Elevate your meal prep game with this delicious and high-protein Chicken Teriyaki Fried Rice recipe. Packed with savory flavors, lean protein, and wholesome ingredients, this dish is a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Whether you're an athlete, fitness enthusiast, or just looking for a satisfying and healthy meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients to make Chicken Teriyaki and Fried Rice

Rice

Rice is the main ingredient in this recipe. The best rice for fried rice is typically a medium to long-grain rice with a lower starch content, allowing the grains to stay separate and not become mushy during the cooking process. For this recipe, I used Carolina Jasmine Rice. Here are some popular choices you can choose from:

1. Jasmine Rice:

   • Fragrant and slightly sticky, Jasmine rice is a popular choice for fried rice. It has a pleasant aroma and cooks up light and fluffy.

2. Basmati Rice:

   • Known for its distinct aroma and long grains, Basmati rice works well in fried rice. It stays separate, and the grains remain firm after cooking.

3. Long-Grain White Rice:

   • Regular long-grain white rice, such as American long grain or Carolina rice, is a good option. It is widely available and maintains a good texture in fried rice.

4. Brown Rice:

   • For a healthier alternative, you can use brown rice. Keep in mind that it has a chewier texture and may take longer to cook, so pre-cooking or using leftover brown rice is recommended.

5. Medium-Grain Rice:

   • Calrose rice is a medium-grain rice commonly used in Asian cuisine. It has a good balance of starch and holds up well in fried rice.

Chicken

I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Chicken is a versatile protein that pairs well with a variety of flavors. It easily absorbs the savory and umami notes of soy sauce, teriyaki, and other seasonings commonly used in fried rice recipes.

While chicken is a common choice, you can certainly experiment with other protein sources to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. Shrimp, beef, pork, tofu, or a combination of proteins can be used to create diverse and delicious fried rice variations. Feel free to customize the recipe based on your taste and dietary requirements.

Eggs

Eggs are a common and traditional ingredient in fried rice. Beaten eggs add a creamy and slightly fluffy texture to the fried rice and are a good source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. Including eggs in fried rice increases the protein content of the dish, making it more satisfying and nutritious.

Garlic and Ginger

Garlic adds depth of flavor while ginger provides a warm and aromatic touch.

Sauces and Seasonings

Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and umami.

Teriyaki Sauce: For a sweet and savory note.

Sesame Oil: A small amount for a nutty flavor.

Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Garnishes

Green Onions: Chopped green onions for freshness.

Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Tips for making a great chicken teriyaki fried rice dish

• Prep Ingredients in Advance:

  • Chop all vegetables, dice the chicken, and have all ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking.

• Use Day-Old Rice:

  • Day-old or chilled rice works best for fried rice as it has lower moisture content, resulting in a better texture. Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky.

• High Heat for Stir-Frying:

  • Use a high heat setting when stir-frying. This helps achieve a nice sear on the vegetables, imparting a delicious flavor.

• Cook Proteins First:

  • Cook the chicken or other proteins first to ensure they get a golden brown sear. I use an air fryer for this step to minimize oils.

  • Create a Well in the Pan for Eggs:

  • Push the cooked ingredients to the side and create a well in the center or side of the pan for scrambling the eggs. This ensures even distribution of eggs throughout the dish.

• Season Thoughtfully:

  • Be mindful of the saltiness in soy sauce and teriyaki sauce. Taste the dish as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly. You can always add more, but it's challenging to fix an overly salty dish.

• Don't Overcrowd the Pan:

  • Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps maintain a high heat and ensures even cooking.

• Stir Constantly:

  • Stir the ingredients continuously to prevent sticking and ensure even coating of sauces. This also helps distribute flavors evenly.

• Finish with Fresh Ingredients:

  • Add fresh green onions and sesame seeds as a finishing touch. The freshness and crunch of these garnishes enhance the overall appeal of the dish.

• Consider Texture Contrast:

  • Aim for a balance of textures. The rice should be tender but not mushy, vegetables should be crisp-tender, and the chicken should be cooked just right.

• Customize to Your Taste:

  • Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, adjust the level of spiciness, or experiment with different protein options to make the dish your own.

FAQs

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken? Yes, you can substitute chicken with other proteins such as shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu to suit your dietary preferences or to use up leftovers.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan? Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and eggs, and use a vegan-friendly teriyaki sauce or make your own using soy sauce, sweetener, and other flavorings.

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce? Yes, store-bought teriyaki sauce works well in this recipe. However, you can also make your own teriyaki sauce at home for a more customized flavor.

How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy? Using day-old rice helps prevent it from becoming mushy. Additionally, spread the rice out in the skillet to allow it to cook evenly and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, or bean sprouts, to customize the dish to your taste preferences.