If you are craving a dish that combines vibrant flavors and comforting textures, the Teriyaki Chicken with Avocado Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful meal effortlessly balances the sweet-savory zing of homemade teriyaki chicken with the creamy, fresh goodness of avocado-infused rice. Each bite brings together tender chicken glazed in a luscious sauce and silky avocado rice, creating a harmony that’s both satisfying and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Teriyaki Chicken with Avocado Rice Recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients that each play a key role in building layered flavors, vibrant colors, and pleasing textures. Let’s look at what you’ll need to bring the dish to life.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for tender, juicy meat that soaks up the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- Soy sauce or tamari: The salty, umami backbone of the teriyaki marinade.
- Honey or brown sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce and deepen the flavor.
- Rice vinegar: A splash brightens both the sauce and the rice with its gentle acidity.
- Sesame oil: Infuses nutty aroma and richness throughout the dish.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to add a fragrant punch to the marinade.
- Fresh ginger: Grated for a spicy, warm layer that livens up the teriyaki glaze.
- Cornstarch and water: Optional thickener to give the sauce a luscious, clingy texture.
- Cooked jasmine or sushi rice: Soft and sticky grains perfect as the base for this recipe.
- Avocados: Ripe and creamy, mashed to create the luscious green layer atop the rice.
- Lime or lemon juice: Prevents avocado browning and adds a fresh citrus sparkle.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
- Sesame seeds: For garnish, adding a toasty crunch and visual appeal.
- Chopped green onions: Fresh and slightly sharp garnish that perks up the plate.
- Pickled ginger (optional): Adds a tangy, palate-cleansing contrast if you want to get fancy.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken with Avocado Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Marinade
Start by whisking together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger in a small bowl. This vibrant marinade is the heart of the Teriyaki Chicken with Avocado Rice Recipe, infusing the chicken with sweet, salty, and slightly tangy notes that develop as it cooks.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your chicken breasts. Sear each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until they’re golden brown and have a slight crust. This step locks in the juices and builds flavor, setting the stage for a succulent finish.
Step 3: Simmer in Marinade
Pour the freshly made teriyaki marinade over the seared chicken in the skillet. Lower the heat and let everything simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs the marinade. If you want a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch and water mixture and cook until the sauce coats the chicken beautifully.
Step 4: Rest and Slice the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the skillet and give it a few minutes to rest so the juices redistribute. Then, slice across the grain into thin strips. These tender strips will be perfect nestled on top of the creamy avocado rice base.
Step 5: Season the Rice
In a mixing bowl, toss your warm cooked jasmine or sushi rice with rice vinegar, a teaspoon of sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. This simple seasoning gives the rice a refreshing tang and depth, making it a flavorful foundation for the dish.
Step 6: Prepare the Avocado Layer
Mash the ripe avocados in a separate bowl with lime or lemon juice to prevent browning. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper for balance. This creamy layer acts as a luscious contrast to the savory chicken and vinous rice.
Step 7: Assemble the Layers
Press a half-inch thick layer of the seasoned rice into the base of each serving dish. Spread a generous layer of the mashed avocado on top, then arrange the sliced teriyaki chicken strips over the avocado—this layering creates a beautiful medley of texture, temperature, and taste.
Step 8: Garnish and Finish
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top for that irresistible crunch and fresh bite. Add pickled ginger if you’re feeling adventurous; it provides a zesty counterpoint. Serve immediately to enjoy all the flavors and textures at their best.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken with Avocado Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions elevate both presentation and flavor, adding subtle nutty crunch and freshness. Pickled ginger offers a sharp, tangy note that cuts through the richness and brightens the palate. Garnishes make the dish feel special and vibrant, turning weeknight dinners into occasions.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with light sides such as steamed vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad. The crispness and mild bitterness contrast the creamy avocado and sweet teriyaki, creating a balanced meal that feels fresh and satisfying. A bowl of miso soup would also be a cozy complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Teriyaki Chicken with Avocado Rice Recipe in lettuce cups or on nori sheets for a hand-held sushi-inspired meal. You can also layer it in glass jars for an attractive layered lunch or picnic option. The vibrant colors naturally invite experimentation with presentation to delight both eyes and taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken, rice, and avocado components separately in airtight containers to preserve texture and flavor. The teriyaki chicken keeps well for 3 to 4 days in the fridge, while the avocado mash is best consumed within 1 to 2 days to avoid browning.
Freezing
Freezing is best reserved for the cooked chicken and rice, as avocado doesn’t freeze well due to its creamy texture. Portion chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers and use within 2 months for optimal taste. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken and rice in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the chicken juicy and the rice fluffy. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it may dry out your dish. Add fresh mashed avocado right before serving to maintain its creaminess and vibrancy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to stay juicier during cooking. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they reach the safe internal temperature and are cooked through.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Press and marinate the tofu similarly, then pan-fry until golden. The avocado rice pairs beautifully with these plant-based proteins.
Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Definitely. Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, as tamari is gluten-free. Double-check your other ingredients like rice vinegar and honey to make sure they’re free of gluten additives.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
Mixing fresh lime or lemon juice into the mashed avocado is the best way to slow oxidation and keep that pretty green color longer. Keeping it chilled until serving helps too.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Jasmine or sushi rice works best because of their sticky texture, which helps the rice layer hold together when pressed. However, other short-grain rice varieties can also work if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Chicken with Avocado Rice Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and bold flavors to your table with minimal fuss. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again because it feels special while being straightforward. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—your taste buds and loved ones will thank you!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken with Avocado Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Description
This Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts glazed in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce, served over seasoned jasmine rice and creamy mashed avocado. Garnished with sesame seeds, green onions, and optional pickled ginger, this dish offers a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and fresh flavors in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Teriyaki Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Rice
- 8 ounces cooked jasmine or sushi rice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Pinch of salt
Avocado Mash
- 2 ripe avocados, mashed
- 1 tablespoon lime juice or lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Pickled ginger (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Teriyaki Marinade: In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until fully combined.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Simmer Chicken in Marinade: Pour the teriyaki marinade over the seared chicken. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 5–10 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest briefly. Then slice into thin strips across the grain.
- Season Rice: In a mixing bowl, toss the warm cooked rice with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Avocado Mash: In a separate bowl, mash avocados with lime or lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish: Press a 1/2-inch layer of seasoned rice into the base of each serving dish. Spread a generous layer of avocado mash over the rice, then arrange sliced teriyaki chicken on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkling of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and pickled ginger if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker teriyaki sauce, use the cornstarch slurry to achieve desired consistency.
- Make sure chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Use freshly grated ginger and fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Cooked rice can be made ahead of time and kept warm before seasoning.
- Pickled ginger is optional but adds a nice tangy contrast.
- To keep avocado mash from browning, add citrus juice like lime or lemon as suggested.
