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Easy One-Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice

one-pot teriyaki chicken and rice - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot meal combining juicy chicken thighs and flavorful teriyaki sauce cooked with rice, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 cup water or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown but not cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add soy sauce, water or broth, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Stir in uncooked rice, coating it evenly with the sauce.
  6. Nestle seared chicken thighs on top of the rice. Reduce heat to low and cover with lid.
  7. Simmer gently for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  8. Mix cornstarch slurry and drizzle over chicken and rice. Stir gently and cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens to a glaze.
  9. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Notes

Do not skip searing the chicken to add flavor and texture. Use a tight-fitting lid to trap steam for perfectly cooked rice. Add cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken the sauce without losing flavor. Avoid burning garlic and ginger by sautéing briefly. If rice is not tender after 20 minutes, add a splash of water and cook a few more minutes. For extra caramelization, broil for 2 minutes watching carefully.

Nutrition

Keywords: teriyaki chicken, one-pot meal, quick dinner, easy recipe, chicken and rice, weeknight dinner, comfort food