Easy Teriyaki Chicken & Rice – One-Pan Wonder for Busy Nights

Craving a delicious, savory meal that’s 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 rice—all in a single dish. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, this recipe is designed to satisfy your taste buds without the fuss.

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🌟 Why You’ll 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 minutes—ideal 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.

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🛒 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
  • Learn more about budget-friendly soy sauce options
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• ½ 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)

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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.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Sauté

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

1. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet.
2. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage).

Step 3: Add Rice & Liquid

1. Stir in the uncooked rice and mix well with the chicken and onions.
2. Pour in 2 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, grated ginger, garlic powder, and optional sesame oil & red pepper flakes.
2. Pour the teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken, rice, and vegetables in the skillet.

Step 5: Bake the Dish

1. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and transfer to the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
3. Remove the cover in the last 5 minutes of baking if you prefer a slightly drier texture.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
3. Serve hot as a standalone meal or with a side of steamed vegetables.

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💰 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!

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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.

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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.

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Related Recipes & Internal Links

Explore more affordable, delicious meals on KateFi.com:

• One-Pot Spicy Cajun Chicken & Rice – Fast, Cheap & Delicious!
• Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken – 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 – Can You Eat for a Week on This Budget?.

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Final Thoughts

This Easy Teriyaki Chicken & Rice is a one-pan wonder that combines robust teriyaki flavors with tender chicken and fluffy rice—all without breaking the bank. Perfect for busy nights, it’s a versatile, budget-friendly meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and share your creative tweaks in the comments!

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