I absolutely love this Chicken Teriyaki Bowl Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels both fresh and comforting at the same time. Whenever I’m craving something quick but packed with flavor, this recipe never disappoints. You’ll find it’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a wholesome meal that hits all the right notes — savory, sweet, and just a touch of garlic and ginger.
What makes this Chicken Teriyaki Bowl Recipe special for me is how flexible it is. You can swap in your favorite veggies or even switch up the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice if you’re watching carbs. It’s a simple, balanced bowl that leaves you full and satisfied without feeling weighed down. Plus, the homemade teriyaki sauce is way tastier and healthier than anything you get in a bottle!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy days when you want something homemade in under 30 minutes.
- Made from Scratch Sauce: The teriyaki sauce is fresh, flavorful, and much healthier than store-bought alternatives.
- Balanced and Nutritious: This bowl combines lean protein, colorful veggies, and starch for a filling meal.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or adjust the sweetness and saltiness to suit your taste!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Chicken Teriyaki Bowl Recipe are straightforward, easy to find, and work beautifully together to create that classic balanced flavor. A quick trip to the grocery store should cover everything, and you can even prep some ingredients in advance if you want to save time.
- Chicken breast: Choose a fresh or thawed boneless, skinless chicken breast for tender, juicy pieces.
- Olive oil: I like using olive oil for its subtle flavor and good cooking properties.
- Carrots: Add sweetness and crunch; slicing them thin helps them cook quickly.
- Broccoli: This is my go-to vegetable here because it adds great texture and a pop of green.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes without overpowering the dish.
- Salt: Just a pinch to bring everything together.
- Rice: White or brown rice works well, depending on your preference for texture and nutrition.
- Sesame seeds: A little toasty crunch as a topping that makes a big difference.
- Green onions: These add brightness and freshness as a final garnish.
- Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients: Water, sesame oil, brown sugar or coconut sugar for sweetness, soy sauce or coconut aminos for that umami punch, honey for depth, freshly minced garlic and ginger for warmth and zing, plus cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up.
Variations
I love how adaptable this Chicken Teriyaki Bowl Recipe is! Feel free to play around with the veggies or sauce ingredients to suit your mood or dietary needs. Experimenting with flavors keeps this recipe exciting every time.
- Vegetable Substitutions: Sometimes I swap carrots and broccoli for snap peas or bell peppers—super tasty and colorful.
- Protein Swaps: Tried this with salmon or tofu for a delicious twist that my family enjoyed just as much.
- Lower Sugar: Use less honey and sugar or swap with a natural sweetener like maple syrup for a milder sweetness.
- Gluten-Free: Coconut aminos work great instead of soy sauce for those avoiding gluten.
How to Make Chicken Teriyaki Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Rice
Start by cooking your rice according to the package instructions—this usually takes around 15-20 minutes. I like to use a rice cooker for convenience, but a pot on the stove works just as well. The rice will be the hearty base of your bowl, so don’t rush this step.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat half of the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, then toss in your carrots and broccoli. Sprinkle with garlic powder and salt. Cook for about 5 minutes until the veggies are tender but still have a little crunch. This part smells amazing, and I always take a second to savor it before moving on. Once done, remove the veggies from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Next, heat the other half of the olive oil in the pan. When it’s hot, add your cubed chicken breast without overcrowding the pan. Let it cook undisturbed for 3 minutes so it gets a nice golden sear. Then flip all the pieces and cook for another 3 minutes. You want that lovely browned crust that adds so much flavor.
Step 4: Make and Add the Teriyaki Sauce
While the chicken cooks, mix together the teriyaki sauce ingredients — water, sesame oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Whisk the cornstarch with water separately until smooth before stirring it into the sauce mix. Pour your sauce into the pan with the chicken and cook for a few more minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Don’t forget to spoon some over your veggies too—they deserve that flavor boost!
Step 5: Assemble Your Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
Grab your cooked rice and spoon it into bowls. Layer on the sautéed veggies, then top with the sticky chicken teriyaki. Finish it off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that final punch of flavor and color. Serve immediately, and enjoy the smile this bowl brings!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Teriyaki Bowl Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed to get a nice sear — it makes a huge flavor difference.
