what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice

If you’re hunting for ideas on what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice, you’re in the right spot. I’m Josie Thompson, and I’ve learned a thing or two about making this classic sweet-and-savory dish shine beyond a plain rice bowl.

I’ll break down fresh veggie pairings, sides that surprise people (in a good way!), and easy tweaks to keep dinner interesting — even if it’s your first time in the kitchen. Grab a notepad, because you’re about to find the best ways to round out that juicy teriyaki chicken without leaning on boring white rice.

If you’re craving that sweet, sticky bite just like your favorite takeout, check out our Panda Express teriyaki chicken

What veggies go with teriyaki chicken

If you ever asked me what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice, my answer always starts with veggies. I mean, rice is fine — but there’s a whole garden out there. I’m Josie Thompson, and when I want to wake up a plain teriyaki dinner, I grab the veggies first. Here are five of my favorites that never disappoint — and trust me, you don’t need to be a pro to pull these off.

1. Roasted Broccoli with Garlic

Nothing fancy here — just toss fresh broccoli florets in olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and a little minced garlic. Roast them at 425°F until they’re crispy at the edges. It’s the perfect side if you’re wondering what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice, because the garlic and char add depth to the sweet glaze.

2. Snap Peas with Sesame

Snap peas bring crunch. All I do is sauté them quick with a splash of soy and sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds. They stay bright, sweet, and don’t fight the teriyaki sauce — they lift it.

3. Stir-Fried Bell Peppers

Grab a mix of red and yellow bell peppers, slice them thin, toss them in the pan with a touch of ginger. They caramelize just enough to pick up the sauce. I swear, when people ask me what veggies go with teriyaki chicken, peppers are always in my top three.

4. Baby Bok Choy

Lightly steamed or stir-fried, baby bok choy soaks up extra sauce without getting mushy. Add a splash of soy, garlic, or ginger. It’s mild, but it makes the plate feel fresh — and suddenly that question of what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice makes total sense.

5. Roasted Carrots with Honey

Last one: carrots. Not raw sticks — real oven-roasted carrots with a drizzle of honey or maple. The sweetness pairs with the teriyaki glaze so you don’t miss the rice at all. Plus, it looks good on the plate. People eat with their eyes first, right?

So next time you think your plate needs rice, maybe it just needs veggies done right. That’s what I reach for when someone asks what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice — and trust me, these five always deliver.

And if you want even more fresh ideas for what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice, don’t miss our chicken teriyaki sides for quick inspiration.

What goes with teriyaki chicken and rice

I get it — rice is classic. And honestly? Sometimes it does belong next to teriyaki chicken. But just plain rice on its own? That’s what makes people ask what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice in the first place. If you’re gonna stick with rice, jazz it up a bit. Here’s how I make boring rice taste like it belongs on the same plate as sweet, sticky teriyaki chicken.

6. Garlic Fried Rice

Don’t just scoop white rice and call it a day. Grab leftover rice, throw it in a hot pan with minced garlic, a splash of soy, maybe a touch of butter. It picks up the teriyaki flavor like a sponge. If someone asks me what goes with teriyaki chicken and rice, garlic fried rice is the first thing that comes out of my mouth.

7. Veggie Stir-Fry Rice

Chop up whatever veggies you’ve got — carrots, peas, green onions. Stir-fry them quick, then fold in the rice. A tiny drizzle of sesame oil pulls it together. Suddenly, it’s not just rice. It’s a whole meal that makes sense with that chicken glaze.

8. Pineapple Rice

One of my not-so-secret tricks. Diced pineapple tossed into warm rice. Sweet + savory = magic with teriyaki. If you’re ever stuck on what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice, try mixing fruit into the rice instead of on the side. Changes the game.

Rice doesn’t have to be boring. Play with it, mix it up — it’s still rice, but now it does its job right. And trust me, the next time you wonder what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice, you’ll remember that plain white rice isn’t your only move.

Dinner Ideas with Teriyaki Chicken

Sometimes people ask me, “Josie, what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice if I want to make it feel like a real dinner?” Good question — because teriyaki chicken can handle way more than just sitting next to plain rice. Here are 4 dinner combos I throw together when I want that sweet glaze to stand out but still have a full plate.

9. Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Skip the bowl, grab crisp lettuce leaves, and pile in that juicy chicken. Add a few sliced cucumbers, some shredded carrots — maybe a drizzle of extra sauce. Suddenly what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice is obvious: something fresh that snaps when you bite.

10. Teriyaki Chicken Noodle Bowl

Who said noodles don’t work? Thin soba noodles tossed with a splash of soy, some green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Top with sliced teriyaki chicken. It’s cozy, fast, and a lot more interesting than plain rice.

