Teriyaki Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice (Long, Detailed Recipe)
If you’re looking for a bold, comforting, and restaurant-quality meal you can make at home, this Teriyaki Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice is the perfect choice. It combines juicy, well-seasoned chicken, tender shrimp, and perfectly stir-fried rice coated in a rich, glossy teriyaki sauce. This dish delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, making it a family favorite and a great alternative to takeout.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a special homemade treat, this recipe is satisfying, customizable, and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this recipe special is the combination of textures and flavors. The chicken is seared until golden and juicy, the shrimp is cooked just until tender, and the fried rice is slightly crispy with soft, fluffy grains inside. The homemade teriyaki sauce ties everything together with a perfect blend of sweetness and saltiness.
Using day-old rice ensures that the grains stay separate and absorb flavor better, while cooking everything in stages keeps each ingredient from overcooking.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Shrimp
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast
- 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Fried Rice
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled, day-old rice)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Mix until smooth and set aside. This sauce will thicken as it cooks and create a glossy coating on the chicken and shrimp.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until fully cooked and golden brown on the outside.
Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly golden. Shrimp cooks quickly, so avoid overcooking to keep them juicy.
Step 4: Combine Chicken, Shrimp, and Sauce
Return the sliced chicken to the skillet with the shrimp.
Pour in the prepared teriyaki sauce and stir everything together. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and shrimp evenly. The result should be glossy and rich.
Step 5: Make the Fried Rice
In a separate pan or wok, heat butter or oil over medium-high heat.
Add the beaten eggs and scramble them until just cooked. Push the eggs to one side of the pan.
Add the peas and carrots and cook for 1–2 minutes. Then add the chilled rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
Stir in soy sauce, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Continue stir-frying for about 4–5 minutes until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Spoon the fried rice onto plates or into bowls.
Top generously with the teriyaki chicken and shrimp mixture. Spoon extra sauce over the top for added flavor. Garnish with more green onions if desired.
Serve immediately while hot.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is already a complete meal, but you can enhance it with:
- Steamed broccoli or sautéed vegetables
- A side of Asian-style soup
- A drizzle of spicy sauce like sriracha for heat
Tips for Best Results
- Use cold, day-old rice: This prevents mushy fried rice and gives better texture
- Cook on high heat: Helps achieve that classic fried rice flavor
- Do not overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking: This helps them sear properly
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Add more soy sauce or salt if needed
Variations
- Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner option
- Use only shrimp or only chicken if you prefer a single protein
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms
- Make it spicy by adding chili flakes or hot sauce
- Use brown rice for a healthier twist
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 595
- Protein: 39g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 22g
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice is the perfect homemade comfort food that rivals your favorite takeout. It’s flavorful, filling, and easy to customize based on what you have at home. Once you try it, it may become one of your go-to recipes for quick and delicious meals.