When it comes to quick, satisfying meals that don’t compromise on flavor, the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl is a go-to favorite for many.
This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, savory-sweet teriyaki sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice.
Topped with vibrant garnishes and optional veggies, it’s a balanced meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.
Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced foodie, this bowl is surprisingly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
This Chicken Teriyaki Bowl is a complete meal in one bowl, and here’s why it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:
Flavor Harmony
The combination of salty soy sauce, sweet honey, aromatic ginger, and garlic creates a sauce that is truly irresistible. The balance of umami flavors with a slight sweetness coats the chicken perfectly, making every bite an explosion of flavor.
Customizable for Any Taste
Want to make it spicier? Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. Prefer it milder? You can adjust the sweetness or even swap out the rice for a low-carb alternative. This recipe is perfect for catering to various dietary preferences and spice levels.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
You can have a delicious homemade chicken teriyaki bowl on your table in just 30 minutes! With simple ingredients and minimal cooking steps, it’s an ideal option for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and flavorful but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Nutrient-Rich and Balanced
Loaded with lean protein from the chicken, carbs from the rice, and optional veggies, this meal provides a solid nutritional profile. It’s filling without being too heavy, making it the perfect healthy comfort food.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for a Perfect Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
Before you get started, let’s gather all the ingredients for your Chicken Teriyaki Bowl. The beauty of this dish is that you likely already have most of these items in your pantry!
For the Chicken Marinade
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Chicken breasts offer a leaner option, but chicken thighs are more tender and juicy. Choose based on your preference.
- Soy Sauce: The key ingredient that provides a deep umami flavor.
- Honey and Brown Sugar: For the perfect balance of sweetness that complements the saltiness of the soy sauce.
- Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic bring aromatic heat and depth to the marinade.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the sauce.
- Rice Vinegar: A touch of acidity to balance the flavors.
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- Soy Sauce: The base of the sauce that ties all the flavors together.
- Mirin: A sweet rice wine that gives the sauce its signature sweetness. If you don’t have mirin, a splash of rice vinegar and sugar can work as a substitute.
- Sake: Adds depth and enhances the teriyaki flavor (can be substituted with water or chicken broth if preferred).
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce and create a glossy finish that coats the chicken beautifully.
For the Rice Base
- Jasmine Rice or Brown Rice: While jasmine rice is traditionally used for its fragrant, fluffy texture, brown rice is a great alternative for those seeking a whole grain option.
- Water or Broth: For cooking the rice perfectly, either plain water or chicken broth adds a touch of flavor.
Optional Toppings and Garnishes
- Sesame Seeds: A light sprinkle for crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Green Onions: Fresh, finely chopped green onions add a pop of color and a mild oniony bite.
- Pickled Ginger: The tangy, slightly sweet flavor of pickled ginger pairs well with the savory chicken.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or snap peas are excellent choices to add color and nutritional value.
- Seaweed Strips: For an extra touch of authenticity and umami flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the simple process of making your Chicken Teriyaki Bowl. Follow these easy steps to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor!
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken for the best flavor. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir until the sugar dissolves and everything is well-mixed.
Place your chicken breasts or thighs into the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour for more intense flavor. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with all the savory and sweet goodness.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook! You have a few options here:
- Pan-sear the chicken: Heat a little sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness), until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, ensuring it’s cooked through. Let it rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- Bake the chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked through, then slice.
Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake (or water), and cornstarch (dissolve the cornstarch in a little water before adding). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 3-5 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
While your chicken is cooking, start preparing the rice. For jasmine rice, rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, combine 1 cup of rice with 1 ½ cups of water (or chicken broth for added flavor). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it cook for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Step 5: Assemble the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
To assemble your bowl, start with a generous serving of rice as the base. Top it with the sliced chicken and drizzle with the homemade teriyaki sauce. For the final touch, sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and a few slices of pickled ginger. You can also add some steamed or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to complete the dish.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
To make sure your Chicken Teriyaki Bowl turns out just right, here are some helpful tips that will elevate the dish and help you avoid any common pitfalls:
1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Chicken can easily become dry if overcooked, so it’s important to keep an eye on the cooking time. Whether you’re pan-searing, grilling, or baking, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Rest the chicken for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
2. Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce
If you prefer a sweeter teriyaki sauce, you can increase the amount of honey or brown sugar in the marinade. On the other hand, if you prefer a more savory version, reduce the amount of sugar and balance it out with a little more soy sauce or rice vinegar.
