Teriyaki Chicken Bowls Recipe

Introduction

Teriyaki Chicken Bowls are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines tender, juicy chicken coated in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce, served over a bed of rice and topped with fresh vegetables. This dish brings the savory, sweet, and tangy elements of traditional teriyaki flavors in a way that is both quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even for entertaining guests.

The combination of tender chicken, sticky rice, and crisp veggies drizzled with rich teriyaki sauce creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a craving for Asian-inspired cuisine or just need a simple, nutritious meal, Teriyaki Chicken Bowls have you covered. This recipe is versatile, customizable, and easy to make, delivering the right mix of savory, sweet, and umami flavors every time.

This guide will take you through each step of preparing this dish, providing helpful tips, possible variations, and everything you need to create the perfect Teriyaki Chicken Bowl.

Why You’ll Love Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

• Flavorsome and Well-Balanced: The sweet, savory, and slightly tangy teriyaki sauce complements the tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice, creating a flavorful and well-balanced meal.
• Customizable to Your Preferences: Whether you prefer a spicier teriyaki sauce, additional veggies, or different proteins, this dish can easily be tailored to suit your tastes.
• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, Teriyaki Chicken Bowls come together in less than an hour, making them perfect for a busy weeknight or a quick lunch.
• Healthy and Nutritious: This dish is a good source of lean protein, fiber, and vitamins, especially when paired with a variety of fresh vegetables. It’s a wholesome meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: The components of the Teriyaki Chicken Bowl can be prepped in advance and stored separately, making it a great option for meal prepping and having a ready-to-eat meal for several days.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 450-500 calories per bowl, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Fat: 13-15g
• Carbohydrates: 50-55g
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fiber: 3-5g
• Sugar: 10-12g

Ingredients

For the Teriyaki Chicken:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs preferred for juiciness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• 2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium for a healthier option)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional, for extra depth)

For the Bowl:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice or brown rice (or your preferred type of rice)
• 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed or roasted
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots (or julienned)
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced thinly
• 1/4 cup red cabbage, shredded (optional)
• 1 tablespoon pickled ginger (optional, for serving)
• 1 avocado, sliced (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

To start, make the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, water, and cornstarch. Whisk everything together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the mixture and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.

Once the sauce starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little extra water. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

While the teriyaki sauce is simmering, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. The resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken stays tender and juicy.

3. Assemble the Bowls

While the chicken is resting, prepare your rice and vegetables. If you’re using jasmine rice, follow the instructions on the package to cook it. If you prefer brown rice, you may want to start cooking it earlier, as it usually takes longer to prepare. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and divide it into 4 bowls.

For the vegetables, you can either steam or roast the broccoli. To steam, simply place the florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for 4-5 minutes until tender but still vibrant. Alternatively, roast the broccoli by tossing it with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasting it in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes.

Prepare the other vegetables by shredding the carrots, slicing the cucumber, and shredding the red cabbage (if using). Slice the avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning.

4. Combine Chicken and Teriyaki Sauce

Once the chicken is sliced, drizzle it with a generous amount of the teriyaki sauce, tossing it to coat the chicken evenly. You can either return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce over low heat for a minute or two or simply mix the sauce with the chicken in a bowl.

5. Assemble the Bowls

To assemble the bowls, start by placing a portion of rice in the bottom of each bowl. Then, arrange the cooked chicken over the rice. Add the steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and red cabbage (if using) to each bowl.

Drizzle some of the remaining teriyaki sauce over the top and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. If desired, add a few slices of avocado and a small serving of pickled ginger for extra flavor.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Teriyaki Chicken Bowls immediately while the chicken and rice are still warm. This dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and texture. The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, along with the variety of fresh vegetables, makes this meal a satisfying and healthy option for lunch or dinner.

Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

• Use Bone-In Thighs for Extra Flavor: If you prefer a juicier chicken, consider using bone-in, skinless chicken thighs. They provide more flavor and moisture than breasts and are harder to overcook.
• Make Your Own Pickled Ginger: If you can’t find pickled ginger at the store, you can make your own by soaking fresh ginger slices in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt for a few hours.
• Customizing Your Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables in your bowl to suit your preferences. Roasted bell peppers, sautéed spinach, or edamame are all great alternatives or additions to the veggies listed in the recipe.
• Meal Prep Tip: If you’re preparing the bowls for meal prep, keep the rice, chicken, and vegetables separate from the teriyaki sauce. This will prevent the rice and veggies from becoming soggy. When ready to eat, reheat the components and drizzle the sauce on top.
• Use a Slow Cooker: If you prefer a hands-off approach, cook the chicken in a slow cooker with the teriyaki sauce for 4-6 hours on low. This method will infuse the chicken with even more flavor, making it even juicier.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you like your teriyaki sauce on the sweeter side, feel free to add more honey or maple syrup to taste. For a spicier version, add a little sriracha or chili flakes.

Variations of Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

• Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Bowls: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or a teaspoon of chili flakes to the teriyaki sauce to give the dish some heat. You can also drizzle a little spicy mayo over the top for extra spice.
• Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet. This will add a charred, smoky element to the dish that pairs beautifully with the sweet teriyaki sauce.
• Teriyaki Chicken with Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb or gluten-free option, swap the rice for cauliflower rice. It’s a healthy alternative that still provides the perfect base for the teriyaki chicken and vegetables.
• Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Bowls: For a tropical twist, add some fresh pineapple chunks to the bowls. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the salty and sweet teriyaki chicken.
• Vegetarian Teriyaki Bowls: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Cook the tofu until it’s golden and crispy, and toss it with the teriyaki sauce for a satisfying meatless option.

Storage and Shelf Life

Teriyaki Chicken Bowls are perfect for leftovers and meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Teriyaki Chicken Bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the rice, chicken, and vegetables in the microwave or on the stovetop, and drizzle with the remaining teriyaki sauce before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and rice separately in freezer-safe containers for

up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

Pair these Teriyaki Chicken Bowls with complementary sides to enhance your meal:

• Edamame: Steamed edamame tossed in sea salt makes for a great, protein-packed snack or side dish.
• Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup pairs wonderfully with the teriyaki chicken, adding a savory depth to the meal.
• Crispy Spring Rolls: Serve crispy vegetable or shrimp spring rolls with your Teriyaki Chicken Bowls for a crunchy contrast.
• Asian-Inspired Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing is a refreshing side dish that complements the richness of the chicken bowls.

Print

Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken Bowls are a flavorful, satisfying, and easy-to-make dish that everyone will love. With tender chicken, sticky rice, and fresh vegetables all drizzled with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, this meal is the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving a crowd, Teriyaki Chicken Bowls will always be a crowd-pleaser.

Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious Teriyaki Chicken Bowls!