Easy Teriyaki Chicken and Fried Rice dinner

Teriyaki Chicken and Fried Rice is a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines tender chicken in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze with classic fried rice loaded with vegetables and eggs. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a homemade takeout-style dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, with minimal cleanup

• A complete, balanced meal in one pan

• Perfect for using up leftover rice

• Easily customizable with different vegetables or proteins

• Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing

• Great for meal prep and leftovers

• Sweet and savory flavors everyone enjoys

• Can be made healthier with brown rice and lean chicken

• Restaurant-quality meal at home

• Budget-friendly and made with pantry staples

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 cup teriyaki sauce

• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil

• ½ cup diced onion

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• ½ cup diced carrot

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 3 eggs, beaten

• 3 cups cooked brown rice (preferably day-old)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• Pepper, to taste

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the teriyaki sauce and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and its marinade and cook until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is slightly thickened. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. In the same pan, heat the oil and sauté the onions, garlic, and carrots for 2–3 minutes until softened.

4. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for another 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.

5. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked.

6. Add the cooked rice to the pan and mix everything together. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil, and season with pepper.

7. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until everything is well mixed and heated through.

8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture

• Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas

• Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice

• Add a dash of chili sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

• Substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein

• Use pineapple chunks for a sweet twist

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot. Add a splash of water or extra soy sauce if needed to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, store-bought teriyaki sauce works perfectly for this recipe and saves time.

What type of rice is best for fried rice?

Day-old cooked rice, especially long-grain varieties like jasmine or brown rice, works best to prevent clumping.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely, just swap the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables and use vegetarian teriyaki sauce.

Is it okay to use freshly cooked rice?

You can, but freshly cooked rice may be too soft. Spread it out on a tray to cool and dry slightly before using.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and teriyaki sauce to keep this dish gluten-free.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it stores and reheats well, making it great for meal prep or advance preparation.

What other vegetables work well in this dish?

Peas, zucchini, baby corn, green beans, and snap peas all pair well with fried rice and teriyaki flavors.

Can I add extra protein?

Yes, you can add shrimp, tofu, or even scrambled tofu or edamame for a protein boost.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?

Use a non-stick pan or well-seasoned wok and enough oil to keep the rice from sticking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your pan is large enough to stir everything evenly without overcrowding.

Conclusion

This Easy Teriyaki Chicken and Fried Rice Dinner is the ultimate go-to recipe when you want a flavorful, wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, it’s a family favorite that’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving a quick homemade alternative to takeout.