Love our recipes? Show your support by following us ā pretty please!š„ŗ
FOLLOW ON PINTEREST
Hi! Iām Kate, the face behind KateFi.comāa blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
Craving a delicious, savory meal thatās both quick to prepare and budget-friendly? This Easy Teriyaki Chicken & Rice recipe is your one-pan wonder that packs bold teriyaki flavors, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked riceāall in a single dish. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, this recipe is designed to satisfy your taste buds without the fuss.
š Why Youāll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup with all ingredients cooked together.
- Budget-Friendly: Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal for pennies.
- Bold Teriyaki Flavor: A perfect balance of sweet and savory that elevates everyday chicken.
- Time-Saver: Ready in about 30 minutesāideal for busy nights.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or swap proteins for variety.
- Meal Prep Ready: Great for leftovers that taste even better the next day.
š Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Chicken & Rice:
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white, jasmine, or brown)
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil)
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- Ā½ tsp garlic powder
- Optional: 1 tsp sesame oil (for extra flavor)
- Optional: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~400 kcal |
Protein | ~28 g |
Carbohydrates | ~45 g |
Fat | ~10 g |
Fiber | ~2 g |
Values may vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & SautƩ
- Preheat your oven to 400Ā°F (200Ā°C).
- In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sautƩ for 2-3 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- SautĆ© for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides (it doesnāt need to be fully cooked at this stage).
Step 3: Add Rice & Liquid
- Stir in the uncooked rice and mix well with the chicken and onions.
- Pour in 2 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, garlic powder, and optional sesame oil & red pepper flakes.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken, rice, and vegetables in the skillet.
Step 5: Bake the Dish
- Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and transfer to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the cover in the last 5 minutes of baking if you prefer a slightly drier texture.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot as a standalone meal or with a side of steamed vegetables.
š° Cost Breakdown (Estimated for 4 Servings)
Ingredient | Estimated Cost |
---|---|
Chicken (1 lb) | $2.50 |
Uncooked Rice (1 cup) | $0.75 |
Water/Chicken Broth (2 cups) | $0.50 |
Onion, Garlic | $0.50 |
Vegetable Oil | $0.20 |
Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients (soy sauce, honey, vinegar, brown sugar, ginger) | $1.00 |
Garnishes (green onions, sesame seeds) | $0.30 |
Total Estimated Cost | ~$6.75 |
Cost Per Serving (approx.) | ~$1.69 |
Prices are approximate and may vary by location. Use store brands and buy in bulk to save more!
Additional Tips & Variations
Cooking & Storage Tips
- Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep. Allow it to cool, then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes on the stovetop.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetable Boost: Add steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers in the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Protein Swap: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
- Noodle Option: Replace rice with cooked noodles for a different twist on this teriyaki bowl.
Plating & Presentation
- Garnishing: A drizzle of extra sesame oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper can elevate the dish.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve the bowl with a side of kimchi or a light cucumber salad for a complete Korean-inspired meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but brown rice may require a longer cooking time and additional liquid. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: The dish offers a moderate spice level from the gochujang. Adjust the red pepper flakes to increase or decrease the heat as needed.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Cook the chicken and rice ahead, then reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Q: Are there gluten-free options?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
For more tips on meal prep and budget-friendly recipes, visit Meal Prep 101: How to Save Time & Money on Family Dinners.
Related Recipes & Internal Links
Explore more affordable, delicious meals on KateFi.com:
š” Follow KateFi.com on Pinterest for:
- Frugal living hacks
- Budget-friendly meal ideas
- Creative side hustle tips
- DIY tricks that save you money
- One-Pot Spicy Cajun Chicken & Rice ā Fast, Cheap & Delicious!
- Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken ā Sweet, Spicy & Under $5!
- Juicy Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts with Roasted Veggies (Cheap & Easy!)
For more budget cooking inspiration, check out The 50 Grocery Challenge ā Can You Eat for a Week on This Budget?.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Teriyaki Chicken & Rice is a one-pan wonder that combines robust teriyaki flavors with tender chicken and fluffy riceāall without breaking the bank. Perfect for busy nights, itās a versatile, budget-friendly meal thatās sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and share your creative tweaks in the comments!
š„ Tried this recipe? Tell us your favorite additions or serve it with your preferred side dish!
š Love this dish? Pin it for later and share with friends!