Looking for a quick, comforting, and flavorful meal the whole family will love? The Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowl is a go-to recipe for busy weeknights and weekend cravings alike. Packed with juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and sweet-savory teriyaki sauce, this bowl delivers restaurant-style flavor in every bite—right from your kitchen.
In this recipe guide, we’ll cover how to make the perfect teriyaki chicken rice bowl, prep tips for success, and answer common questions. Whether you’re cooking for one or meal-prepping for the week, this bowl is delicious, budget-friendly, and easy to customize.
Table of Contents
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Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowl
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Saucepan (for rice)
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
For the Bowl
- 2 cups uncooked rice white, jasmine or brown, cooked per package
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1/2 cup carrot thinly sliced or julienned
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds to garnish
- 2 tbsp green onions sliced for garnish
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce reduced-sodium preferred
- 1/4 cup mirin or rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp grated ginger fresh or jarred
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water to thicken
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package directions and keep warm.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin (or vinegar), brown sugar, ginger, and garlic for the teriyaki sauce.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add chicken pieces. Cook until browned and nearly cooked through (~5–7 minutes).
- Add vegetables to the pan, stir-fry until tender crisp (~3–4 minutes).
- Pour sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens and coats chicken and veggies (~1–2 minutes).
- Serve teriyaki chicken and vegetables over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Asian chicken bowl
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Better than takeout – With simple pantry staples.
- Healthy & Balanced – Protein, carbs, and veggies in one.
- Versatile – Use chicken thighs, breasts, or even tofu.
- Meal-prep friendly – Great for make-ahead lunches or dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make a teriyaki chicken bowl from scratch:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp oil (vegetable, avocado, or sesame oil)
For the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp mirin (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or white rice
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- Sliced scallions & sesame seeds for garnish
How to Make the Best Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowl
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start with your favorite white rice. Jasmine rice works beautifully, but brown rice or even quinoa are great alternatives for a fiber boost. Cook according to package instructions and keep warm.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and slice thinly.
Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In the same pan, combine soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Return the sliced chicken and coat well.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
In each bowl, add a scoop of rice, top with glazed teriyaki chicken, and arrange your veggies. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra sauce.
Make It Your Own: Customization Tips
What makes a rice bowl so great is its versatility. Here’s how to customize it to suit your taste:
Swap the Protein
- Use tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Substitute salmon or shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Try ground chicken or beef for a different texture.
Add More Veggies
- Bell peppers, snap peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or edamame all work well.
- Roast or steam veggies based on your taste.
Boost the Flavor
- Add a splash of sriracha or chili flakes for heat.
- Top with a soft-boiled or fried egg for richness.
- Drizzle extra sauce or serve with pickled ginger for an umami kick.
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Health Benefits of Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl
Not only does this meal taste amazing, but it’s also nutritionally well-balanced:
| Ingredient | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Chicken | High-quality lean protein |
| Rice | Excellent energy source (carbs) |
| Broccoli & Carrots | High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants |
| Ginger & Garlic | Anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting |
| Soy Sauce (low-sodium) | Rich in umami, with less salt |
When prepared with minimal oil and sugar, this dish fits easily into a healthy diet.
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Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Store
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Store sauce separately for best texture.
Freeze
Freeze rice and chicken in meal-prep containers. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of water.
Reheat
Microwave for 2–3 minutes or stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat until hot.
A Quick Story from My Kitchen
The first time I made these Teriyaki Chicken Bowls, it was one of those we should really eat the groceries we bought nights. I had a pineapple threatening to go bad on the counter, a pack of chicken, and exactly 25 minutes of patience left in the day.
Grilling the pineapple was a game-changer—it caramelized just enough to make me feel like I knew what I was doing. My family? They thought I had gone all-in on some gourmet dinner plan. (Spoiler: I hadn’t.) This dish feels fancy but is ridiculously simple.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is teriyaki chicken sauce made of?
Traditional teriyaki sauce includes soy sauce, sugar or honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Some recipes also include mirin or sake for depth of flavor.
Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?
Yes! Bottled sauces save time, but watch the sodium and sugar content. Try to pick a low-sodium version or add fresh garlic and ginger to boost the flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
What rice works best in this recipe?
White jasmine rice is most common, but you can use brown rice, basmati, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
How can I make it spicy?
Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce to the teriyaki mixture for heat.
Final Thoughts
This teriyaki chicken and rice bowl recipe brings together convenience, nutrition, and flavor. It’s an easy weeknight meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping lunches ahead of time, it’s a meal you’ll want on repeat.
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