- Prep Sauce Ingredients Ahead: I like mixing the sauce ingredients in a small bowl before cooking, so everything goes smoothly once the chicken is ready.
- Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Fresh ingredients elevate the sauce more than powders or pastes alone.
- Mix Cornstarch Well: Always whisk cornstarch with cold water before adding it to prevent lumps in the sauce.
How to Serve Chicken Teriyaki Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
I always reach for toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions to top my Chicken Teriyaki Bowl. They add just the right amount of crunch and freshness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little chili flakes for some heat or add a wedge of lime for a light citrus kick.
Side Dishes
I like keeping it simple, so steamed edamame or a crisp Asian cucumber salad pairs perfectly alongside this bowl. If I’m feeling fancy, some pickled ginger adds a lovely zing and balances the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl in a bento-style box with separate compartments for rice, veggies, and chicken. It looks colorful and inviting, making it perfect for lunches or picnic trays. Garnishing with edible flowers once made it feel extra special for a dinner party!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When I have leftovers, I store the chicken, veggies, and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This helps keep everything fresh and prevents the veggies from getting mushy overnight. Leftovers usually hold up well for 3-4 days.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the chicken and sauce mix before with good results—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. I usually avoid freezing the rice and veggies because they can get watery after thawing, but if you want to freeze everything, try reheating gently and drain any excess moisture.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I prefer warming the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat so the sauce stays thick and glossy. The veggies can be quickly steamed or microwaved separately. Freshen it up with extra green onions or sesame seeds before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast in this Chicken Teriyaki Bowl Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a richer flavor and stay juicier, which makes them a great alternative. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through and have a nice sear.
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Is there a vegetarian version of this Chicken Teriyaki Bowl Recipe?
Yes! Tofu or tempeh are excellent swaps for chicken. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cook it similarly to the chicken for a delicious plant-based option.
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Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
You can! Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just warm it gently before mixing with the chicken to keep it fresh and flavorful.
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What’s the best rice to use for a Chicken Teriyaki Bowl Recipe?
I personally prefer brown rice for its nutty flavor and extra fiber, but jasmine or plain white rice works well if you want something softer and quicker to cook.
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How can I thicken the teriyaki sauce if it’s too thin?
Make sure to whisk your cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the sauce; cooking it a few minutes longer will also help it thicken nicely. Avoid adding cornstarch directly to hot sauce to prevent lumps.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Teriyaki Bowl Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough to share with company. I hope you give this one a try and enjoy making it as much as I do. Trust me, once you nail the homemade sauce and get the balance right, this bowl becomes an instant favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
PrintChicken Teriyaki Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
- Diet: Halal
Description
A flavorful and simple Chicken Teriyaki Bowl featuring tender pan-seared chicken breast, sautéed vegetables, and a homemade teriyaki sauce served over fluffy rice. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 large chicken breast (about 8 oz), cubed
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup brown or white rice
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp ginger paste or fresh ginger minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (whisked together)
Toppings
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Rice: Prepare the rice following package instructions until fluffy and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1/2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced carrots and chopped broccoli, then season with garlic powder and salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender but still crisp. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Add the remaining 1/2 tbsp olive oil to the same pan and heat it until hot. Add the cubed chicken breast pieces to the pan. Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes to brown one side, then flip and cook the other side for another 3 minutes until chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Prepare Teriyaki Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine water, sesame oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ginger paste in a bowl. Separately, mix cornstarch with water until dissolved. Add this slurry to the sauce mixture and stir well.
- Add Sauce & Simmer: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the pan with the chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly. Spoon some sauce over the cooked vegetables for extra flavor.
- Assemble the Bowl: In serving bowls, layer the cooked rice, followed by the sautéed vegetables, then top with the teriyaki chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast with thigh for a juicier texture.
- For a low-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos.
- Add steamed snap peas or bell peppers for more vegetable variety.
- Adjust sweetness in the sauce by modifying the amount of brown sugar or honey.
- Serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg