Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice

By Lily | Last modified on Dec 9, 2025

Featured in: Dinners

This Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice brings together the comforting flavors of tender shredded chicken, aromatic sautéed vegetables, and fluffy rice all coated in a deliciously sweet and savory teriyaki glaze. Whether you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken or fresh shredded chicken, this dish comes together quickly to satisfy any weeknight dinner cravings.

The subtle caramelization of brown sugar mixed with Kikkoman teriyaki sauce creates an irresistible sticky coating that clings to every grain of rice. Packed with familiar pantry ingredients and easily customizable, this is a family-friendly meal that feels just like takeout but made right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect way to use leftover cooked chicken for a flavorful meal
Ready in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights
Sweet and savory taste appeals to kids and adults alike
Uses simple pantry staples you probably already have on hand
Flexible to add extra vegetables or scrambled eggs for variety

Ingredients

Success boil-in-bag rice: Four bags cooked according to package for perfectly fluffy rice every time
Cooked shredded chicken: Two cups of leftover rotisserie, crockpot, or any shredded cooked chicken
Medium onion: One diced to add sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed
Carrots: Two to three diced pieces provide crunch and natural sweetness
Oil or butter: Two to three tablespoons to sauté vegetables and prevent sticking
Kikkoman teriyaki sauce: Three-quarters cup imparts signature sweet-savory flavor and color
Brown sugar: Two to three tablespoons to caramelize and boost the glaze’s richness
Garlic powder: One teaspoon enhances the aromatic base of the dish
Onion powder: Half teaspoon for an extra layer of savory flavor
Black pepper: Half teaspoon to balance sweetness with mild heat
Optional frozen peas: Add during cooking for a burst of green and fresh taste
Optional scrambled eggs: Classic fried rice addition for protein and texture variety
Optional sesame seeds: Toasted and sprinkled on top for nutty crunch and presentation

Instructions

Prepare the Rice: Cook the Success boil-in-bag rice according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain any excess water, fluff with a fork to separate grains, and set aside. Properly cooked rice ensures a light, fluffy base for the fried rice.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat your choice of oil or butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots and cook until they soften and become lightly golden. This step develops the vegetables’ natural sweetness and creates a flavorful foundation.
Add the Shredded Chicken: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through. This helps integrate the chicken with the sautéed vegetables and prepares the flavors to meld.
Incorporate the Rice: Add the fluffy cooked rice into the skillet with the chicken and veggies. Stir well to combine, breaking up any clumps. Distributing the ingredients evenly ensures every bite is flavorful.
Season and Add Sauce: Pour in the Kikkoman teriyaki sauce along with brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients in the sweet-savory glaze. Let the mixture cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the rice for that perfect sticky texture.
Finish and Serve: Optionally, stir in frozen peas during the last two minutes of cooking to add color and freshness. You can also fold in scrambled egg pieces for a traditional fried rice twist. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds before serving warm for an inviting look and nutty flavor.

You Must Know

Using cold leftover rice helps prevent clumping and results in better texture
Adjust the brown sugar quantity for a sweeter or milder teriyaki glaze
Any cooked chicken works, so it’s perfect for transforming leftover proteins easily

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to restore moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice with steamed broccoli or a fresh Asian cucumber salad for a balanced meal. Garnish with sliced green onions or extra sesame seeds for a restaurant-style finish.

Professional Tips

Use a large non-stick skillet or wok for even cooking and easy stirring
Day-old rice is ideal for fried rice as it separates better and fries nicely
Customize with additional veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for more nutrients
Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan before use to enhance their aroma and crunch

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of leftover chicken?: Yes, cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs before adding. This dish is flexible with chicken preparation.
What type of rice works best for this fried rice?: Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works best, especially if cooked and cooled beforehand to reduce stickiness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?: Omit the chicken and increase vegetables, or add tofu for protein. Use a vegetarian teriyaki sauce to keep it plant-based.
How can I make this dish spicier?: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce when mixing in the teriyaki glaze for some heat.
Is it possible to freeze Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice?: It can be frozen, but texture may change slightly. For best results, store leftovers in the fridge and consume within a few days.
Can I prepare this in advance?: Yes, cook the rice and prepare vegetables ahead of time. Assemble and heat everything just before serving for convenience.