Look, we’ve all been there. You’ve got some tasty teriyaki chicken ready to go, but you’re staring at your pantry thinking, “Do I really want plain rice AGAIN?” Don’t get me wrong – rice is fantastic with teriyaki chicken, but sometimes we need to shake things up!
I’m totally obsessed with teriyaki chicken. It’s one of those quick weeknight meals that never disappoints but I’ve found that switching up the sides makes all the difference between “oh dinner again” and “wow, can’t wait to eat!”
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite 25 side dishes that pair beautifully with teriyaki chicken. Trust me, your dinner routine is about to get waaay more exciting!
Why Teriyaki Chicken Deserves Amazing Side Dishes
Before diving into the sides, let’s talk about why teriyaki chicken is so awesome This dish is
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Packed with savory-sweet flavors
- Versatile enough to pair with loads of different sides
- Perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time
My own Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe is my go-to when I need dinner on the table fast. If you’ve got an air fryer, you might also love my Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Recipe.
Perfect Side Dish Categories for Teriyaki Chicken
I’ve organized these side dishes into four categories to make it easier for you to find exactly what you’re looking for:
- Salads & Soups
- Noodle Dishes
- Rice Alternatives
- Vegetable Sides
Let’s dive right in!
Flavorful Salads & Soups to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken
1. Asian Chopped Salad
This is seriously a family favorite in my house, especially during summer. The creamy peanut dressing combined with fresh veggies and crunchy toppings is enough to convert even the most dedicated salad-haters. It’s light enough to balance the richness of teriyaki chicken but substantial enough to feel like a proper meal component.
2. Spicy Thai Mango Salad
If you’re into a bit of heat, this fresh-tasting salad featuring unripe green mango, crisp bean sprouts, crunchy carrots, and sweet red peppers is amazing with teriyaki chicken. The contrast between the sweet chicken and the spicy, tangy salad is chef’s kiss.
3. Vietnamese Papaya Salad
This refreshing salad combines papaya with cucumber, carrots, scallions, peanuts, and lettuce. The Vietnamese dressing made with lime, fish sauce, and maple syrup adds the perfect tangy complement to teriyaki’s sweetness.
4. Bok Choy Miso Soup
For cooler evenings, this light yet flavorful soup is the perfect starter before your teriyaki chicken main. The fermented probiotic goodness of miso pairs amazingly with teriyaki flavors, and it’s a super quick way to use up leafy greens.
Delicious Noodle Dishes to Complement Teriyaki Chicken
1. Chili Garlic Noodles
OMG these noodles are life-changing! Ready in about 15 minutes, they’re sweet, spicy, and full of umami flavor. The heat from the chili balances the sweetness of teriyaki perfectly. Plus, you prolly already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
2. Easy Vegetable Chow Mein
This dish mixes tempeh with coleslaw mix, bean sprouts, green onions, and chow mein noodles, all tossed in a savory stir-fry sauce. It’s super versatile – you can swap in whatever veggies you have on hand!
3. Vietnamese Garlic Noodles
Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, these quick and easy garlic noodles add a satisfying carb component that’s more interesting than plain rice. The garlic flavor pairs amazingly with the sweetness of teriyaki.
Beyond Rice: Alternative Grain Sides
1. Easy Garlic Turmeric Rice
Ok, technically this IS rice, but the addition of turmeric and garlic transforms it into something special. The aromatic spices complement teriyaki chicken beautifully, and the golden color makes your plate look stunning.
2. Easy Fried Rice
Better than takeout and ready in just 20 minutes! This veggie-packed fried rice is delicious with teriyaki chicken and uses up whatever veggies you’ve got in the fridge.
3. Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
Soft, sticky, and fragrant, this quick jasmine rice makes your mouth water and is the perfect canvas for soaking up teriyaki sauce.
4. Kimchi-Bacon Fried Rice
For a Korean-inspired twist, this comforting side dish adds spicy, funky notes that contrast beautifully with sweet teriyaki chicken.
5. Edamame Rice
This incredibly simple vegan dish is colorful and ready in just 20 minutes. The edamame adds protein and a pop of green to your plate.
6. Instant Pot Sticky Rice
No more wet & mushy sticky rice! This method makes flavorful, evenly cooked glutinous rice without soaking. Perfect for catching all that delicious teriyaki sauce!