3. Add Veggies for Extra Nutrition
While the chicken and rice are the stars of the show, adding veggies not only enhances the flavor and texture but also makes the dish more balanced. Steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or even spinach work well. Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables!
4. Make It Gluten-Free
To make your Chicken Teriyaki Bowl gluten-free, simply substitute the regular soy sauce with tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
5. Prep in Advance for Meal Prep
This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can make the rice, chicken, and teriyaki sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply heat everything up and assemble your bowl for a quick and satisfying meal.
6. Experiment with Rice Alternatives
If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, you can substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa. Both alternatives will give you a unique twist on the dish while still delivering a filling and nutritious base.
7. Get Creative with Garnishes
While sesame seeds and green onions are classic garnishes, don’t hesitate to get creative with additional toppings. Chopped cilantro, avocado slices, or a drizzle of spicy mayo can add more flavor and a fresh touch to your bowl.
Conclusion
Your Chicken Teriyaki Bowl is now ready to be enjoyed! Whether you’re having it as a quick weeknight dinner, packing it for lunch, or prepping meals for the week, this bowl is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. The combination of tender chicken, savory-sweet teriyaki sauce, and fragrant rice creates a satisfying, balanced meal that can be easily customized to your tastes. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it perfect for busy days when you need a meal that’s both delicious and nourishing.
So why wait? Get in the kitchen, try out this recipe, and indulge in the flavors of your own homemade Chicken Teriyaki Bowl today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in place of thighs. Keep in mind that breasts are leaner, so they may cook a bit faster and can be a little drier if overcooked. To keep them juicy, avoid overcooking and consider marinating them a bit longer.
2. Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The homemade teriyaki sauce can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove when you’re ready to use it.
3. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce instead of homemade?
While homemade teriyaki sauce tastes fresher and more customizable, you can absolutely use store-bought teriyaki sauce if you’re in a pinch. Just be aware that some store-bought versions may be sweeter or saltier than homemade, so adjust accordingly.
4. How do I prevent the rice from being too sticky?
To prevent sticky rice, make sure to rinse the rice under cold water before cooking it. This helps remove excess starch. Also, make sure you’re using the correct water-to-rice ratio (generally 1:1.5 for jasmine rice) and avoid stirring the rice while it’s cooking.
5. Can I add other vegetables to my Chicken Teriyaki Bowl?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like broccoli, carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers will not only enhance the flavor but also increase the nutritional value. You can steam, sauté, or even stir-fry the veggies to add some extra texture and color to your bowl.
Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl (for marinating chicken)
- 1 skillet or grill pan (for cooking chicken)
- 1 saucepan (for making teriyaki sauce)
- 1 small bowl (for mixing cornstarch and water for the sauce)
- 1 pot (for cooking rice)
- 1 spatula (for stirring sauce)
- 1 spoon or ladle (for serving sauce)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken breasts or thighs boneless, skinless
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Sesame oil
- 1 tbsp Rice vinegar
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Fresh ginger grated
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce for the sauce
- 2 tbsp Mirin or substitute with rice vinegar + sugar
- 1 tbsp Sake optional or substitute with water/chicken broth
- 1 tsp Cornstarch for thickening sauce
- 2 cups Jasmine rice or brown rice
- 1 ½ cups Water for cooking rice
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Green onions chopped, for garnish
- Pickled ginger optional, for garnish
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken to the bowl and ensure it is coated evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Cook the Rice
- Rinse 2 cups of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, combine the rice and 1 ½ cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and add a little sesame oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let the chicken rest before slicing it into thin strips.
Make the Teriyaki Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and cornstarch (dissolved in a bit of water). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Bowl
- Serve a portion of rice in each bowl. Top with sliced chicken, and drizzle with the teriyaki sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and pickled ginger.
Notes
- Rice alternatives: You can substitute jasmine rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce if you like a spicy kick.
- Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Meal prep tip: The chicken, rice, and teriyaki sauce can be made in advance and stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just assemble and reheat when ready to eat.
- Vegetable add-ins: Consider adding steamed or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas to make the bowl even more nutritious and colorful.