11. Teriyaki Chicken Sliders

One of my guilty pleasures. Shred that chicken, stack it on soft slider buns with a slaw — maybe cabbage with a touch of rice vinegar. Perfect for game day or when you just want something finger-friendly. Next time someone asks you what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice, hand them a slider.

12. Teriyaki Chicken Salad Plate

Hear me out — tender chicken over a big salad bowl. Romaine, snap peas, edamame, carrots, and a little drizzle of the teriyaki sauce as dressing. Sweet, crunchy, filling, and totally rice-free. I love this one for lunch when I don’t want to feel heavy but still crave that flavor.

Teriyaki chicken deserves better than plain sides. Play with it — wraps, noodles, sliders, salads. Next time you catch yourself wondering what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice, you’ve got four no-fail answers ready.

Or if you’re feeling adventurous, flip things around and try our teriyaki chicken pizza — same sweet glaze, but in a slice

What Goes Well with Teriyaki Sauce

Here’s a secret — when people ask me what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice, they’re really asking, what else tastes good with that sticky-sweet sauce? Because teriyaki sauce is the star. And once you realize that, you can pair it with so much more than just chicken or a bowl of white rice.

So here’s how I keep my teriyaki game interesting — three easy twists.

13. Teriyaki Salmon

One night I ran out of chicken and tossed the same teriyaki marinade on a salmon fillet. Game changer. The sauce caramelizes around the edges, and the inside stays tender. Add a side of stir-fried greens and you’ll forget you were even Googling what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice in the first place.

14. Teriyaki Tofu

If you want to skip meat altogether, tofu works like a sponge. I pan-fry cubes until golden, then pour teriyaki over the top so it soaks in every drop. Crispy on the outside, soft inside — perfect with veggies, noodles, or tucked in a wrap.

15. Teriyaki Veggie Stir-Fry

Yep, you can skip the protein and just toss your favorite veggies in teriyaki sauce. Broccoli, snap peas, carrots — whatever’s hiding in the fridge. Sauté it quick, add extra sesame seeds, and serve it up. If you’re still wondering what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice, remember: sometimes you don’t even need the chicken to enjoy the sauce.

That’s the beauty of teriyaki — it’s flexible. And next time you crave that bold, sweet-salty punch but don’t feel like plain rice, grab salmon, tofu, or a big pan of veggies. Trust me, they’ll love that sauce as much as the chicken does.

Potatoes to Go with Teriyaki Chicken

When folks ask me what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice, my second answer (after veggies) is always potatoes. Yep — good old potatoes. They soak up flavor, add that hearty bite, and balance out the sweet sauce. Here’s how I spin them to match teriyaki every time.

16. Roasted Baby Potatoes

Roasted potatoes never fail. I grab baby potatoes, toss them with olive oil, a little garlic powder, salt, and roast them at 425°F until they’re crisp outside, fluffy inside. Next to juicy chicken glazed in teriyaki? It’s that bite that makes people forget rice even existed.

17. Sesame Mashed Potatoes

This one surprises people. I mash boiled potatoes with a splash of sesame oil, some butter, and a sprinkle of green onions. It’s creamy but still has that nutty note that ties back to teriyaki sauce perfectly. So next time you wonder what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice, remember: mash works too!

18. Sweet Potato Wedges

Sweet potatoes love teriyaki. I slice them into thick wedges, drizzle with a touch of oil and a pinch of salt, then roast until the edges caramelize. That natural sweetness matches the sauce so well — and you still get that satisfying, hearty side without needing a grain.

Honestly, potatoes are my go-to when I’m tired of the rice routine. They’re easy, filling, and they know how to let teriyaki shine. If you’ve ever wondered what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice, now you’ve got three ways to bring potatoes to the table — and not one of them is boring.

According to the USDA’s MyPlate guidelines, pairing lean protein like teriyaki chicken with plenty of veggies keeps your plate balanced and satisfying — no plain rice needed.

What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Now, if you’re a dark meat fan like me, you know teriyaki chicken thighs deserve a side dish that does them justice. Every time someone asks me what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice, but they’re cooking thighs specifically, I tell them: you need sides that stand up to all that juicy flavor.

Here are four ideas that work every time — simple, tasty, and no plain rice in sight.

19. Grilled Asparagus

Chicken thighs + charred asparagus = magic. Toss fresh asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and grill them until they get those perfect lines. The crunch and slight bitterness balance the sweetness of the sauce so well.

20. Cucumber Salad

When you’re wondering what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice, think crisp. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and sesame seeds cuts through the richness of those thighs and keeps the plate fresh.

21. Ginger Slaw

Crunchy cabbage, a little shredded carrot, fresh ginger, and a quick splash of soy or rice vinegar — that’s it. It sits right next to those sticky thighs and gives each bite a fresh snap. Perfect if you want something that’s no fuss but looks like you planned it.

