Are you staring at that beautiful teriyaki chicken you just made and wondering “what the heck do I serve with this?” Don’t worry – I’ve been there too! Teriyaki chicken is one of my absolute favorite weeknight meals because it’s quick, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. But the right side dish can take your teriyaki chicken from good to absolutely mind-blowing.
Today, I’m sharing my favorite sides that go with chicken teriyaki to create that perfect, balanced meal. Whether you’re looking for something traditional, something with a bit more flair, or just trying to use up what’s in your fridge, I’ve got you covered!
Why Side Dishes Matter for Teriyaki Chicken
Before diving into the specific sides, let’s talk about why choosing the right accompaniment matters Teriyaki chicken has that perfect sweet-savory balance with hints of ginger and garlic. The ideal side dish should either
- Complement these flavors without overwhelming them
- Provide textural contrast to the tender chicken
- Add nutritional balance to complete your meal
- Bring fresh elements to counter the richness of the sauce
With that in mind let’s explore the best options!
Rice Options (Because Rice is Nice!)
Rice is probably the most classic pairing with teriyaki chicken, and for good reason. It soaks up that delicious sauce and provides a neutral base that lets the chicken shine.
1. Steamed White Rice
Simple, fluffy white rice is the ultimate classic. For best results, rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch and get that perfect light, airy texture. You can even sprinkle a bit of sesame seeds or add a touch of ginger to harmonize with the teriyaki flavors.
2. Garlic Fried Rice
Want to kick things up a notch? Garlic fried rice brings a savory, aromatic dimension that complements teriyaki chicken beautifully. The garlic butter creates a rich, nutty taste that balances the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
3. Sesame Garlic Basmati Rice
If you want something a bit more aromatic, try sesame garlic basmati rice. The fragrant basmati paired with sesame oil creates a delightful base for your chicken. The butter adds a mild fatty note that rounds out the flavor beautifully.
4. Pineapple Fried Rice
For a tropical twist, pineapple fried rice offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory that enhances teriyaki chicken perfectly. For extra presentation points, serve it in a hollowed-out pineapple – your dinner guests will be talking about it for months!
Noodle Dishes (For When You’re Not Feeling Rice)
Sometimes you want something different than rice, and that’s where noodles come in. They’re quick to prepare and offer amazing texture variety.
5. Sesame Noodles
These cold noodles dressed in rich sesame dressing provide an invigorating contrast to warm teriyaki chicken. The nutty flavor from the sesame oil beautifully balances the sweet and savory notes of the chicken.
6. Spicy Garlic Noodles
If you like a bit of heat, spicy garlic noodles are ready in about 15 minutes and pack a flavor punch in each bite. They’re sweet, spicy, and full of umami goodness that complements teriyaki chicken perfectly.
7. Soba Noodles with Sesame
Buckwheat soba noodles bring an earthy flavor that pairs amazingly with teriyaki chicken. Green onions, soy sauce, and sesame seeds elevate these traditional Japanese noodles to a whole new level. The nuttiness from the sesame oil will have your taste buds dancing!
Vegetable Sides (For Nutrition AND Flavor)
Vegetables add color, nutrition, and freshness to your meal. Here are some that work especially well with teriyaki chicken:
8. Stir-Fried Vegetables
A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots not only looks beautiful on the plate but also provides a delightful texture contrast. The crisp veggies balance the tender chicken and add essential nutrients to your meal.
9. Roasted Broccoli
Broccoli with its slightly charred, caramelized edges adds both nutrition and flavor. Try seasoning it with a sprinkle of garlic powder or lemon zest to elevate its taste and make it a perfect companion to your teriyaki chicken.
10. Sautéed Green Beans
Green beans bring a delightful crunch and subtle earthiness that pairs excellently with teriyaki chicken. For best results, briefly blanch them first to keep their vibrant color, then sauté with garlic and olive oil until tender-crisp.
11. Asian Slaw
For something refreshing and crunchy, Asian slaw introduces a vibrant mix of cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing. It’s not only nutritious but also adds a bright, zesty element to counter the rich teriyaki sauce.
Soup and Salad Options
These lighter options can be great starters or sides depending on your appetite and meal plan:
12. Miso Soup
This traditional Japanese soup provides a warm, comforting complement to teriyaki chicken. With tofu cubes adding texture and bonito flakes providing rich umami flavor, miso soup makes an excellent addition to your meal.
13. Cucumber Salad
A crisp cucumber salad serves as a refreshing counterpoint to teriyaki chicken. Enhanced with Asian flavors like rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a hint of soy sauce, it provides a revitalizing crunch that balances the rich flavors of the chicken.
14. Edamame
These protein-packed soybeans make a nutritious side that pairs seamlessly with teriyaki chicken. Simply steam the pods until tender, sprinkle with sea salt, and enjoy! The bright green color also adds visual appeal to your plate.
