When you think of muffins, sweet treats probably come to mind but these Teriyaki Chicken Rice Muffins flip the script. These savory “muffins” are made with seasoned rice, colorful vegetables, juicy chicken, and a glossy drizzle of teriyaki sauce. Perfectly portioned, they’re ideal for meal prep, lunchboxes, appetizers, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Each muffin delivers a balanced bite of protein, veggies, and carbs, making them a fun and portable alternative to traditional stir-fry or rice bowls. Plus, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious, with a shiny glaze and sprinkle of sesame seeds that will impress at any table.
What Are Teriyaki Chicken Rice Muffins?
Teriyaki Chicken Rice Muffins are baked, handheld portions of rice mixed with vegetables and topped with tender teriyaki-glazed chicken. The mixture is packed into muffin tins, baked until set, and finished with extra sauce and garnishes. Think of them as bite-sized rice bowls portable, customizable, and perfect for busy lifestyles.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
- Portion-Controlled – Built-in serving sizes make mealtime easier.
- Meal-Prep Friendly – Store and reheat beautifully.
- Customizable – Swap proteins, veggies, and sauces to suit your taste.
- Kid-Friendly – Fun shape and mild, sweet-savory flavor.
How Do They Taste?
They’re savory, slightly sweet, and full of umami from the teriyaki glaze. The rice provides a comforting chew, the vegetables add freshness, and the chicken is juicy and flavorful. The final drizzle of teriyaki sauce makes them sticky, glossy, and irresistibly tasty.
Health & Ingredient Benefits
- Chicken – Lean protein to keep you full.
- Vegetables – Nutrient-rich and colorful for extra appeal.
- Rice – Provides energy-sustaining carbohydrates.
- Teriyaki Sauce – Brings flavor with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine or short-grain for best stickiness)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, bell peppers, corn)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional, for binding)
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Standard muffin tin (12-cup)
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Optional Substitutions & Additions
- Protein: Use shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken.
- Grains: Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice.
- Extra flavor: Add minced garlic or ginger to the mix.
How to Make
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line with silicone cups.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, chicken, vegetables, eggs, cheese (if using), 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix until evenly combined.
- Divide mixture evenly into muffin cups, pressing down gently to pack.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until muffins are set and lightly golden on top.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tin.
- Drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve warm.

What to Serve With
- Steamed edamame
- Miso soup
- Asian cucumber salad
Tips for Success
- Use sticky rice to help muffins hold together better.
- Press mixture firmly into muffin cups for compact, sturdy portions.
- Let them cool slightly before removing to prevent crumbling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using long-grain rice – It won’t stick as well.
- Skipping the egg – It’s the main binder.
- Overloading with sauce before baking – Can make the muffins too wet.
How to Store & Reheat
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in fridge before reheating.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make them vegetarian?
Yes swap chicken for tofu or extra vegetables.
Do they taste good cold?
Yes great for packed lunches.
Can I make them spicy?
Absolutely add sriracha, chili flakes, or spicy teriyaki sauce.
Nutritional Info (approximate per muffin, 12 muffins)
Calories: 150
Protein: 8g
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Conclusion
Teriyaki Chicken Rice Muffins are a clever way to enjoy all the flavors of a stir-fry in a fun, portable form. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a crowd, or looking for a creative lunchbox idea, these savory muffins are guaranteed to become a household favorite.
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Teriyaki Chicken Rice Muffins: A Flavor-Packed Bite-Sized Meal
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Savory rice muffins made with chicken, vegetables, and teriyaki sauce, baked into portable portions perfect for meal prep or snacking.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked rice
1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, diced
1 cup mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, corn)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (plus extra for topping)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
In a large bowl, mix rice, chicken, vegetables, eggs, cheese (if using), teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil until combined.
Divide mixture into muffin cups, pressing down to pack.
Bake 20–25 minutes until set and lightly golden.
Cool 5 minutes before removing.
Drizzle with teriyaki sauce, sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions, and serve warm.
Notes
Use sticky rice for better binding.
Press mixture firmly for sturdy muffins.
Let cool before removing to prevent breaking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Keywords: teriyaki chicken rice muffins, savory rice muffins, meal prep rice cups, baked chicken rice bites
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