Baked Teriyaki Chicken and Rice

Baked Teriyaki Chicken and Rice is a savory, one-dish meal that brings bold Asian-inspired flavor to the dinner table with ease. Tender chicken bakes in a sticky-sweet teriyaki sauce over fluffy rice, soaking up all the delicious flavors as it cooks. This comforting recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and leaves minimal cleanup behind.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the simplicity of a one-pan bake with the irresistible taste of teriyaki. The chicken stays juicy while the rice becomes infused with sauce, creating a balanced, flavor-packed meal. It’s great for meal prep, family dinners, and even casual entertaining. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or protein swaps, making it a versatile staple for your recipe rotation.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Long grain white rice (uncooked)
• Teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Chicken broth or water
• Garlic (minced)
• Ginger (fresh or ground)
• Soy sauce (optional, for added depth)
• Sesame oil (optional)
• Green onions (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Optional additions: chopped bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots

directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In the baking dish, combine uncooked rice, chicken broth (or water), minced garlic, and ginger. Stir to distribute evenly.
3. Nestle chicken thighs or breasts on top of the rice mixture.
4. Pour teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken and rice. If desired, drizzle a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil for added flavor.
5. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
6. Remove foil and broil for 2–3 minutes for a lightly caramelized top, if desired.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4–6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicy: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce.
• Add vegetables: Stir in chopped bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots for a complete one-dish meal.
• Use brown rice: Increase the liquid and cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.
• Swap the protein: Use boneless pork chops, tofu, or shrimp as a variation.
• Top it with pineapple: For a sweet Hawaiian twist, add pineapple chunks before baking.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, warm in the microwave in 30-second intervals or heat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.

This dish also freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual.

FAQs

Can I use instant rice?

No, instant rice will overcook and become mushy in the oven. Use uncooked long grain rice for best results.

What kind of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless thighs are ideal for moisture and flavor, but breasts work well too—just don’t overcook them.

Do I need to cook the rice beforehand?

No, the rice cooks in the oven as it absorbs the sauce and broth, making it extra flavorful.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, assemble everything in the baking dish (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

How do I make homemade teriyaki sauce?

Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch with water in a saucepan. Simmer until thickened.

What vegetables can I add?

Broccoli, bell peppers, peas, carrots, and snap peas are all great additions and can be added before baking.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Cover the dish tightly with foil while baking to keep the moisture in. Using thighs also helps retain juiciness.

Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to thaw chicken first for even cooking. Using frozen chicken may affect the baking time and texture.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce and soy sauce alternative like tamari to make this dish gluten-free.

What should I serve with this?

It’s a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or spring rolls.

Conclusion

Baked Teriyaki Chicken and Rice is a simple yet flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you need dinner to be easy and delicious. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a sticky-sweet sauce all baked in one dish, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’ll quickly become a go-to in your weekly meal plan.

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