Name: Thai Chicken Rice (Khao Man Gai) with Sesame, Ginger, and Teriyaki BBQ Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 tbsp Kikkoman Toasted Sesame Oil; 30 g red onion, thinly sliced; 15 g fresh ginger, sliced into 1 mm thick strips, then cut into fine matchsticks; 5 g garlic, thinly sliced; 300 g rice, rinsed and drained; 300 ml water; 1 tbsp Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce; 3 pinches black pepper; 400 g chicken breast or thigh, skin-on, excess fat removed; 3 tbsp Kikkoman Teriyaki BBQ Sauce Korean Style; 2 tsp fish sauce; 1 tsp lime juice; 1 spring onion, finely sliced; 3 sprigs coriander (separate leaves and stems); 1 cucumber, sliced; 3 cherry tomatoes, halved; Reserved coriander leaves; Reserved fried onion, ginger, and garlic from flavored oil step

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 9 reviews

If you are craving a dish that bursts with comforting flavors while staying refreshingly vibrant, this Thai Chicken Rice (Khao Man Gai) with Sesame, Ginger, and Teriyaki BBQ Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. It perfectly balances tender, juicy chicken nestled on fragrant rice infused with toasted sesame oil, ginger, and garlic, all elevated by a luscious teriyaki BBQ sauce with a zing of lime and fish sauce. It’s a beautiful harmony of textures and tastes that feels both familiar and exciting, making it an ideal meal to share with friends or enjoy as a soul-satisfying treat at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white slow cooker filled with dark brown broth containing two pale yellow pieces of food sprinkled with black pepper on top is placed on a wooden cutting board. To the right of the cooker, there is a small bottle with a red cap and a white label, a metal spoon, and a black frying pan with a wooden spatula inside it. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are incredibly simple yet foundational, each one adding its own dimension of flavor, texture, or color that brings this recipe to life. From the nutty richness of toasted sesame oil to the brightness of fresh coriander, every item has a starring role.

2 tbsp Kikkoman Toasted Sesame Oil: This toasted oil infuses a deep, nutty aroma that’s key to the rice’s flavor.
30 g red onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle sweetness and gentle bite.
15 g fresh ginger: Adds bright, peppery warmth when finely julienned.
5 g garlic: Thinly sliced to introduce savory depth.
300 g rice: The heart of the dish, lending fluffy, satisfying starch.
300 ml water: Perfect quantity to cook the rice tenderly without sogginess.
1 tbsp Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce: Provides a gentle umami boost and beautiful color to the rice.
3 pinch black pepper: Simple seasoning for the chicken’s flavorful crust.
400 g chicken breast or thigh, skin-on: Skin-on helps keep the chicken moist and adds mouthwatering crispness.
3 tbsp Kikkoman Teriyaki BBQ Sauce Korean Style: This sauce packs a sweet, smoky, and tangy punch that complements the dish brilliantly.
2 tsp fish sauce: Brings savory depth and authentic Thai character.
1 tsp lime juice: A fresh, citrusy lift that brightens the sauce.
1 spring onion: Thinly sliced for a mild onion crunch in the sauce.
3 sprigs coriander: Divided between chopped stems for the sauce and fresh leaves for garnish.
1 cucumber: Thinly sliced for a crisp, cooling side.
3 cherry tomatoes: Halved to add juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color on the plate.

How to Make Thai Chicken Rice (Khao Man Gai) with Sesame, Ginger, and Teriyaki BBQ Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics in Sesame Oil

First, you’ll thinly slice the red onion and garlic to about 1 millimeter and cut the ginger into fine matchstick strips. Adding these to the rich Kikkoman Toasted Sesame Oil, gently sauté until golden brown and fragrant. This step is magical because the oil absorbs all those aromatic flavors, which will later coat the rice beautifully. Once done, strain the mixture so you have the flavored oil separate from the crisped onion, ginger, and garlic bits—both components will play an important role shortly.

Step 2: Toast the Rice in Flavored Sesame Oil

Next, rinse and drain the rice well to remove excess starch, then sauté it gently in the infused sesame oil. Toasting the rice this way adds a delicate nuttiness and prevents it from becoming mushy during cooking. It also gives the rice a stunning gentle translucency that hints at the wonderful texture to come, setting the stage perfectly for the next step.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Over Rice in the Rice Cooker

Transfer the toasted rice to your rice cooker, adding water, the savory Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce, and a pinch of black pepper. Place the seasoned chicken on top, skin side up, and start cooking. This technique allows the chicken to steam gently over the rice, locking in moisture and melding flavors. The resulting texture is beautifully tender chicken with a subtle seasoning and deeply flavorful rice underneath—the harmonies created here are just stunning.