22. Corn on the Cob with Miso Butter

I know — corn isn’t the first thing you think of with teriyaki, but trust me. Boil or grill fresh corn, then brush it with miso butter. Sweet, salty, and a little nutty — exactly what those juicy thighs need. Another reason you won’t be asking what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice ever again.

By the way, if you love thighs as much as I do, our air fryer teriyaki chicken thighs are a foolproof way to keep that skin crispy and juicy every time.

Chicken thighs deserve better sides than plain rice — and you’ve got four that prove it. Mix ‘em up, swap them out, and you’ll never get bored.

PART 7: What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken Wings

Okay — so you’ve got sticky teriyaki chicken wings ready to hit the table. Now what? If you’re still asking what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice, wings might be the easiest excuse to skip rice altogether. They’re bold, sweet, a little messy… which means you want sides that match that energy.

Here are three combos I’ve served with wings that always get empty plates.

23. Pickled Veggie Slaw

Crunchy, tangy slaw cuts right through that sticky sauce. I shred cabbage, carrots, and add thin cucumber slices, toss them all with rice vinegar and a tiny pinch of sugar. That zing wakes up your mouth between bites of sweet wings.

24. Crispy Waffle Fries

Yep — not exactly “traditional,” but who cares? Wings love fries. Toss waffle fries in the oven until golden, then sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt. The salty crunch makes every bite of teriyaki wings taste even better. And it’s way more fun than plain rice.

25. Edamame with Sea Salt

Super simple, super quick. Boil fresh edamame pods, drain them, then sprinkle coarse sea salt on top. They’re bite-sized, they balance out that sticky glaze, and they keep your hands busy while you work through the wings. Another reason you won’t be asking what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice again.

Teriyaki wings don’t need boring sides — they want crunch, freshness, and something you can pick up with your fingers. These three sides keep things playful, just like wings should be.

Want a crispier wing? Try our teriyaki chicken wings air fryer — all the flavor, none of the deep-fry hassle.

FAQs

What are good sides for Teriyaki Chicken?

Good sides? Oh, so many! If you’re wondering what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice, think roasted veggies, crispy potatoes, simple noodle salads, or even lettuce wraps. The key is to find something fresh or crunchy that balances out that sweet glaze.

What to pair with chicken other than rice?

I get asked this all the time. My answer: potatoes, stir-fried greens, or a fresh slaw. If you’re still stuck on what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice, try my sesame mashed potatoes or ginger cabbage slaw — you’ll forget rice was ever on the table.

What are good sides besides rice?

Same deal! The truth is, rice is fine but it’s not the only game in town. Next time you’re cooking teriyaki chicken, pair it with sautéed snap peas, roasted carrots, or even crispy waffle fries. That’s how I solve the question what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice without repeating myself.

What else is good with chicken and rice?

If you do want rice but don’t want boring rice, make garlic fried rice, toss in pineapple, or stir in veggies. That way you upgrade a plain side into something that actually deserves to share the plate with teriyaki chicken.

What is in chicken teriyaki?

Classic chicken teriyaki is all about the sauce: soy sauce, mirin (or honey), ginger, garlic — sometimes a splash of sesame oil. Pour that over grilled or pan-seared chicken and you’ve got a sweet, sticky bite that goes well with so many sides besides rice. See what I did there? What goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice is basically whatever balances that bold flavor.

How to make chicken and rice less boring?

Flavor, flavor, flavor! Add garlic, sesame oil, fresh veggies — and don’t serve plain steamed rice. Stir-fry it, mix in something sweet like pineapple, or top it with fresh herbs. My motto: if you’re bored, your rice is lazy. Spice it up and you’ll never have to ask what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice ever again.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend balancing proteins like teriyaki chicken with vegetables and smart sides — so you never rely on plain rice alone.

Conclusion

So, next time someone asks you what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice, you won’t be stuck saying “uh… rice?” anymore. I’m Josie Thompson, and I’ve learned (sometimes the tasty way, sometimes the hard way) that teriyaki chicken loves fresh veggies, crispy potatoes, noodles, slaws, and so many easy sides that make your plate feel new every time.

Whether you’re roasting broccoli, stirring up garlic fried rice, grilling sweet corn, or just piling that sticky chicken onto a fresh salad — the point is, rice isn’t the only trick up your sleeve.

So keep it fun. Keep it simple. Keep it delicious. And trust me, you’ll never have to Google what goes good with teriyaki chicken besides rice again — because now you’ve got 25 ideas waiting in your kitchen.

And if you like to crank up the heat, our spicy teriyaki chicken hits that sweet-and-spicy craving perfectly