If you’re craving a dish bursting with vibrant flavors, creamy textures, and a perfect balance of savory and sweet, the Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice Recipe is destined to become your new favorite meal. This recipe combines tender teriyaki-glazed chicken with luscious mashed avocado and fragrant seasoned rice to create a bowl that’s as comforting as it is exciting to the palate. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is a simple yet impressive way to bring something fresh and satisfying to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice Recipe comes from straightforward ingredients that shine individually and harmonize beautifully when combined. Each item is thoughtfully chosen to add depth, texture, or color, making the dish as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all the teriyaki goodness.
- 1/3 cup soy sauce or tamari: Adds the essential salty, umami base for the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar: Sweetness that balances the savory and adds a lovely glaze.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Gives a mild tang that brightens the sauce and rice.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses the dish with a nutty aroma and smooth richness.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds pungency and warmth to the layers of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Brings a zesty bite that awakens the taste buds.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional): Perfect for thickening the sauce to a glossy finish.
- 8 ounces cooked jasmine or sushi rice: The fragrant, soft base that complements each topping.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for rice): A splash that seasons the rice without overpowering it.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for rice): Adds subtle nutty flavor and shine to the rice.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the natural tastes in the dish.
- 2 ripe avocados, mashed: Creamy texture and mellow flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken.
- 1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice: Keeps avocado vibrant and adds a bright citrus note.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste; essential for seasoning the avocado mash perfectly.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds crunch and a toasty accent on top.
- Chopped green onions (for garnish): Provides fresh color and a mild onion bite.
- Pickled ginger (optional garnish): A tangy, palate-cleansing addition that brings an extra burst of flavor.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Marinade
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. This simple combination creates a glorious marinade that’s sweet, tangy, and rich in savory depth. It’s the flavor foundation that will turn ordinary chicken breasts into something spectacular.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken breasts. Searing them for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown locks in juices and builds a beautiful caramelized crust. This step is crucial for developing the texture and flavor that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 3: Simmer with the Teriyaki Sauce
Pour the marinade over the seared chicken and reduce the heat to let it simmer gently. Turn the chicken occasionally for 5 to 10 minutes until cooked through and glossy with sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until it thickens beautifully, coating the chicken like a delicious glaze.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Removing the chicken from the skillet, let it rest briefly—this keeps the meat juicy. Then slice it thinly across the grain. These tender, shiny slices are ready to crown your rice and avocado layers with maximum flavor impact.
Step 5: Season the Rice
In a mixing bowl, toss warm cooked jasmine or sushi rice with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. This simple seasoning elevates the rice, adding subtle acidity and nuttiness that complement the rest of the dish perfectly. Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t overpower the creamy avocado.
Step 6: Make the Avocado Mash
Mash ripe avocados in a separate bowl with lime or lemon juice to maintain their fresh green color. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. This creamy mash brings a cooling, rich texture that balances the savory teriyaki chicken.
Step 7: Assemble Your Bowl
Press a half-inch layer of the seasoned rice into the base of each serving dish. Spread a generous layer of the avocado mash over the rice, then arrange the sliced teriyaki chicken on top. This layered approach creates a beautiful contrast of colors and textures in every bite.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and optional pickled ginger for a pop of tang and color. Serve immediately and watch everyone dig into a bowl packed with flavor and warmed by the care you put into it.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are your secret weapon to elevate this Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice Recipe from delicious to truly memorable. Toasted sesame seeds add nutty crunch, while chopped green onions offer fresh, bright flavor and a lovely green pop. Don’t shy away from adding pickled ginger—it cuts through the richness with its sharp and tangy notes, giving the dish a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Because this dish is so full of flavor and texture, light, fresh side dishes complement it perfectly. Think steamed or sautéed bok choy, crisp cucumber salad, or even a simple miso soup. These provide balance and reinforce the Asian-inspired flavors without overpowering the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this dish in individual mason jars or on large platter-style plates for family-style dining. You can also turn it into a sushi bowl by layering the ingredients with pickled vegetables or seaweed salad. Personalize the bowl with different garnishes or a drizzle of spicy mayo for a creative spin that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover teriyaki chicken, avocado mash, and seasoned rice can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the components separate preserves their textures and flavors, making the meal feel just as fresh when reheated.
Freezing
While cooked chicken and rice freeze well, avocado mash does not hold up to freezing very well as it can discolor and change texture. It’s best to freeze the teriyaki chicken and rice together, and add freshly mashed avocado when you’re ready to eat. Wrap the containers tightly to avoid freezer burn for up to one month.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and rice gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra sesame oil to maintain moisture. Add the mashed avocado fresh after reheating to keep its vibrant color and creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more juiciness and flavor thanks to their higher fat content, and they work wonderfully with this teriyaki marinade. Just adjust the cooking time slightly until thighs are cooked through and tender.
What type of rice works best for this recipe?
Jasmine or sushi rice are ideal because of their sticky yet fluffy texture that holds up well under the layers of avocado and chicken. Feel free to experiment, but avoid long-grain rice varieties like basmati, which tend to be too dry and separate.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Marinate and cook them the same way to absorb the teriyaki flavors. Pan-fried or baked tofu adds fantastic texture and keeps the dish plant-based but just as delicious.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
The key is to mash the avocado with citrus juice like lime or lemon right away. This acid slows oxidation and keeps it bright green longer. Also, assembling the dish just before serving helps maintain its fresh look and flavor.
Can I meal prep this recipe for the week?
Definitely! Prepare and store each component separately—chicken, rice, and avocado mash—to maintain optimal freshness. Assemble bowls on the day you plan to eat them for the best texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice Recipe enough for anyone looking to brighten up their weeknight dinners or impress guests with minimal fuss. It’s loaded with flavor, comforting textures, and fresh elements that come together in a way that feels both nourishing and indulgent. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese-American Fusion
Description
This Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice recipe combines tender, succulent chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce with creamy mashed avocado and seasoned jasmine rice. It’s a balanced, vibrant dish perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner, featuring a delightful harmony of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors alongside fresh garnishes.
Ingredients
Teriyaki Chicken Marinade
- 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)
Seasoned 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
- Make the Teriyaki Marinade: In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until fully combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown, developing a delicious crust.
- Simmer Chicken in Teriyaki Sauce: Pour the teriyaki marinade over the seared chicken. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 5–10 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally to evenly coat and cook through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest briefly to retain juices. Then slice into thin strips across the grain for tenderness.
- Prepare Seasoned Rice: In a mixing bowl, toss the warm cooked jasmine or sushi rice with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Set aside to cool slightly, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Make Avocado Mash: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe avocados with lime or lemon juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste for a creamy, zesty spread.
- Assemble the Dish: Press a 1/2-inch layer of the seasoned rice into the base of each serving dish. Spread a generous layer of avocado mash over the rice, then neatly arrange the sliced teriyaki chicken on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish each serving with a sprinkling of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and pickled ginger if desired for extra flavor and texture. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- If you prefer a sweeter teriyaki, increase honey or brown sugar slightly.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain its juices and tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of lime or lemon juice in the avocado mash to your taste preference.
- Pickled ginger adds an extra layer of flavor but is optional.
- Use freshly grated ginger for the best aromatic flavor in the marinade.
