It gives a great texture, too. For a veggie boost, add more mixed vegetables. Snap peas, broccoli, or mushrooms work well. This way, you still enjoy a tasty fried rice.

Adding Other Proteins

If you want to switch things up, consider adding shrimp or beef. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice touch. Use peeled and deveined shrimp. For beef, choose thinly sliced steak or ground beef. Both options will add rich flavors to your fried rice. Just make sure to cook the proteins fully before mixing them in.

Different Sauce Options

While teriyaki sauce is a favorite, you can try other sauces too. Soy sauce is a classic choice. It adds a salty, umami flavor. You might also like hoisin sauce for a sweeter touch. If you want a kick, try sriracha or chili garlic sauce. Each sauce gives the dish a unique twist. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store leftovers in the fridge, let the rice cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep it fresh. You can store teriyaki chicken fried rice for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat it, just take it out and reheat.

Freezing Guidance

If you want to freeze teriyaki chicken fried rice, use a freezer-safe container. Divide the rice into portions to make it easier to thaw later. Leave some space in the container for expansion. The fried rice can last up to three months in the freezer. Always label the container with the date.

Reheating Techniques

For reheating, the best method is to use a skillet. Heat it over medium heat and add a splash of water. This helps to keep the rice moist. Stir frequently until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to cover it to prevent drying out. Enjoy your tasty fried rice just like fresh!

FAQs

What can I substitute for teriyaki sauce?

If you don’t have teriyaki sauce, try these options:

– Soy sauce mixed with honey or brown sugar.

– Hoisin sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.

– A mix of soy sauce and mirin, which is sweet rice wine.

Each of these sauces brings its own unique taste. You can adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of honey or sugar you use. This way, you can still enjoy tasty fried rice!

Can I make teriyaki chicken fried rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can make teriyaki chicken fried rice ahead of time! Here are some tips:

– Cook the chicken and rice in advance.

– Store the cooked rice and chicken in the fridge.

– You can prepare the mixed veggies too, but add them fresh when you cook it.

When you are ready to eat, just stir-fry everything together. This method saves time on busy nights!

What sides go well with teriyaki chicken fried rice?

For a complete meal, consider these side dishes:

– A simple salad with sesame dressing.

– Steamed broccoli for a healthy crunch.

– Edamame sprinkled with sea salt.

These sides add color and balance to your meal. You will enjoy a wonderful variety of flavors!

In this post, we covered how to make tasty teriyaki chicken fried rice. We discussed the key ingredients and shared easy steps for cooking. You learned tips for choosing rice and flavoring your dish. We also explored fun variations, from vegetarian options to different proteins. Finally, I shared guidance on storing and reheating leftovers.

Now, you have all the tools to whip up this dish with ease. Enjoy your cookin