Name: Teriyaki Chicken Bites with Garlic Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thigh pieces; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, grated; 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening); 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 cups cooked white rice; 1 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced (for rice); Salt to taste; 1 tbsp chopped chives or green onions; 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

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A delightful fusion of savory, sticky chicken and aromatic garlic-infused rice, this Teriyaki Chicken Bites with Garlic Rice recipe is a satisfying meal that’s simple to make and bursting with umami flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish brings together sweet and savory teriyaki-glazed chicken bites and fragrant rice that’s enhanced with garlic and garnished with herbs. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s also visually appealing and family-approved.

ingredients

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

Chicken breast or thigh pieces
Soy sauce
Honey or brown sugar
Rice vinegar
Garlic (minced)
Ginger (grated)
Cornstarch (optional for thickening)
Sesame oil
Cooked white rice
Butter
Chopped chives or green onions
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Tips by Elsa:

Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control salt levels.
Thigh meat stays juicier than breast meat.
Always use freshly cooked rice for the best garlic rice texture.

directions

Combine soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate for at least 20 minutes.
In a skillet, cook the chicken over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Pour in remaining marinade and simmer until thickened (add cornstarch slurry if needed).
For garlic rice, sauté minced garlic in butter, then stir in warm cooked rice and season with salt.
Serve the chicken bites over the garlic rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped chives.

Tips by Elsa:

Let the teriyaki sauce bubble gently to thicken and caramelize.
Use day-old rice for better garlic rice texture if you prefer a fried-rice feel.

Servings and timing

Serves: 3–4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Vegetable Additions: Toss in steamed broccoli or bell peppers.
Low Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice.
Tofu Alternative: Use tofu cubes for a vegetarian version.
Ginger Boost: Add fresh grated ginger to the rice for more fragrance.

Tips by Elsa:

Stir-fry vegetables separately and combine at the end for better texture.
Add a fried egg on top for a protein boost.

storage/reheating

Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until warm.

Tips by Elsa:

Splash with water when reheating to keep the chicken from drying out.
Store rice and chicken separately if meal prepping.

FAQs

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep.

What rice works best?

Jasmine or short-grain white rice works well.

Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?

Yes, though homemade gives more control over sweetness and salt.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the chicken, but rice is best fresh or refrigerated only.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Yes, marinate and grill for a smoky flavor.

What’s the best way to thicken teriyaki sauce?

Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

Can I substitute the honey?

Brown sugar, agave, or maple syrup can be used.

Is it okay to omit sesame oil?

Yes, but it adds a nice nutty aroma.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

Garlic powder can be used but fresh is best.

Can I add nuts?

Yes, crushed peanuts or cashews add crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken Bites with Garlic Rice is an easy yet impressive dish that delivers bold flavor in every bite. With sticky, tender chicken and fragrant rice, this meal is perfect for quick dinners, leftovers, or meal prep routines.

Teriyaki Chicken Bites with Garlic Rice

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Author: Mariem
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Sticky teriyaki-glazed chicken bites served over aromatic garlic butter rice, making for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal.

Instructions

In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger to make the teriyaki marinade.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate in the mixture for at least 20 minutes.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add sesame oil, then cook the chicken until browned and cooked through.
Pour in the remaining marinade and simmer until thickened. Use a cornstarch slurry if needed for a thicker sauce.
In another pan, sauté minced garlic in butter until fragrant. Stir in warm cooked rice and season with salt to make garlic rice.
Serve the teriyaki chicken over the garlic rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped chives or green onions.