Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice Stack: A Stunning, Savory Layered Dish
Introduction
When you want something fresh, satisfying, and visually impressive, this Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice Stack delivers on all fronts. With layers of tender teriyaki-glazed chicken, seasoned sushi rice, and creamy avocado, it’s like your favorite sushi bowl—but stacked. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking to elevate your weeknight meal, this easy-to-assemble dish is as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is one of those dishes that hits every note: it’s sweet, savory, creamy, and full of umami thanks to the teriyaki sauce and soy-seasoned rice. The layered presentation gives it restaurant-level flair, but it’s surprisingly easy to pull off. It’s also versatile—you can serve it warm or cold, customize it with other toppings, or even make it vegetarian.
Ingredients
For the Rice Stack:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice (or any short-grain rice)
- 1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Nori sheets, cut into thin strips (optional)
Optional Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup mirin
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Chicken: Substitute grilled tofu or seared tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- Rice: Sushi rice is ideal for its stickiness, but jasmine or short-grain brown rice works too.
- Teriyaki sauce: Use store-bought for convenience or make your own for a fresher flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce (if homemade):
- Combine soy sauce, mirin, and brown sugar in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- To thicken, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer 1 more minute. Cool and set aside.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag.
- Add ¼ cup of teriyaki sauce and marinate for 20 minutes to 2 hours.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and slice thinly.
- Season the Rice:
- In a bowl, mix cooked sushi rice with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Assemble the Stack:
- Use a round food ring mold or small bowl as a guide.
- Add a layer of seasoned rice, then sliced avocado, then sliced teriyaki chicken.
- Press lightly to form a clean stack, then remove the mold.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and nori strips if using.
- Drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce just before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use a mold: A food ring mold gives that picture-perfect stack, but a ramekin flipped upside down also works.
- Slice avocado last: To prevent browning, slice avocado just before assembling.
- Chill components: For a cooler sushi-style stack, chill the rice and chicken slightly before layering.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This stack is perfect as a light main dish or elegant lunch. Pair it with:
- A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad for a picnic-style meal
- Blueberry Lemonade for a refreshing drink pairing
- The Slippery Drank if you’re in the mood for something sweet and sippable
- 3-Ingredient Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies for a snackable dessert
- One-Pan Breakfast Bake if you’re serving a fun brunch spread
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store ingredients separately and assemble just before serving for best texture.
- Avocado browns fast: If making ahead, brush avocado with lemon juice and wrap tightly.
- Leftover teriyaki chicken? Use it in wraps, salads, or rice bowls the next day.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of bold, fresh flavors and quick assembly meals, don’t miss:
- Tangy Chicken Salad (No Mayo)
- Blueberry Lemonade
- The Slippery Drank
- One-Pan Breakfast Bake
- 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice Stack brings everything you love about sushi bowls into a stacked, flavorful masterpiece. It’s elegant enough to impress guests and easy enough for a weeknight dinner. With rich teriyaki-glazed chicken, creamy avocado, and seasoned rice, it’s a meal you’ll want to make on repeat.
Tried it? Snap a photo and tag @chefmaniac—we love seeing your kitchen creations! And be sure to follow for more fresh, flavor-packed meals that look as good as they taste.
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