If you’re looking for a meal that perfectly balances vibrant flavors, wholesome ingredients, and effortless preparation, then you’re in for a real treat with this Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with Green Beans and Rice Recipe. Juicy chicken breasts soaked in savory teriyaki marinade come off the grill tender and smoky, while fresh green beans get a delightful crisp char and a splash of sesame goodness. Paired with fluffy rice that soaks up all the mouthwatering juices, this dish brings a complete, satisfying dinner to your table with a touch of Asian-inspired magic that feels both comforting and special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity, relying on a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients that come together in sheer harmony. Each item plays a key role in building layers of flavor, providing texture, or adding beautiful color to your plate.
- 4 trimmed chicken breasts: These serve as the hearty and protein-rich star of the dish; make sure they are even thickness for consistent grilling.
- 2 pounds green beans trimmed (32oz): Fresh green beans bring vibrant color and a satisfying snap to contrast the tender chicken.
- 1 cup uncooked white rice: Simple, fluffy rice acts as the perfect neutral base to soak up all those teriyaki flavors.
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce: This salty, sweet marinade infuses your chicken and beans with rich, mouthwatering depth.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: A final sprinkle of these adds a subtle nutty crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with Green Beans and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
The secret to truly flavorful grilled teriyaki chicken starts with marinating. Place the trimmed chicken breasts in a container and pour 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce over them. Seal the container tightly and refrigerate. While a quick 30-minute marinade works in a pinch, letting the chicken soak up all those tasty teriyaki notes for 2 hours or even overnight makes a noticeable difference in tenderness and flavor depth.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
Start your rice as soon as your chicken has marinated long enough. Combine 1 cup of uncooked white rice with 1 ½ cups of cold water in a pot. Cover it with a well-fitting lid and bring to a rolling boil on high heat. Once boiling, drop the heat to the lowest setting and keep the lid on without lifting it. Let it cook gently for 10 minutes until all the water has absorbed. Then, turn off the heat and leave it covered to steam until everything else is ready.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
While the rice cooks, fire up your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature is ideal for giving your chicken that beautiful char without drying it out. It also gets your green beans sizzling just right in the grilling basket.
Step 4: Prepare the Green Beans
Lightly coat the trimmed green beans with a spray of oil so they don’t stick during grilling. Place them in a grilling basket to make turning easy and keep them from falling through the grill grates.
Step 5: Grill Chicken and Green Beans
Place both the marinated chicken breasts and the basket of green beans over direct heat on the grill. Let everything cook for about 4 minutes before tossing the green beans with tongs and flipping the chicken breasts. This ensures an even sear and grilling marks on both.
Step 6: Finish Grilling with Care
Grill for another 4 to 5 minutes, then toss the green beans again. Check the chicken’s internal temperature; it should reach 165ºF to be safe and juicy. If cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to rest for 5 minutes—this locks in the juices. Let the beans continue cooking another 4 to 5 minutes until they have a light char but retain a delightful snap. If the chicken isn’t quite done, flip and grill 2 to 3 minutes longer before resting.
Step 7: Toss Green Beans with Teriyaki and Sesame
Once the beans are perfectly grilled, place them in a large bowl and drizzle with 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce along with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Gently toss to coat evenly and infuse that extra layer of flavor and texture.
Step 8: Plate and Serve
It’s time to bring everything together! Scoop fluffy rice onto plates, arrange the beautifully grilled chicken breasts alongside, then pile on the glazed green beans. This Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with Green Beans and Rice Recipe is ready to delight your taste buds and wow your dinner guests.
How to Serve Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with Green Beans and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish from simple to stunning. Try sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or chopped scallions over the plate for added color and subtle crunch. A few thin slices of fresh red chili can bring a touch of heat and vibrancy if you like a bit of a kick.
