Skillet Chicken Teriyaki with Steamed Rice is a high protein chicken dinner with homemade teriyaki sauce that makes an easy weeknight meal for the family.
No ratings yet
Prevent your screen from going dark
Recipes are written with one action per step for accessibility. Short lines. Fewer rereads. A calmer kitchen on mobile or desktop.
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear.
In a medium saucepan, add the rice, 2 cups water, and ⅛ teaspoon salt.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan. Simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the rice stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
Season the chicken thighs with ⅛ teaspoon salt and the black pepper.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil.
Place the chicken thighs in the skillet in a single layer. Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes.
Turn the chicken over. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
In a small mixing bowl, add the soy sauce, 3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Using a wire whisk, mix well.
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
In a small bowl, add the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cold water. Stir until smooth.
Pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Slice the chicken into strips. Return the chicken to the skillet.
Toss the chicken until evenly coated with the teriyaki sauce.
Divide the cooked rice between 4 small bowls or ramekins. Invert each portion of rice onto a serving plate.
Arrange the teriyaki chicken over the rice. Spoon the remaining sauce over the chicken and rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Use a meat thermometer - Check the thickest part of the chicken to confirm it reaches 165°F without cooking it longer than needed.Keep the cornstarch mixture smooth - Stir it again right before adding it to the sauce because cornstarch can settle at the bottom of the bowl.Slice the chicken against the grain - Cutting across the direction of the muscle fibers gives the chicken a more tender texture.Keep extra sauce separate for meal prep - Store a little sauce in a separate container if you want to add more after reheating.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerate - Store the chicken, sauce, and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Freeze - Place cooled chicken, sauce, and rice in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.Reheat in Microwave - Place one serving in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely and heat until the chicken and rice are hot throughout.Reheat on Stovetop - Place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat with a small splash of water. Heat until warmed through. Reheat the rice separately with a small amount of water to keep it from drying out.