15. Seaweed Salad
Adding another layer of umami to your meal, seaweed salad brings a refreshing and nutritious element that works beautifully with teriyaki chicken. The tangy dressing featuring sesame oil and vinegar makes it a perfect complementary side.
Quick Reference Table: What Goes With Chicken Teriyaki
| Side Dish Type | Options |
|---|---|
| Rice | Steamed white rice, Garlic fried rice, Pineapple fried rice, Sesame garlic basmati rice |
| Noodles | Sesame noodles, Spicy garlic noodles, Soba noodles with sesame |
| Vegetables | Stir-fried vegetables, Roasted broccoli, Sautéed green beans, Asian slaw |
| Soups & Salads | Miso soup, Cucumber salad, Edamame, Seaweed salad |
Tips for Pairing Sides with Teriyaki Chicken
When planning your teriyaki chicken meal, consider these tips:
- Balance is key: If your teriyaki sauce is very sweet, choose sides that add salty, sour, or spicy elements to balance it out
- Think about texture: Pair tender chicken with something crunchy for contrast
- Consider color: Aim for a colorful plate by adding green, orange, or red vegetables
- Keep it simple: You don’t need 5 different sides – pick 2-3 that complement each other
- Mind the prep time: Choose sides that can be prepared while your chicken cooks to keep dinner efficient
My Personal Favorite Combination
I gotta be honest – my go-to combo is teriyaki chicken over garlic fried rice with a side of sautéed green beans and a small cucumber salad. The rich garlicky rice soaks up the teriyaki sauce, the green beans add a nice crunch, and the cucumber salad brings freshness that cuts through the richness. It’s balanced, satisfying, and only takes about 30 minutes total to prepare!
Final Thoughts
Teriyaki chicken is such a versatile main dish that pairs well with countless side options. Whether you’re craving something traditional like steamed rice or want to experiment with more elaborate sides like brussels sprouts with an Asian flair, there’s something for everyone.
The beauty of teriyaki chicken is that its sweet-savory profile complements so many different flavors and textures. Don’t be afraid to mix and match these suggestions based on what you have in your pantry or what’s in season.
What’s your favorite side to serve with teriyaki chicken? I’d love to hear your combinations in the comments below!
Now go forth and create a teriyaki chicken feast that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Why you’ll love this Teriyaki Chicken recipe
⭐️ Healthier and cheaper than a takeaway
⭐️ So quick and no need to marinate
⭐️ Perfect for leftovers or meal prepping ahead
Teriyaki is a Japanese style of cooking using a glaze. The glaze is cooked until thick and then used to marinate the meat before cooking.
You can buy it as a pre-made bottled sauce, but honestly? My recipe is made using relatively low cost supermarket ingredients and it is so quick and simple. No nasties and full of flavour.
If you would like to find out more about traditional Teriyaki sauce made using authentic Japanese methods, you can find out more at Just One Cookbook.
- Chicken breast or thighs
- Sesame oil
- Soy sauce – Buying the best quality you can will make a difference. I like Kikkoman (with less salt).
- Honey – I use runny as it’s easier to handle and pour, but any is fine.
- White wine vinegar
- Garlic – As always, you can use fresh, frozen, a jar or paste.
- Ginger – Again, ready-prepared or fresh is fine.
- Cornflour – Always add a little liquid to make up a slurry first (see FAQs). PLEASE NOTE: Cornflour in the UK is NOT the same as it in the US! There it’s known as ‘corn starch’. Corn flour in the US is something different (the same as cornmeal in the UK), so please don’t use this.
- Garlic powder – You can use fresh instead if you don’t have this.
How to make Teriyaki Chicken
1. Mix the teriyaki sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Begin with the cornflour and gradually add the soy sauce, whisking so there are no lumps. Add the rest of the sauce ingredients.
2. Heat the oil and add the chicken until cooked. Add garlic and ginger for a few minutes and add the teriyaki sauce.
3. Cook until coated and thickened, as per the recipe below.
4. Cook your side dishes while the chicken is cooking and serve.
- Chicken – You can use breasts or thighs for this recipe as both work really well. Thighs are usually cheaper and slightly tastier and juicier in texture, but it’s down to personal preference.
- Oil – Sesame oil will add flavour if you have it, but no need to buy especially if you don’t. Vegetable or sunflower oil would be fine.
- Vinegar – I use white wine vinegar but you can also use red wine vinegar or Mirin (a Japanese rice wine).
In the fridge You can keep this recipe in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat fully by in the microwave or hob before serving. You might need splash of water.
In the freezer This recipe freezes well. Just wait until it’s totally cold and then put into a freezer proof container and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost thoroughly before reheating in the microwave or hob.
How to Make Chicken Teriyaki | Allrecipes
FAQ
What does teriyaki taste good with?
This simple but amazing teriyaki sauce is great for chicken, fish, or meat dishes. I will add a Japanese flavor to noodle stir fries or rice dishes, and can also be used as a dip for dumplings or shrimp.