Is teriyaki chicken and rice healthy for you?

Absolutely! When you prepare it at home, a dish like Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad can be a healthy and balanced meal. Chicken thighs provide a good source of lean protein, especially when cooked without excess oil. The homemade teriyaki sauce, when made with natural ingredients like soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, brings flavor without loading the dish with preservatives. The rice offers a satisfying carbohydrate source, giving you long-lasting energy. Plus, by adding a generous amount of fresh vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and scallions, you're boosting the fiber and vitamin content. It’s hearty enough to keep you full, yet light enough to leave you feeling energized. If you love building balanced meals that nourish and satisfy, you’ll also appreciate recipes like our Natural Mounjaro Recipe , designed to be simple and energizing.

What are the ingredients for teriyaki chicken?

Classic teriyaki chicken requires just a few pantry staples: soy sauce for that deep umami base, honey or brown sugar to balance with sweetness, garlic for depth, and ginger for warmth and a little kick. In this Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad , the teriyaki sauce is homemade, meaning you control the ingredients and can keep it lighter than store-bought versions. Marinating the chicken thighs briefly helps the flavors sink in, while a quick sear in a hot pan caramelizes the sugars, creating that irresistible glossy coating.

Why is chicken teriyaki good?

Chicken teriyaki is beloved for good reason. It hits all the right flavor notes—sweet, salty, tangy, and savory—without being heavy. When paired with the crispy rice and fresh vegetables in the Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad , it becomes an even more exciting dish. The sticky glaze clings to every bite, enhancing the crispy and fresh textures around it.

Is teriyaki chicken traditional?

Teriyaki cooking techniques do originate from Japan, where "teri" refers to the shine of the sauce and "yaki" means grilling. However, the version many of us know—sweeter, thicker teriyaki chicken—is actually a Japanese-American invention, particularly popularized in Hawaii. This Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad celebrates that cultural blend beautifully.

Why do people eat chicken and rice?

Chicken and rice have always been a perfect pairing across cultures because they are affordable, accessible, and complement each other well. The rice soaks up juices and sauces from the chicken, making every bite flavorful. In this Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad , that relationship is elevated even further with the addition of crunchy veggies and a punchy drizzle of spicy mayo.

Is teriyaki chicken good protein?

Yes! Teriyaki chicken, especially made with chicken thighs or breasts, is an excellent source of protein. Protein supports muscle health, helps you stay full longer, and is an essential part of a balanced diet. Combined with the rice and veggies in the Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad , you get a complete and satisfying meal.

Can I use leftover rice for Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad?

Absolutely! In fact, day-old rice is the secret to getting that irresistible crispy texture. Fresh rice holds too much moisture, but leftover rice dries out just enough to crisp beautifully in the pan, creating the perfect base for your Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad .

What’s the best way to crisp rice without burning it?

Patience is key. Spread your cold rice evenly in a hot pan, press it down gently, and let it cook undisturbed for several minutes. Avoid moving it around too soon—giving it time to form a golden crust ensures that signature crunch we all love in the Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad .

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Definitely! You can swap the chicken for crispy tofu or grilled mushrooms. Both options soak up teriyaki sauce beautifully and provide a hearty, satisfying bite, keeping the spirit of the Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad alive while making it plant-based.

Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad: 5 Amazing Reasons To Love It

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cold cooked white rice

4 boneless skinless chicken thighs

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon minced ginger

1/2 cup diced cucumber

1/2 cup shredded carrots

2 green onions, sliced

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 teaspoon sriracha

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 lime, cut into wedges

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate chicken thighs in soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for at least 15 minutes.

2. Heat sesame oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.

3. Press cold cooked rice into the skillet, flattening into an even layer. Cook without stirring for 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy.

4. Flip rice or break into large crispy chunks, cook the other side, then set aside.

5. In the same pan, sear marinated chicken until golden on both sides and fully cooked through.

6. Pour in leftover marinade and simmer until it thickens into a glaze.

7. Slice glazed chicken into bite-sized pieces.

8. Mix mayonnaise and sriracha together to create spicy mayo sauce.

9. Assemble salad: place crispy rice at the base, top with teriyaki chicken, cucumbers, carrots, and green onions.

10. Drizzle spicy mayo over everything, sprinkle sesame seeds, and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Use day-old rice for best crispy results.

To make it vegetarian, swap chicken with crispy tofu or grilled mushrooms.

Store components separately and re-crisp rice before serving leftovers.

Customize with extra veggies like shredded cabbage, radishes, or avocado for more variety.

Author: Olivia
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Salad, Main Course
Method: Pan-Fry, Skillet
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 520
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad, Crispy Rice, Chicken Salad, Easy Dinner