Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad: A Flavorful Fusion Delight

If you’re looking for a dish that combines crispy textures, savory flavors, and a touch of sweetness, Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad is the perfect choice. This fusion dish brings together tender teriyaki-glazed chicken, crispy rice squares, and fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal that’s both hearty and refreshing.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving it as a show-stopping dinner, this recipe is versatile, delicious, and packed with umami goodness. Let’s dive into how to make this incredible dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Perfect texture contrast – Juicy chicken meets crispy rice and crunchy veggies.
✔ Bold, balanced flavors – Sweet and savory teriyaki sauce complements fresh greens.
✔ Great for meal prep – Stays fresh and delicious for days.
✔ Customizable – Swap proteins or veggies to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Teriyaki Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp mirin (optional)
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)

For the Crispy Rice:

  • 2 cups cooked sushi rice (short-grain rice works best)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil (for extra flavor)
  • Salt to taste

For the Salad:

  • 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or kale)
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

For the Dressing (Optional):

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp grated ginger

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate & Cook the Teriyaki Chicken

  1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, mirin, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch.
  2. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate in half of the sauce for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
  3. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
  4. Pour the remaining teriyaki sauce over the chicken and simmer until thickened. Set aside.

2. Make the Crispy Rice Squares

  1. Press cooked sushi rice into a flat layer (about ½-inch thick) on a parchment-lined tray. Chill for 30 minutes to firm up.
  2. Cut into squares or rectangles.
  3. Heat vegetable and sesame oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Fry rice squares until golden and crispy on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Sprinkle with salt.

3. Assemble the Salad

  1. In a large bowl, toss mixed greens, cucumber, avocado, carrots, and green onions.
  2. Drizzle with dressing (if using) and toss lightly.
  3. Top with teriyaki chicken and crispy rice squares.
  4. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

  • Spicy Kick – Add sriracha or chili flakes to the teriyaki sauce.
  • Vegetarian Option – Swap chicken for tofu or grilled mushrooms.
  • Extra Crunch – Top with crispy wonton strips or crushed peanuts.
  • Deconstructed Style – Serve components separately for a DIY bowl experience.

Final Thoughts

This Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad is a delicious harmony of textures and flavors, making it a standout dish for any occasion. The crispy rice adds a fun twist, while the teriyaki chicken keeps it hearty and satisfying.

Try it out for your next meal prep or dinner party—it’s sure to impress!

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