Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice Quick and Flavorful Meal

Looking for a quick and tasty meal? Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice is your answer! This dish combines tender chicken, fresh veggies, and rich teriyaki sauce for a delightful flavor. It’s simple to make, and you likely have most ingredients on hand. In this post, I’ll walk you through easy steps, share tips, and offer variations. Let’s whip up a dinner that everyone will love!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

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

– 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

– 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

– 1 cup mixed vegetables (a vibrant mix of carrots, peas, and corn)

– 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

– 2 green onions, thinly sliced

– 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (preferably canola or peanut oil)

– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

– Sesame seeds, for garnish

Using day-old rice helps achieve the best texture. Fresh rice can be too sticky. You want your fried rice to be fluffy and separate. For this dish, diced chicken breast works great. It cooks fast and stays juicy. Teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor that ties everything together.

I love adding mixed vegetables for color and crunch. Carrots, peas, and corn are perfect choices. Fresh garlic and ginger give the dish a nice kick. Green onions add a fresh finish. Eggs provide creaminess and protein.

The vegetable oil is essential for frying. It helps everything cook evenly without sticking. Remember to season your dish with salt and pepper. This simple touch enhances all the flavors. Finally, sesame seeds are a fun garnish that adds a nutty flavor.

Gathering these ingredients makes preparing Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice quick and easy. Enjoy the process and get ready for a tasty meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

– Marinate the chicken: Start by taking 1 pound of diced chicken breast. In a bowl, mix the chicken with 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This step adds great flavor.

– Cooking the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir it often until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. Then, set the chicken aside on a plate.

Cooking the Vegetables

– Sautéing garlic and ginger: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, toss in 2 minced cloves of garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant, but not burned.

– Stir-frying mixed vegetables: Next, add 1 cup of mixed vegetables. This mix can include carrots, peas, and corn. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes. You want them tender but still colorful and crunchy.

Combining Ingredients

– Scrambling eggs: Move the cooked vegetables to one side of the skillet. On the other side, pour in 2 lightly beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs gently until they are fully set. Then, mix them with the vegetables.

– Mixing in rice and chicken: Now, add 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps gently. Drizzle in the last tablespoon of teriyaki sauce. Toss the rice with the vegetables and eggs until everything is coated and heated through. Finally, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir well. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Cooking

– Using day-old rice for texture: Day-old rice works best. It dries out a bit, which helps it fry nicely. Fresh rice can become mushy, so plan ahead and store leftovers in the fridge.

– Perfecting the frying technique: Use high heat for frying. This helps to get that nice, crispy texture. Keep stirring to avoid burning. It’s all about that sizzle!

Ingredient Substitutions

– Alternative proteins or veggies: You can swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or beef. Use any veggies you like, such as bell peppers or broccoli. Get creative with what you have!

– Different sauces or condiments: If you want a twist, try teriyaki sauce with a bit of soy sauce. You can also add sweet chili sauce for a kick.

Presentation Tips

– Garnishing with sesame seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds texture and looks great. Use white or black seeds for contrast.

– Serving suggestions: Serve in bowls or on plates. Add more green onions on top for color. A side of extra teriyaki sauce for dipping makes it even better!

Variations

Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice with Shrimp

If you love seafood, swap chicken for shrimp. Start by marinating the shrimp in teriyaki sauce. Use about one pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined.

– Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink.

– Remove them and follow the same steps for cooking vegetables.

– Add the shrimp back in when mixing in the rice.

Vegetarian Teriyaki Fried Rice

For a vegetarian twist, leave out the chicken. Instead, use more veggies. You can add:

– Extra peas

– Bell peppers

– Broccoli

Replace the chicken with tofu for added protein. Dice the tofu into small cubes and cook it until golden.

Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice

If you like heat, add chili sauce or red pepper flakes. Mix about one teaspoon into the teriyaki sauce.

– For more spice, add sliced jalapeños to the skillet with the vegetables.

– Adjust the heat level to your liking.

These variations keep the dish fun and tasty while catering to different diets and preferences.

Storage Information

Refrigeration Tips

To store leftovers, let the fried rice cool down to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Place the container in the fridge. You can enjoy it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it.

Reheating Instructions

The best way to reheat fried rice is in a skillet. Add a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to keep it moist. Heat it over medium heat, stirring often. You can also use the microwave. Place the rice in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps warm it evenly.

Freezing Recommendations

To freeze fried rice, start by letting it cool. Scoop the rice into freezer bags. Press out air before sealing them. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave for best results.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice has more fiber and a nutty flavor. It takes longer to cook, so adjust your time. Make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the dish. The texture will be different, but still tasty.

How long can I store Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice in the fridge?

You can store Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container. This helps to keep it fresh and safe. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it well in a skillet or microwave.

What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?

You can add many vegetables to this dish! Here are some great options:

– Bell peppers

– Broccoli

– Snap peas

– Zucchini

– Spinach

Feel free to mix and match based on what you have. Just remember to chop them small for even cooking!

We explored making Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice step by step. Starting with key ingredients, we prepared marinated chicken and sautéed fresh veggies. I shared tips on using day-old rice, ingredient swaps, and neat presentation tricks. Variations cater to seafood lovers, vegetarians, or those craving spice. Finally, we discussed storing and reheating this delicious dish. With these details, you can easily create your own tasty fried rice. Enjoy making this dish for great meal