Craving a meal that’s bursting with bold flavors and requires minimal cleanup? This One-Pot Sweet & Spicy Sticky Teriyaki Chicken & Rice is your answer! Tender chicken thighs and fluffy jasmine rice soak up a glossy, sweet-spicy teriyaki sauce, creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy. I love how it all comes together in one pot—perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without the fuss. Ready in about 35 minutes, this sticky, savory delight is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get that pot sizzling!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this tasty one-pot meal:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces – Juicy and flavorful, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed – Fragrant rice to complement the bold flavors.
- 2 cups chicken broth – Cooks the rice and adds depth.
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce – The sticky, savory star of the dish.
- ¼ cup honey – Sweetness to balance the spice.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – Umami richness for extra depth.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil – Nutty flavor for sautéing.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Easy, savory kick.
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder – Warm, zesty spice.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Season to your liking.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional, for garnish) – A crunchy, fresh finish.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready for a flavor explosion!
Prep Time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes – Quick chopping and rinsing.
- Cook Time: 25 minutes – Fast sautéing and simmering.
- Total Time: 35 minutes – A speedy path to deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make this One-Pot Sweet & Spicy Sticky Teriyaki Chicken & Rice with ease—here’s how:
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken thigh pieces, season with garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper, and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and mostly cooked through.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the rinsed jasmine rice, chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, honey, and soy sauce. Mix well to combine, ensuring the rice is submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid and the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Check occasionally to prevent sticking, but avoid lifting the lid too often.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice and chicken with a fork to mix in that sticky, glossy sauce.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired, for a pop of crunch and color!
Tips & Tricks
Make this dish even better with these handy pointers:
- Rice Rinse: Rinsing the jasmine rice removes excess starch for fluffier results—don’t skip it!
- Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or extra red pepper flakes to the sauce for more heat.
- Chicken Swap: Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs stay juicier.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in diced bell peppers or snap peas during the last 5 minutes of simmering for extra crunch.
- Sauce Control: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Serving Suggestions
This one-pot dish is a complete meal, but these sides make it a feast:
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green veggies to balance the sticky sauce.
- Cucumber Salad: A cool, sesame-dressed salad for refreshing contrast.
- Egg Rolls: Crispy rolls for a fun, takeout-inspired vibe.
- Green Tea: A warm or iced tea to complement the Asian-inspired flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Here’s how to enjoy this dish later (it’s great for leftovers!):
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water, stirring gently, for 5-7 minutes. Or microwave in 30-second bursts until hot.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat—the rice may soften slightly.
Nutrition Info
This dish is hearty and flavorful! Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 30g – From the chicken.
- Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 4g) – From the oil and chicken.
- Carbohydrates: 60g – Mostly from the rice and honey.
- Fiber: 1g – A bit from the rice.
- Sugar: 20g – From the honey and teriyaki sauce.
- Sodium: 1200mg – Varies with broth and sauces; adjust to taste.
Note: Values are estimates and depend on specific brands or portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Sweet & Spicy Sticky Teriyaki Chicken & Rice is a weeknight dream—bold, sticky, and oh-so-satisfying with minimal dishes to wash. The sweet-savory teriyaki sauce clings to every bite of chicken and rice, making it a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a recipe that delivers big flavor in a single pot. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out—or if you add your own spicy twist! Happy cooking!
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