Name: Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice Stacks Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 80 millilitres soy sauce or tamari; 30 millilitres honey or brown sugar; 15 millilitres rice vinegar; 15 millilitres sesame oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening sauce); 225 grams cooked jasmine rice or sushi rice; 15 millilitres rice vinegar; 5 millilitres sesame oil; Pinch of salt; 2 ripe avocados, mashed; 15 millilitres lime juice or lemon juice; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Sesame seeds; Chopped green onions; Pickled ginger (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you are looking for a fresh, visually stunning dish that delivers big on flavor and texture, this Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice Stacks Recipe is an absolute gem to try. Its layers of succulent teriyaki-glazed chicken, creamy mashed avocado, and perfectly seasoned rice make every bite a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and smooth sensations. Whether you want to impress guests or simply elevate a weeknight dinner with something both beautiful and delicious, these rice stacks are a fantastic choice to bring excitement to your table.

The dish shows four layers arranged in a neat stack on a white plate. The bottom layer is a round, compact mound of white rice with a slightly sticky texture. On top of the rice, there is a layer of green avocado slices arranged in a circular pattern. Above the avocado, three pieces of glazed, cooked fish with a shiny, brown sauce cover the layer, with the fish texture looking firm and moist. The top layer has thinly sliced green onions and white sesame seeds sprinkled generously, with dark brown sauce drizzled over all the layers and pooling slightly around the base of the stack. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice Stacks Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role, from the rich soy sauce and honey that create the glossy teriyaki glaze, to the creamy avocado that adds a cooling contrast. The seasoned rice forms the perfect fluffy foundation, while fresh garnishes bring brightness and texture. Here’s what you’ll gather to make these stunning stacks:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh chicken for a tender, juicy base that soaks up the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
80 millilitres soy sauce or tamari: Adds deep umami flavor and saltiness crucial for the teriyaki marinade.
30 millilitres honey or brown sugar: Provides natural sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce.
15 millilitres rice vinegar: Brings a mild tanginess enhancing the overall depth of the sauce and helps season the rice.
15 millilitres sesame oil: Imparts a toasty aroma and rich nuance to both sauce and rice.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic lifts the flavor with aromatic pungency.
1 teaspoon grated ginger: Adds a gentle warmth that complements the sweetness and saltiness.
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional): Perfect for thickening the teriyaki sauce if you prefer a glaze with more body.
225 grams cooked jasmine rice or sushi rice: The tender, fluffy rice forms the foundation of each stack, absorbing subtle seasoning.
15 millilitres rice vinegar: Used again to lightly season the cooked rice for a subtle zing.
5 millilitres sesame oil: Adds a delicate nuttiness to the rice as well.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors in the rice.
2 ripe avocados, mashed: Creamy and luscious, avocado provides a smooth, cooling layer to contrast the warm chicken.
15 millilitres lime juice or lemon juice: Keeps the avocado bright and prevents browning.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: To season the avocado mixture perfectly.
Sesame seeds: For a toasty crunch and pretty finishing touch on top.
Chopped green onions: Adds fresh bite and vibrant color.
Pickled ginger (optional): Offers a palate-cleansing, tangy accompaniment.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice Stacks Recipe

Step 1: Combine Teriyaki Marinade

Begin by whisking together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. This simple mixture packs a punch and forms the flavorful foundation for your teriyaki chicken with its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and aromatic notes.

Step 2: Cook Chicken Breasts

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. This initial searing locks in juices and builds a lovely savory base before the chicken soaks up the teriyaki marinade.

Step 3: Finish Teriyaki Chicken

Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet, turning the chicken occasionally as it simmers gently for 5 to 10 minutes. This slow cooking allows the chicken to absorb the delicious glaze fully. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook just until it thickens into a glossy, clingy coating.

Step 4: Slice Chicken

Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes to seal in moisture. Then slice it thinly against the grain to ensure tender, easily stackable strips.

Step 5: Season Rice

Toss the warm cooked jasmine or sushi rice with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. This simple seasoning transforms plain rice into a fragrant, slightly tangy layer that perfectly complements the chicken and avocado.

Step 6: Prepare Avocado Mixture

Mash the ripe avocados with lime or lemon juice, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. The citrus juice keeps the avocado vibrant and adds a fresh brightness that balances the richness of the mashed fruit.

Step 7: Assemble Stacks

Using a food ring or your hands, press a neat 1.5-centimetre layer of the seasoned rice into the base. Next, spread a layer of creamy mashed avocado, then carefully arrange the sliced teriyaki chicken strips on top. The stacked layers create an impressive, restaurant-worthy presentation that’s as much fun to build as it is to eat.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Gently remove the mold if using and repeat the process with remaining ingredients for additional servings. Finish each stack with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and optional pickled ginger to add contrasting texture and a touch of zing.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice Stacks Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice Stacks Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Add sesame seeds and chopped green onions atop your stacks for a delightful crunch and fresh burst of flavor. Pickled ginger provides a refreshing sharpness that beautifully cuts through the richness and leaves your palate ready for the next bite.

Side Dishes

Light sides such as a crisp cucumber salad or steamed edamame pair wonderfully with these stacks, keeping the meal balanced and vibrant without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your rice stacks on individual plates garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for an elegant touch. Alternatively, layer the components in clear glasses for a modern parfait-style presentation that showcases every delicious tier.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra chicken, avocado mixture, and seasoned rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents sogginess and allows you to reassemble fresh stacks when ready to enjoy.

Freezing

While the chicken and rice freeze well, mashed avocado does not freeze nicely due to texture changes. It’s best to freeze only the cooked chicken and rice if needed, and prepare fresh avocado when serving later.

Reheating

Gently reheat the chicken and rice in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add freshly mashed avocado and assemble stacks just before serving to keep flavors fresh and textures perfect.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more chew but may require longer cooking. Just be sure to season it well to keep the delicate balance of flavors in the stacks.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or tempeh marinated in the same teriyaki sauce for a delicious plant-based alternative that’s just as satisfying.

Can I prepare the rice stacks ahead of time?

You can prepare the individual components ahead but for the best texture and flavor, assemble the stacks just before serving to avoid soggy layers.

How thick should I slice the chicken?

Thin slices around 0.5 centimetres are ideal. This thickness ensures the chicken is tender and fits beautifully between the rice and avocado layers without overpowering them.

What if I don’t have a food ring mold?

No worries! You can carefully shape the stacks by hand or use the bottom of a small glass or bowl to press the layers together evenly and maintain the stack’s structure.

Final Thoughts

This Teriyaki Chicken Avocado Rice Stacks Recipe is a delightful crowd-pleaser that feels special without requiring complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Its brilliant combination of flavors and textures makes it a new favorite for casual dinners or entertaining friends. Dive in, have fun with the layers, and enjoy the smiles that come with this beautiful, tasty creation!