Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice Recipe

Imagine a dinner that’s bursting with savory-sweet flavor, super fresh, gorgeously layered, and on the table in just about thirty minutes. That’s what you get with Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice. You’ll savor juicy glazed chicken atop velvety mashed avocado and perfectly seasoned rice, all finished with a shower of snappy garnishes. This is one of those showstopper meals that’s secretly so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it sooner!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice is all in the balance—each ingredient has a job to do, adding either bold flavor, irresistible texture, or just the right pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each element matters.

• Chicken breasts: Lean and quick-cooking, they soak up all that luscious teriyaki sauce for maximum flavor.
• Soy sauce or tamari: The base of the iconic teriyaki glaze—umami-packed and deeply savory.
• Honey or brown sugar: Adds beautifully rounded sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce.
• Rice vinegar: Lifts the flavors with a gentle tang, both in the sauce and in the rice.
• Sesame oil: Just a drizzle brings a toasty, nutty aroma to every layer.
• Garlic cloves: Minced garlic gives a subtle punch and aromatic warmth to the chicken.
• Grated ginger: Fresh ginger adds a hint of gentle heat and brightness.
• Cornstarch (optional): If you love your teriyaki sauce thick and glossy, a quick slurry is your friend.
• Jasmine or sushi rice: Fluffy and a little sticky—just right for holding up those gorgeous layers.
• Salt: A pinch in the rice and avocado really makes every ingredient pop.
• Ripe avocados: Their creaminess is the dreamiest contrast to the chicken’s tangy glaze.
• Lime or lemon juice: Prevents the avocado from browning and brings a fresh, zippy flavor.
• Black pepper: Just a touch in the avocado for subtle heat and complexity.
• Sesame seeds: For a toasty crunch and a finishing visual sparkle.
• Chopped green onions: They add freshness, color, and a gentle bite.
• Pickled ginger (optional): A tangy accent that really pops against all the rich flavors.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice

Step 1: Prep Your Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari), honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This mixture becomes the soul of your Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice—bold, glossy, and layered with savory-sweet goodness. Set this aside while you get your chicken ready.

Step 2: Sear and Simmer the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook your chicken breasts until they’re turning golden and appetizing on both sides, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Don’t worry about cooking them fully just yet. How gorgeous does that sizzle sound?

Step 3: Glaze With Teriyaki Sauce

Pour your prepared teriyaki sauce right into the pan and let the chicken simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Turn the chicken a couple of times so it bathes in that sticky glaze and soaks up all the flavor. If you like a thicker sauce, stir in your cornstarch slurry now and watch as it transforms into a glossy, clingy miracle!

Step 4: Rest and Slice the Chicken

Once your chicken is fully cooked through (74°C internal temperature is perfect), lift it from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This ensures every piece stays juicy. After resting, slice the chicken into thin, elegant strips—these will crown your Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice beautifully.

Step 5: Season the Rice

Take your warm, cooked jasmine or sushi rice and toss it with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a good pinch of salt. Letting the rice cool just slightly will help it hold together when you start building those satisfying layers.

Step 6: Mash the Avocado

Halve, pit, and scoop out your ripe avocados, then mash them up with lime or lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This mixture should be creamy but still a little chunky—it’s the dreamy green cushion beneath that glorious teriyaki chicken.

Step 7: Layer and Build

If you have a food ring mold, set it on your plate and press in a 1.5-centimetre layer of the seasoned rice. Spoon on a thick layer of mashed avocado, then finish with a generous topping of the sliced teriyaki chicken. Gently remove the mold for the most Instagram-worthy stack, or simply build by hand for a more rustic style.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Top each portion of your Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice with a flutter of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and some pickled ginger if you love that pop of sweet-tart flavor. Snap a picture—you’ll want to remember this one!

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate what a sprinkle can do! Sesame seeds deliver that addictive little crunch, green onions brighten up every bite, and pickled ginger (if you’re into it) offers a zingy contrast to the richness of the chicken and avocado. These little touches take your Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice from “yum” to “how did you make this so pretty?”

Side Dishes

Because this dish is both filling and balanced, sides can be light and refreshing. Think: a crisp cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or a simple seaweed salad. These sides balance the richness and keep the whole meal feeling vibrant and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice in individual glass jars or small bowls for a fun, portable lunch. For parties, serve it deconstructed in a platter—let everyone build their own stacks! If you’re feeling fancy, a round food ring will help you achieve that restaurant-style presentation right at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got extra Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice, store the chicken, rice, and avocado separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the rice fluffy, the chicken moist, and the avocado as fresh as possible for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Chicken and rice can be frozen (store them individually), but avocado doesn’t freeze well—it tends to go brown and lose its lovely texture. If you want a speedy lunch, prep the chicken and rice ahead and mash a fresh avocado just before you want to eat.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Mash a new avocado for layering, then assemble your Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice fresh for the best flavor and texture. The garnishes really wake up leftovers!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a juicy, flavorful alternative and work beautifully in Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach the proper doneness, and slice as you would with breasts.

What’s the best substitute for rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar handy, try a mild apple cider vinegar or even white wine vinegar in a pinch. Both will lend a gentle tang without overpowering the dish’s delicate balance.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Yes! Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or grilled tempeh, and use the same teriyaki marinade. The tofu will soak up that flavor and layer just as beautifully with the avocado and rice.

Can I prepare this dish in advance for meal prep?

You can prep the teriyaki chicken and rice ahead of time, storing them in separate containers. Mash your avocado just before serving to keep it vibrant and fresh—this way your Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice is always at its best.

How do I keep my avocado from browning?

Mixing the mashed avocado with plenty of lime or lemon juice helps prevent browning. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap so the wrap touches the surface of the avocado, minimizing air exposure.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl but looks ready for a dinner party, give Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice a try. It’s easy, it’s fresh, and it’s guaranteed to become a new weeknight staple. Grab those ingredients and let’s get cooking—you won’t regret it!

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