What Goes with Chicken Teriyaki? 22 Delicious Side Dish Ideas

Chicken teriyaki is a classic Japanese-inspired dish that features tender chicken glazed in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. While the chicken is undoubtedly delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can take the meal to the next level.

In this article we’ll explore 22 mouthwatering side dish ideas to serve with chicken teriyaki. From traditional Japanese accompaniments to creative fusions, there’s something here for every palate!

Traditional Japanese Side Dishes

To keep it authentic. try pairing your chicken teriyaki with these classic Japanese sides

Steamed Rice

A bowl of hot brown or white rice is always a good choice. The rice soaks up the flavorful teriyaki sauce beautifully. Use sushi rice or short grain Japanese rice to add some style.

Miso Soup

Between bites of chicken, the salty and savory broth is a great way to clean your palate. Bonus points if you add tofu, seaweed, or green onions.

Edamame

Boiled then lightly salted, these immature soybeans make for a satisfying finger food. The nutty flavor complements the chicken perfectly.

Seaweed Salad

When you mix crunchy seaweed with sweet vinegar dressing, you get a great contrast of textures. Wakame and hijiki work well.

Pickled Vegetables

Pickled cucumbers, radishes, and ginger are some examples of Japanese tsukemono. They are sour and cool. They help cut through the chicken’s richness.

Crisp, Crunchy Veggies

For something fresh and green, try one of these crisp, crunchy veggie sides:

Stir Fried Snap Peas

Blanched then stir fried with soy sauce and sesame oil. The peas turn crisp-tender with lovely caramelization.

Sauteed Bok Choy

Saute baby bok choy quickly to retain its crunch. Toss with soy-ginger sauce or oyster sauce.

Asian Slaw

Shredded cabbage and carrots dressed in a sweet tangy dressing studded with toasted sesame seeds.

Cucumber Sunomono

Cool cucumbers soaked in a sweet rice vinegar dressing make a refreshing palette cleanser.

Grilled Asparagus

The smoky char pairs perfectly with the teriyaki. Toss in soy sauce, garlic, and lemon.

Noodles and Rice

For heartier accompaniments, try these noodle and rice dishes:

Yaki Soba

Wheat noodles stir fried with veggies like cabbage, carrots, and green onion. Savory and satisfying.

Nabeyaki Udon

Thick udon wheat noodles in simmering broth with shrimp tempura and vegetables. Comforting and flavorful.

Yaki Udon

Thick udon noodles stir fried with veggies and protein like chicken or shrimp. Often served with teriyaki sauce.

Fried Rice

Fluffy rice stir fried with soy sauce, eggs, and veggies like peas, carrots, and bean sprouts. A perfect pairing.

Pineapple Fried Rice

A tropical twist, with chunks of pineapple lending sweetness to the savory fried rice. Try it with brown rice.

Creative Fusions

If you want to move beyond strictly Japanese sides, these creative fusion dishes can work beautifully:

Coconut Lime Cauliflower Rice

A low carb alternative, pulsed cauliflower gets flavor from lime juice and shredded coconut.

Chili Lime Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Cubes of sweet potato roasted with smoky chili powder, lime juice, cilantro, and olive oil.

Honey Ginger Glazed Carrots

Roasted carrots tossed in a sticky glaze of honey, fresh ginger, and soy sauce is a crowd pleaser.

Sesame Peanut Noodle Salad

Chilled rice noodles in a creamy peanut dressing studded with red bell peppers and scallions.

Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Sauteed mushrooms swimming in garlicky, buttery goodness. Irresistibly rich and savory.

Skillet Cornbread

A little sweet, a little crumbly, cornbread mops up the teriyaki sauce beautifully. Great comfort food.

What Will You Serve Alongside Your Chicken Teriyaki?

With so many delicious options, from Japanese classics to creative fusions, you’re sure to find the perfect side dishes to complement your chicken teriyaki. Don’t be afraid to mix and match a few for a meal that covers all the bases from refreshing to hearty. Your tastebuds will thank you!