Side Dishes
This meal stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to add more variety, consider serving it alongside a light cucumber salad or pickled vegetables. Their acidity and crispness complement the rich marinade and charred notes wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an enticing dinner party touch, serve the grilled chicken sliced over the rice with the green beans artfully draped on the side. You can also layer the rice in a bowl, top with the chicken sliced into strips, and crown with sesame-sauced green beans for an Instagram-worthy teriyaki bowl experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with Green Beans and Rice Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen overnight, making reheated portions just as delicious—perfect for lunch the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the grilled chicken and green beans separately from the rice to maintain texture. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, and consume within 2 to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or a light drizzle of teriyaki sauce to keep the chicken moist. For green beans, a quick steam or sauté helps them regain their vibrant color and crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice?
Absolutely! While white rice provides a neutral base, you can swap in brown rice or jasmine rice for extra aroma and texture. Just remember cooking times and water ratios differ, so adjust accordingly.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least 30 minutes works, but aim for 2 hours or overnight if possible. The longer marinade infuses more flavor and tenderizes the meat gently.
Can I grill this on a stovetop grill pan?
Yes! If outdoor grilling isn’t an option, a stovetop grill pan can deliver nice sear marks and flavor. Just be sure to preheat it well and use medium-high heat for best results.
What if I don’t have a grilling basket for the green beans?
No grill basket? No problem. You can thread the green beans onto skewers or place them in a disposable foil tray on the grill. Just keep an eye on them and turn frequently to avoid burning.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
That depends on your teriyaki sauce. Many store-bought teriyaki sauces contain soy sauce with gluten, but you can find or make gluten-free versions easily. Just double-check labels to ensure your meal fits your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with Green Beans and Rice Recipe, it will likely become one of your go-to weeknight favorites. It’s simple but packed with flavor, colorful, and satisfying — everything you want in a home-cooked meal. So fire up your grill, gather these ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to something deliciously memorable tonight!
Print
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with Green Beans and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus marinating time of at least 30 minutes)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (including 30 minutes marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Japanese-American Fusion
Description
Enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring grilled teriyaki chicken breasts paired with charred green beans and fluffy white rice. The chicken is marinated in rich teriyaki sauce, grilled to juicy perfection, and complemented by green beans tossed with sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 trimmed chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (for marinating)
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (for green beans)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Vegetables
- 2 pounds green beans, trimmed (32 oz)
- Cooking spray or a light spray oil
Grain
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 1/2 cups cold water
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a container or resealable bag with 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, marinate for 2 hours or overnight.
- Cook the Rice: Add the uncooked rice and 1 1/2 cups cold water to a pot. Cover with a well-fitting lid and bring to a boil over high heat on the stovetop. Once boiling, reduce heat to the lowest setting and keep the lid on. Cook for 10 minutes without peeking. Remove from heat and keep covered until serving.
- Preheat Grill: While the rice cooks, preheat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for grilling the chicken and green beans.
- Prepare the Green Beans: Lightly spray the trimmed green beans with cooking spray or oil and place them in a grilling basket to prevent them from falling through the grate.
- Grill Chicken and Beans: Place the chicken breasts and the grilling basket with green beans over direct heat. Grill chicken for 4 minutes, then toss the green beans with tongs and flip the chicken breasts.
- Continue Grilling: Grill the chicken for another 4-5 minutes, tossing the green beans again. Check chicken’s internal temperature—aim for 165ºF. If chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and cover to rest for 5 minutes. Continue grilling the green beans for an additional 4-5 minutes until they are nicely charred but still crisp. If chicken is not yet done, grill for 2-3 more minutes, then rest.
- Toss the Green Beans: Transfer the cooked green beans to a large bowl. Add 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce and sesame seeds, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Serve: Plate the rested grilled teriyaki chicken, alongside the sesame-coated green beans and steamed white rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the teriyaki flavor and tenderizes the meat.
- Using a grilling basket for the green beans prevents them from falling through the grill grates and makes tossing easier.
- Do not lift the lid while cooking rice to ensure proper steaming and texture.
- Check the chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety.
- Adjust grilling times based on the thickness of chicken breasts and grill heat.
