Yes, you can make weeknight teriyaki chicken fried rice in a rice cooker, and it’s one of the simplest ways to enjoy a takeout-style meal at home. This dish brings together tender chicken, savory-sweet teriyaki sauce, and perfectly cooked rice—all in one appliance. It’s a great option when you want comfort food without the oil, hassle, or mess of stir-frying.
This recipe is ideal for busy evenings, delivering bold flavor, balanced nutrition, and easy cleanup with every batch.
Why Teriyaki Fried Rice Works in a Rice Cooker
The rice cooker provides a closed, moisture-controlled environment that ensures both the rice and chicken are cooked to perfection. The heat distribution allows the rice to gently absorb the flavors of teriyaki, garlic, and vegetables.
Key Benefits of the Rice Cooker Method
Here’s why this fried rice variation excels when made in a rice cooker:
- Effortless one-pot cooking—no need to juggle pans or stir frequently.
- Infused teriyaki flavor throughout the rice and protein.
- Customizable and prep-friendly, perfect for leftover rice or vegetables.
Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice
This dish combines savory teriyaki sauce with protein-rich chicken and colorful veggies to make a well-balanced meal:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed)
- 1 1/4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (cubed)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil or olive oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice in a Rice Cooker
This step-by-step process will ensure your fried rice turns out flavorful, fluffy, and satisfying.
Step 1: Rinse the Rice
- Wash the rice until the water runs clear.
- Drain thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken and Veggies
- Cut chicken into small bite-sized cubes.
- If using frozen vegetables, thaw slightly for even cooking.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Add rice, broth or water, cubed chicken, peas, carrots, garlic, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and black pepper to the rice cooker.
- Gently stir to combine, then drizzle sesame oil over the top.
Step 4: Cook and Rest
- Set the rice cooker to the white rice or standard cycle.
- Once done, let it sit for 5–10 minutes before opening.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
- Stir gently to distribute ingredients and fluff the rice.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired.
Variations and Add-Ins
You can customize this recipe to match your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Suggested Modifications
Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Add scrambled eggs for a traditional fried rice feel.
- Use pineapple chunks for a sweet-and-savory Hawaiian twist.
- Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to make it vegetarian.
Health and Nutritional Benefits
This recipe is both satisfying and balanced, making it a healthier alternative to takeout.
What Makes This Dish Nutritious
Here are the main health perks:
- High in protein from lean chicken.
- Lower in sodium and fat compared to restaurant-style fried rice.
- Packed with fiber and vitamins from vegetables.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This dish is great for batch cooking and makes excellent leftovers.
Best Practices for Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or broth for moisture.
- Not ideal for freezing as the rice may dry out or become grainy.
FAQs
Here are some questions and answers about weeknight teriyaki chicken fried rice in the rice cooker.
Can I use leftover rice instead of raw rice?
This specific recipe is designed for raw rice. If using leftover rice, you’ll need to adjust the moisture and stir-fry it after briefly steaming.
Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?
Yes, bottled sauce works perfectly. Choose one with clean ingredients and low sodium if possible.
What’s the best chicken cut to use?
Thighs offer more flavor and tenderness, but breasts work well for a leaner option.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely—broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach are great choices for added nutrition and color.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari in place of soy sauce and check that your teriyaki sauce is certified gluten-free.