Step 4: Prepare the Zesty Teriyaki BBQ Sauce

While the rice and chicken cook, whisk together Kikkoman Teriyaki BBQ Sauce Korean Style, fish sauce, and lime juice. Add finely sliced spring onion and coriander stems to give the sauce a fresh herbaceous note balanced by the tang and saltiness. This sauce will become your magic finish, tying all the components together with succulence and a little kick. Reserve the coriander leaves separately for garnish.

Step 5: Slice and Assemble with Fresh Vegetables and Garnishes

When the rice cooker signals it’s done, carefully remove the chicken and allow it to rest for five minutes—resting helps retain juiciness. Meanwhile, fluff the rice gently with a spatula and let it keep warm. Slice cucumber thinly and halve cherry tomatoes for fresh crunch and sweetness. Arrange the rice in bowls, top with perfectly sliced chicken, sprinkle with the crispy fried onion, garlic, and ginger from earlier, and finish with the fragrant coriander leaves. Serve the vibrant vegetables and zingy teriyaki BBQ sauce on the side so everyone can adjust to their liking.

How to Serve Thai Chicken Rice (Khao Man Gai) with Sesame, Ginger, and Teriyaki BBQ Sauce Recipe

A white rice cooker is open on a wooden board with a white marbled surface underneath. Inside, there is a layer of brown cooked rice filling the cooker, topped with a single piece of cooked chicken with yellowish skin and visible black pepper seasoning. A woman's hand is holding a spoon, lifting a piece of the chicken and some rice onto a white plate, which has some scattered grains of rice. Two dark brown sauce bottles with red and blue caps are placed on the upper left side near the cooker. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing with the crispy fried onion, garlic, and ginger alongside fresh coriander leaves elevates the dish with beautiful textures and vibrant aromas. These simple touches make each bite exciting, with bursts of crunch and herbal brightness that provide contrast to the tender chicken and fluffy rice.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp cucumber slices and juicy cherry tomatoes, which cool and refresh the palate between bites of savory, rich chicken and sauce. You can also add a simple Asian-style pickle or a light soup to complement and round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this Thai Chicken Rice (Khao Man Gai) with Sesame, Ginger, and Teriyaki BBQ Sauce Recipe in individual bowls or on a large platter for a family-style feast. Garnish with extra coriander sprigs and scatter some toasted sesame seeds on top for added flair. For a novel twist, consider wrapping slices of chicken and rice in lettuce leaves for handheld bites that add a fresh crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, cooked chicken rice keeps well for up to 3 days and makes for an easy grab-and-go meal that tastes just as satisfying.

Freezing

You can freeze the rice and chicken separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze the sauce separately in small portions to preserve its vibrant flavor. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently using a microwave or stovetop—if microwaving, cover loosely and add a splash of water to keep the rice moist. Reheat the sauce on low heat to preserve its complexity. Avoid overcooking to maintain the tender juiciness of the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?

Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and more chew but will require longer cooking time and more water. Adjust according to your rice cooker’s instructions for brown rice.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan or vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken for tofu or tempeh and replace fish sauce with a vegan alternative such as tamari or soy sauce. The aromatic rice and sauce flavors still shine beautifully.

Why is it important to sauté the rice in sesame oil before cooking?

Toasting the rice in oil locks in a toasty aroma and prevents it from becoming overly sticky or mushy. It also redistributes oils and flavors evenly, giving the final dish a richer taste and perfect texture.

Can I prepare the teriyaki BBQ sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld deeper, making it even more vibrant when served.

What is the best way to achieve crispy chicken skin in this recipe?

Since the chicken cooks steamed atop the rice, the skin won’t become very crispy during cooking. To get crisp skin, you can briefly pan-fry or broil the chicken skin side up after cooking, just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Chicken Rice (Khao Man Gai) with Sesame, Ginger, and Teriyaki BBQ Sauce Recipe is a delightful feast that brings together bold flavors and satisfying comfort. Whether you are craving a simple weeknight dinner or planning to impress guests with a flavorful Asian-inspired meal, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dish!