Name: Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 2 Cups Cooked Rice (cooled, jasmine rice preferred); 1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil; 2 Tablespoons Teriyaki Sauce or Marinade; 1 Rotisserie Chicken; 1/4 Cup Teriyaki Sauce or Marinade; 5 Persian Cucumbers (thinly sliced; or 1 large English cucumber); 1/2 Cup Red Cabbage (finely sliced); 1/2 Cup Cilantro (chopped); 1/2 Cup Salted Peanuts (chopped); 1 Red Bell Pepper (diced small); 1 Bunch Green Onions (finely chopped); 1/4 Cup Olive Oil; 3 Tablespoons Toasted Sesame Oil; 3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos; 3 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar; 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup; 2 Tablespoons Cashew Butter; 2 Cloves Garlic (mashed); 1 Tablespoon Fresh Ginger (minced)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 63 reviews

If you’re looking for a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines bold flavors with delightful textures, the Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine crispy, golden rice mingling with tender shredded teriyaki chicken and fresh, crunchy vegetables, all tied together by a creamy, fragrant dressing that dances on your taste buds. This salad isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of contrasts—crispy and tender, sweet and savory, fresh and toasted—all coming together in perfect harmony. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again, whether for lunch, dinner, or even a special gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center left, there is a white bowl filled with shredded white meat meat, below it a white bowl full of steamed white rice. Moving clockwise, there is a small white bowl of sliced green onions, a small white bowl with a creamy beige sauce, a white bowl with bright chopped red bell peppers, and a white bowl filled with chopped nuts. To the top right, there are four whole green cucumbers and a bunch of fresh cilantro on a wooden cutting board, along with shredded purple cabbage. Near the center, there is a small green dish with yellow paste, two purple garlic bulbs, and a round white plate holding a glass bottle of oil, a small white cup with light liquid, and a tiny bowl with dark sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad Recipe shines because of its simple yet thoughtfully combined ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in delivering the amazing medley of textures and flavors—from the crispy rice to the tangy dressing and the fresh vegetables that provide a pop of color and crunch.

2 Cups Cooked Rice (cooled): Jasmine rice is preferred for its aroma and texture, but any rice works well when cooled.
1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty undertone to the rice before baking.
2 Tablespoons Teriyaki Sauce or Marinade: Infuses the crispy rice with savory, sweet notes.
1 Rotisserie Chicken: Conveniently shredded for tender protein throughout the salad.
1/4 Cup Teriyaki Sauce or Marinade: Used to toss the shredded chicken for extra flavor.
5 Persian Cucumbers (thinly sliced): Provide a refreshing crunch; English cucumber is a great substitute.
1/2 Cup Red Cabbage (finely sliced): Adds vibrant color and subtle sweetness.
1/2 Cup Cilantro (chopped): Brightens the salad with fresh herbal notes.
1/2 Cup Salted Peanuts (chopped): Offer a salty crunch to balance textures.
1 Red Bell Pepper (diced small): Adds sweetness and a lively burst of red.
1 Bunch Green Onions (finely chopped): Brings a mild onion flavor without overpowering.
1/4 Cup Olive Oil: Forms the base for the creamy dressing.
3 Tablespoons Toasted Sesame Oil: Intensifies the nutty flavor and aroma in the dressing.
3 Tablespoons Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos: Balances the dressing with umami and saltiness.
3 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar: Adds sharp and tangy notes for freshness.
2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup: Provides just the right hint of sweetness.
2 Tablespoons Cashew Butter: Gives the dressing a creamy texture and subtle nuttiness.
2 Cloves Garlic (mashed): Packs a punch of aromatic depth.
1 Tablespoon Fresh Ginger (minced): Adds zesty brightness and warmth.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Rice

First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get ready for that perfect crisp. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, making cleanup a breeze. Spread your cooled, cooked rice evenly on the sheet, and toss it gently with sesame oil and teriyaki sauce. This step is key because it builds flavor right into each rice grain. Bake the rice for 30 to 40 minutes, tossing halfway through so every bite achieves that golden, crispy texture that makes this recipe so memorable.

