One-Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice: A Quick & Easy 20-Minute Dinner
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Looking for a delicious and convenient dinner solution? One-pot teriyaki chicken and rice is the answer! This incredible recipe is ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal on the table fast. Imagine tender, juicy chicken coated in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce, all served over a bed of perfectly cooked rice. It’s a complete meal in one pot, simplifying both cooking and cleanup.
While many quick dinner recipes compromise on flavor, this one-pot chicken teriyaki excels in taste. The secret lies in the homemade teriyaki sauce, which infuses the chicken with a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The short cook time doesn’t hinder the development of amazing flavor, ensuring every bite is bursting with deliciousness.
If you’re constantly searching for easy dinner recipes that the entire family will love, look no further. This one-pot teriyaki chicken and rice is destined to become a family favorite. It’s a lifesaver for hectic weeknights, offering a wholesome and flavorful meal without requiring hours in the kitchen. Save this recipe – you’ll be turning to it again and again!
Ingredients for One-Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely already have many of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator. Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
- Oil: Use your favorite cooking oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil. These oils have a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the teriyaki sauce.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. Cut them into bite-sized cubes for even cooking and easy eating. You could also use boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
- Seasoning: A simple blend of salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and minced ginger enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and adds depth to the teriyaki sauce. Freshly minced garlic and ginger provide the best aroma and taste.
- Vegetables: Diced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and frozen peas add color, texture, and essential nutrients to the dish. Feel free to substitute with your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or diced onions would also be great additions.
- Liquids: A combination of homemade or canned chicken broth and soy sauce forms the base of the flavorful teriyaki sauce. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth and soy sauce to control the salt content of the dish.
- Rice: White rice or jasmine rice are classic choices for serving with teriyaki chicken. Jasmine rice offers a fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture that complements the sauce perfectly.
- Honey: Honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors of the teriyaki sauce. Any type of honey will work, so use what you have available. You can also substitute with maple syrup or brown sugar if desired.
How to Make One-Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s get cooking! This recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for even novice cooks. Follow these simple steps for a guaranteed delicious outcome:
1. In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, flipping the chicken once to ensure even browning. The goal is to sear the chicken slightly, creating a flavorful crust.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for approximately 15 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The brief cooking time allows the garlic and ginger to release their aromatic oils, infusing the chicken with their distinct flavors.
3. Add the remaining ingredients – diced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, frozen peas, chicken broth, soy sauce, rice, and honey – to the pot. Stir well to combine everything, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat. This allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to cook properly without burning.
4. Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer for approximately 18 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. The rice is done when it’s tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. If the liquid level gets too low during simmering, add 1/3 cup of broth at a time until the rice is fully cooked. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice used and the heat of your stovetop.
5. Once the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender, remove the pot from the heat. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to further meld and the rice to become slightly fluffier. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Store This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
If you happen to have leftovers (although it’s unlikely!), storing them properly will ensure they stay fresh and delicious. Here’s how to store your one-pot teriyaki chicken and rice:
Fridge: Allow the chicken teriyaki to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Ideally, store the chicken and rice separately in individual containers to prevent the rice from becoming soggy. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips and Tricks for Making One-Pot Chicken Teriyaki Chicken
Want to elevate your one-pot teriyaki chicken and rice to the next level? Here are a few helpful tips and tricks:
Type of Chicken to Use
The great thing about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your preferences by using different types of chicken. Here are a few excellent options:
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These offer a richer flavor than chicken breasts and remain tender during cooking.
- Boneless skinless chicken tenders: These cook quickly and are a great option for those who prefer smaller pieces of chicken.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: This is the most common and readily available option. Just be sure not to overcook them, as they can become dry.
Can I Use Minute Rice?
While minute rice is convenient, it’s not the best choice for this recipe. Since the rice cooks directly in the pot with the other ingredients, using regular white rice or jasmine rice from a bag will yield the best results. Minute rice tends to become mushy when cooked in this manner.
Fresh or Frozen Vegetables
This recipe is a fantastic way to incorporate your favorite vegetables into a complete meal. While frozen stir-fry vegetables can be a convenient option, using fresh vegetables will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. If you have fresh vegetables on hand, feel free to use them! Diced broccoli, sliced mushrooms, or even chopped spinach would be delicious additions.
More Chicken Recipes
If you enjoyed this one-pot teriyaki chicken and rice, be sure to check out these other delicious chicken recipes:
- One Pot Chicken Noodle Soup: A comforting and classic soup, perfect for a chilly day.
- Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken Bowls: A flavorful and customizable meal that’s perfect for meal prepping.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup: A hearty and satisfying soup with a Southwestern kick.
- Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Noodle Soup: A unique and flavorful twist on classic chicken noodle soup.
One-Pot Teriyaki Chicken and Rice
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