Vegetable Side Dishes That Shine with Teriyaki Chicken
1. Spicy Cucumber Salad
This 10-minute side dish is the PERFECT balance of heat, salt, acid, and sweetness. It’s crispy, refreshing, and works great as a snack, side dish, or garnish with teriyaki chicken.
2. Charred Pak Choi
Bursting with flavors of soy & garlic glaze, this side dish is the perfect companion to teriyaki chicken. The slightly bitter, charred edges complement the sweet chicken beautifully.
3. Refreshing Spiralized Asian Carrot Salad
What’s not to love about this incredibly tasty carrot salad? It’s absolutely refreshing, delicious, low carb, gluten-free, and vegan!
4. Chinese Stir-Fry Green Beans
You’ll forget all about takeout with these vegetarian stir-fry green beans. They make an easy, wickedly good addition to teriyaki chicken.
5. Easy Teriyaki Mushrooms
These mushrooms are coated in a sweet and savory sauce that echoes the flavors in your teriyaki chicken. Ready in just 10 minutes, they’re a super simple way to add more umami to your meal.
6. Grilled Asparagus with Sesame Dressing
Grilled asparagus is delicious on its own, but toss it with a simple Japanese-inspired dressing made with sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, and it becomes the perfect teriyaki chicken companion.
7. Sticky Air-Fried Sweet Chili Cauliflower
This vegan side dish will become your new favorite! The sticky, sweet chili coating on crispy cauliflower florets mirrors the flavors in teriyaki while adding textural contrast.
8. Stir-Fry Vegetables
These vegetables are cooked in a savory & slightly sweet sauce that complements teriyaki chicken perfectly. Serve them over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
9. Quick Sautéed Snow Peas
This easy and quick sautéed snow peas recipe is packed with flavor, great texture, and a touch of heat from sriracha. It’s gonna become one of your favorite side dishes!
10. Asian Brussels Sprouts
These Brussels sprouts are incredibly flavorful and easy to make! They work great as a healthy side dish, appetizer, or snack alongside teriyaki chicken.
11. Spicy Garlic Edamame
Ready in under 10 minutes, this healthy and delicious edamame recipe brings big flavors that stand up well to teriyaki chicken.
12. Asian Broccoli Stir Fry
Tender, crispy broccoli tossed with ginger, garlic, & a beautiful sauce glaze makes a delicious and nutritious side dish for teriyaki chicken.
FAQ About Serving Teriyaki Chicken
What’s the difference between teriyaki marinade and teriyaki sauce?
The main difference is when they’re used: marinades flavor food before cooking, while sauces are added during or after cooking.
Does teriyaki sauce go on before or after cooking?
Teriyaki sauce is typically added while the meat is being grilled or stir-fried.
Final Thoughts
Teriyaki chicken is amazing on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes takes your meal to a whole new level. Whether you prefer something light like a cucumber salad, something substantial like garlic noodles, or something in between, there’s a perfect side dish for every taste!
I personally love combining teriyaki chicken with a crunchy vegetable side and something starchy like noodles or fried rice for a balanced meal. The combination of textures and flavors makes dinner so much more exciting!
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Steamed Green Beans
These can be seasoned with a little bit of teriyaki sauce to add even more teriyaki flavor. Sautéed canned green beans are a shortcut recipe that makes a great side to this main dish and they’re often served with Japanese dishes.
These make a delicious side dish that can add earthy and savory flavors to the dish. Sautee the mushrooms in light soy sauce, fresh garlic, and fresh ginger for a little kick of flavor.
Baked sweet potato makes a great addition to teriyaki chicken’s sweet and tangy flavor. Sweet potatoes are mild enough not to take over the meal, but also have a great sweet flavor that compliments the ingredients in the main dish.
Sautéed Bell Peppers
A light, healthy option for a side dish. Bell peppers are great served with teriyaki chicken over white rice and a little extra teriyaki sauce drizzled on top for an Asian twist.
Sweet carrots are a popular side dish for Japanese recipes. They make an easy side dish but they are full of flavor! They can be steamed or roasted and lightly seasoned with a bit of teriyaki sauce.
Miso soup is traditional in Japanese cuisine. It’s made with a stock called “dashi” and miso paste. The most common form of miso soup has additional ingredients like seaweed, tofu, and scallions.
Boil edamame until tender and dress with a teriyaki dipping sauce.
Flavored with teriyaki sauce as it cooks, this is a great gluten-free option and a great, healthier base for a teriyaki chicken bowl.