Step 2: Shred and Season the Chicken

While the rice crisps up in the oven, take your rotisserie chicken and carefully remove the bones. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces—this effortless shredding ensures every forkful delivers tender, juicy chicken. Toss the shredded chicken in 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce; this coats it with savory sweetness that complements the crunchy rice beautifully.

Step 3: Chop and Combine the Fresh Veggies and Nuts

The fresh components are what bring life and color to this salad. Thinly slice the Persian cucumbers, finely shred the red cabbage, chop cilantro and green onions, dice the red bell pepper, and roughly chop the salted peanuts. Toss all these vibrant ingredients into a large bowl, creating a beautiful base for the salad that’s crunchy, colorful, and packed with fresh flavors.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Once the crispy rice is out of the oven, let it cool briefly. Add the freshly baked crispy rice and the teriyaki chicken to your veggie mix. The warm crisp rice adds an exciting texture contrast to the cool salad ingredients, while the chicken offers hearty protein to keep you satisfied.

Step 5: Blend the Irresistible Dressing

Now for the magic touch—the dressing! Combine the olive oil, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce or coconut aminos, rice vinegar, maple syrup, cashew butter, mashed garlic, and freshly minced ginger in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, creating a luscious sauce that ties all the ingredients together with a wonderful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Pour this luscious dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to coat evenly.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular tray filled with a single layer of cooked rice that is light beige with some darker soy sauce spots, and a silver spoon resting on top at the bottom right. Surrounding the tray are small white bowls holding chopped green onions, chopped red bell peppers, and a creamy light brown sauce. There is a wooden cutting board with a purple cabbage head and thin shredded purple cabbage. Nearby, there are garlic cloves, small bowls with dark and light sauces, and a bowl with shredded white meat, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad Recipe even further, consider topping it with extra chopped peanuts or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added crunch. A few fresh cilantro leaves scattered on top add a burst of green freshness and visual appeal. If you’re in the mood for a little heat, a few thin slices of fresh chili or a drizzle of Sriracha will amp up the flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad is so filling and flavorful it can stand proudly on its own, but if you want to make it part of a larger spread, pair it with some light miso soup or steamed edamame. These sides add an extra dimension of comfort and are perfect complements without overwhelming the delightful crunch and tang of the salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, serve this salad in individual mason jars layered with the dressing at the bottom and salad on top, letting guests toss their own salad. Alternatively, serve it on a large platter with colorful edible flowers or sliced avocado to create a visually stunning experience. The crispy rice adds beautiful texture that guests will love to discover in every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad Recipe stores beautifully when kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within three days to preserve the freshness of the vegetables and the crispness of the rice, though the texture of the crispy rice will soften over time.

Freezing

This salad is not ideal for freezing because the fresh vegetables and crispy rice lose their texture when thawed. However, you can freeze the shredded teriyaki chicken and dressing separately for future meal prep, then combine everything fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy leftovers warm, gently reheat the shredded teriyaki chicken in the microwave or stovetop. To maintain the salad’s freshness, add the crispy rice and veggies before serving cold, and toss everything together with freshly made or refrigerated dressing.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for the crispy rice?

Absolutely! While jasmine rice is recommended for its fragrance and texture, any short or medium-grain rice will work. Just be sure to cool it completely before baking to get that perfect crisp.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap out the shredded chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh tossed in teriyaki sauce. The crispy rice and flavorful dressing remain the same, making for a delicious vegetarian version.

How spicy is the salad?

The salad itself is mild and balanced with sweet and savory elements, but you can easily add spice with fresh chilies, chili oil, or a drizzle of hot sauce to suit your taste.

Can I prepare parts of this salad ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the crispy rice and dressing a day ahead. Keep the fresh vegetables and chicken separate until you’re ready to serve so everything stays crisp and fresh.

What can I substitute for cashew butter in the dressing?

You can replace cashew butter with almond butter or even peanut butter if you prefer. This swap will maintain the creamy texture and nutty flavor that the dressing depends on.

Final Thoughts

The Teriyaki Chicken Crispy Rice Salad Recipe is a true delight that brings together crispy textures, fresh veggies, and bold flavors in a bowl bursting with nutrition and satisfaction. Whether you’re welcoming friends over or treating yourself to a fun, flavorful meal, this recipe won’t disappoint. I hope you give it a try soon and discover how easy it is to make something this special right in your kitchen.