Weeknight Sesame Teriyaki Chicken with Ginger Rice

There’s something mesmerizing about the aroma of teriyaki chicken wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? I still remember the first time I tried a similar dish at a little dive in a bustling part of town, tucked away from the main streets. It was sweet, savory, and had a zing that made every bite feel like a cozy hug. Now, I’m here to share my version—the ultimate Weeknight Sesame Teriyaki Chicken with Ginger Rice. It’s quick enough for a weekday dinner and delectable enough to be a hit on any occasion. Let’s dive in!

Why you’ll love this recipe

This isn’t just any teriyaki chicken; it’s the kind of meal that transforms a regular weeknight into something a little more special. Picture biting into tender pieces of chicken, bathed in a luscious, glossy sauce that’s both sweet and a bit nutty from the sesame oil. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its flavor but also in its ease. You can whip it up in about 30 minutes—now that’s a dream for busy weekdays, right?

Plus, the ginger rice serves as a perfect backdrop to the saucy chicken, lifting the dish with its gentle warmth and inviting earthiness. It’s the little things that make a meal sing: the sprinkle of sesame seeds and the crispness of fresh green onions at the end. They turn a simple dinner into a feast for the eyes and palate. Trust me, once you try this, it’s bound to find a cherished spot in your weeknight rotation!

Gather these ingredients

Now, let’s get to the deliciousness you need on hand to embark on this culinary journey:

• 1 pound boneless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs give you more flavor and juiciness, but if you prefer breasts for a lean option, go for it!

• 1/4 cup soy sauce: This is your umami bomb! Low-sodium soy sauce works too if you’re watching your salt intake.

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a depth of flavor that’s irresistible.

• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar: Sweetness balances the salty soy sauce beautifully. Use honey for a more distinct flavor.

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Fresh ginger brings warmth and spice. Don’t even think about using powdered ginger for this!

• 2 garlic cloves, minced: They add aromatic goodness—hinting at the deliciousness to come!

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: A splash of acidity to keep everything balanced and bright.

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: This will help thicken your sauce and make it stick to the chicken like a cozy blanket.

• 1/4 cup water: Just a bit to help the sauce along.

• Cooked rice (for serving): I love jasmine or basmati for a fragrant twist.

• Sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

• Green onions, sliced (for garnish): Freshness and a pop of color—a must!

Preparing Weeknight Sesame Teriyaki Chicken with Ginger Rice

Alright, let’s break down how this magic unfolds in your kitchen. Follow these steps, and you’ll feel like a pro!

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or brown sugar), grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water. This is your secret sauce—the magic elixir that transforms the chicken.

2. Grab a skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add your chicken and season it lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, ensuring it’s browned and cooked through. You are looking for that wonderful golden hue!

3. Once your chicken is cooked, pour the teriyaki sauce over it, letting that beautiful blend flow over the chicken. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken up—this is the magic time! It will coat the chicken beautifully.

4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare your ginger rice. Simply mix in grated ginger with your cooked rice for that fragrant kick!

5. Serve the teriyaki chicken over the ginger rice, and don’t be shy with the sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. It adds that chef-worthy touch!

Best way to enjoy it

Now that you have this dish plated, let’s talk about how to make your meal even more delightful. Serve it with a side of roasted broccoli or snap peas for some leafy greens. The slight bitterness of the greens complements the sweetness of the teriyaki beautifully.

Feeling adventurous? Why not whip up a quick cucumber salad seasoned with rice vinegar to add a refreshing crunch? And if you want to take it international, serve it all with some crispy spring rolls for an Asian-inspired feast. Your dinner just turned into a full-on flavor adventure!

Storing leftovers

Life gets busy, and you might have some leftovers waiting for you. No worries here! Store the chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.

If you’re thinking long-term, you can also freeze the chicken in its sauce. Just make sure it cools completely first! When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat—voilà!

Extra tips and advice

• For extra depth, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for about 30 minutes before cooking. It just adds another layer of flavor that you’ll absolutely adore.

• Don’t skip the sesame seeds! They really do make a significant difference in both crunch and aesthetic.

• If you want to switch things up, add some chopped bell peppers or snap peas to the skillet when cooking the chicken for a veggie boost.

• Cooking for kids? Tone down the sweetness by cutting back a bit on the honey, or adjust according to your family’s taste preferences.

Recipe variations

Feeling a little creative? Let’s brainstorm some fun variations on this dish!

• Spicy Teriyaki: Add a splash of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for an exciting kick!

• Citrus Twist: Mix in some orange or pineapple juice to your sauce for a fruity flair. It brightens up the dish perfectly.

• Make it Veggie: Substitute the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or even a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for a tasty plant-based dish.

• Different proteins: Try this with shrimp or even salmon for a variably delicious experience.

Ingredients list

• 1 pound boneless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• Cooked rice (for serving)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Directions to follow

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add chicken. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until sauce thickens.
4. Prepare ginger rice by mixing cooked rice with grated ginger.
5. Serve the teriyaki chicken over ginger rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Your questions answered

1. How long does it take to make?

   • About 30 minutes if you’re prepping and cooking simultaneously!

2. What can I serve with this?

   • Roasted veggies or a fresh cucumber salad complement it beautifully.

3. Can I make it gluten-free?

   • Absolutely! Use tamari instead of soy sauce.

4. Is it freezer-friendly?

   • Yes! Store it in the freezer for a rainy day.

5. Can I add more vegetables?

   • Definitely! Veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas work wonderfully.

You’ve made it through this guide, and I hope you’re inspired to not just try this recipe but to make it your own. Cooking is about creativity and joy, so don’t hesitate to add your own flair to this dish. Happy cooking, my friend!

Use Your Leftovers

Reduce food waste by making these recipes with your leftover ingredients:

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

♻️ Uses leftover sesame seeds100%

Potsticker Soup: A Comforting Delight

♻️ Uses leftover green onions100%

Print Recipe

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Weeknight Sesame Teriyaki Chicken with Ginger Rice

Cooking Method: Baking

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Cooking Temp: medium-high  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 450

Best Season: year-round

Description

This quick and delectable teriyaki chicken dish transforms a regular weeknight into something special with tender chicken, sweet and savory sauce, and fragrant ginger rice.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless chicken thighs or breasts (Thighs give more flavor and juiciness.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce (Low-sodium soy sauce can be used.)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil (Toasted sesame oil preferred.)
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (Honey gives a distinct flavor.)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (Don't use powdered ginger.)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (For aromatic goodness.)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (Adds acidity.)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (To thicken the sauce.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup water (To help the sauce along.)
• Cooked rice for serving (Jasmine or basmati recommended.)
• Sesame seeds for garnish (Adds crunch and visual appeal.)
• Green onions, sliced for garnish (Provides freshness.)

Instructions

Cooking Process

1. Make the Sauce

   In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water.
   This is your secret sauce.
   Mark as complete

2. Cook the Chicken

   Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add chicken. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
   Look for a golden hue!
   Mark as complete

3. Add the Sauce

   Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until sauce thickens.
   This coats the chicken beautifully.
   Mark as complete

4. Prepare Ginger Rice

   Mix grated ginger with your cooked rice for that fragrant kick!
   Mark as complete

5. Serve

   Serve the teriyaki chicken over ginger rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 100mg34%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 45g15%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 10g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 100 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 20 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 1 mcg

Thiamin 0.1 mg

Riboflavin 0.2 mg

Niacin 4 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 10 mcg

Vitamin B12 0.8 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 200 mg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 25 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Marinating chicken before cooking adds more flavor.

Keywords: teriyaki chicken, ginger rice, easy dinner, weeknight meal, flavorful