If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that never disappoints, this Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how it balances tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce sweetened with honey. When I first tried this, I was surprised at how effortlessly you can bring restaurant-quality flavors to your own kitchen in just about 30 minutes. Stick with me, and I’ll share all the tips to help you nail it every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Balanced Flavors: Sweet honey, savory soy, and fresh ginger bring everything together.
- Healthy Ingredients: Lean chicken and fresh veggies make it guilt-free and nourishing.
- Customizable: Adapt the veggies or protein easily to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find this Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe uses simple ingredients that you might already have on hand or can easily pick up at your local store. Each component has its role — from the garlic and ginger adding zest, to the honey balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce. Here are some details on the stars of the show.
- Chicken breast: I like to use boneless skinless for tenderness and ease, and pound it slightly for even cooking.
- Toasted sesame oil: This brings a warm, nutty flavor great for stir-frying.
- Fresh garlic and ginger: They add vibrant, aromatic layers — always use fresh for the best punch.
- Green onions (white part): Adds a mild onion flavor that’s perfect sautéed with the chicken.
- Low sodium soy sauce or tamari: Keeps the sodium in check while delivering that signature umami taste.
- Honey: Natural sweetness that balances the savory sauce beautifully.
- Cornstarch and water: The little trick for a glossy, thickened sauce that clings perfectly to every bite.
- Red bell pepper and broccoli: Fresh, crunchy veggies that steam lightly in the pan for a nice texture contrast.
Variations
I love showing how flexible this Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe truly is — feel free to make it your own! Whether it’s swapping out veggies or trying a different protein, these tweaks have made the recipe perfect for my family’s many preferences.
- Use tofu or tempeh: I’ve made this bowl vegetarian by pan-frying tofu cubes instead of chicken; it soaks up the sauce wonderfully and still gives you that satisfying bite.
- Add mushrooms or snap peas: Depending on the season, I sometimes toss in shiitake mushrooms or crunchy snap peas for extra texture and flavor.
- Spicy kick: My family loves a little heat, so I sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or mix in a dash of Sriracha when making the sauce.
- Brown rice or quinoa: Swap white rice for these whole grains to boost fiber and keep things hearty.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by pounding the chicken breast to about 1/2 inch thickness — this helps it cook evenly and stay juicy. Then cut it into 1-inch cubes for bite-sized pieces that soak up the sauce better. Toss the chicken with salt and pepper to season; this simple step is key to bringing out the chicken’s flavor.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Chicken
Heat your non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the toasted sesame oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped white part of the green onion. Stir them for about 30 seconds until fragrant before adding the seasoned chicken. Sauté the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, letting it get golden brown and nearly cooked through. This layering of flavors really makes a difference.
Step 3: Cook the Veggies
Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. In the same pan, add the chopped red bell pepper and broccoli florets. If your pan looks dry, add a splash more sesame oil — the veggies need just enough fat to sauté but shouldn’t be swimming in it. Cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes or until fork tender but still crisp. Keeping that crunch contrasts nicely with the tender chicken.
Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
While the veggies cook, whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, honey, and the cornstarch slurry. This sauce is where the magic happens — sweet, tangy, and slightly thickened to coat every morsel.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the chicken back into the pan with the sautéed veggies. Pour the teriyaki sauce over everything and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken and vegetables beautifully. Cut into a piece of chicken to check it’s fully cooked through—no pink should remain inside. This step is essential for both taste and safety!
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve your tender teriyaki chicken and veggie mix over your favorite rice — I usually go with steamed jasmine for aroma and fluffiness. Top with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat, and the remaining chopped green onions for freshness. Enjoy every savory, sweet, and satisfying bite!
Pro Tips for Making Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Pound for Juiciness: Pounding the chicken ensures it cooks evenly and stays tender rather than drying out.
- Fresh Ginger is a Must: I learned the hard way that ground ginger just doesn’t bring the same vibrant flavor, so fresh is always best here.
- Sauce Thickening Technique: Mixing cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the sauce prevents clumping and gives a perfect glossy finish.
- Don’t Overcook Veggies: Keep them crisp to add a nice texture contrast to the tender chicken and sauce.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this bowl with extra chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds — they add crunch and a bit of nuttiness that complements the sauce. Sometimes, I add a few red pepper flakes too for a subtle kick. Feel free to sprinkle some pickled ginger for a bright, tangy contrast if you have it on hand.
Side Dishes
While the bowl itself is pretty complete, I often serve it with a side of steamed edamame or a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing. These sides keep things light and fresh, balancing the rich teriyaki flavors nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve plated this teriyaki chicken bowl in bamboo bowls to add an authentic touch. You can also layer the chicken and veggies in glass jars for a vibrant, colorful presentation perfect for meal prepping or impressing guests at casual dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the chicken and veggies separately from the rice if you made a full bowl, so nothing gets soggy.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen the cooked chicken and veggies (sans rice) in freezer-safe bags. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture stays surprisingly good for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, I use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to help steam and prevent drying. This keeps the chicken tender and the sauce saucy, better than the microwave, which can toughen the meat.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually great because they stay moist and flavorful. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
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Is there a substitute for cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot powder or potato starch work well as thickening agents in this recipe. Just keep the slurry ratio the same and mix thoroughly before adding to the sauce.
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How do I make this Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep it gluten-free. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those who need to avoid gluten.
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Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes! This is one of my favorite recipes for meal prepping because it reheats well and stays flavorful. Just portion into containers with rice and store the sauce and toppings separately to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe has truly become a staple in my kitchen because it’s easy, comforting, and you can trust it to satisfy every time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself after a busy day, this dish brings warmth and happiness to the table. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) it as much as I do — trust me, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and healthy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl featuring tender pan-seared chicken breast, vibrant sautéed vegetables, and a homemade honey-sweetened teriyaki sauce. This easy-to-make gluten-free meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, served over rice and garnished with green onions and red pepper flakes for a flavorful finish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion (white part only)
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thickness and cut into 1-inch cubes. Season the chicken cubes with salt and black pepper, tossing to coat evenly.
- Cook the chicken and aromatics: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add toasted sesame oil. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped white part of green onions, and the seasoned chicken. Sauté everything together, then allow the chicken to cook on each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and mostly cooked through. Transfer the chicken and aromatics to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped red bell pepper and broccoli florets. Add a little more oil if needed depending on your pan. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes or until they are fork tender.
- Make the cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until no clumps remain. This slurry will help thicken the sauce.
- Prepare and add the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, low sodium chicken broth, rice vinegar, and honey. Stir the cornstarch slurry into this sauce mixture.
- Combine and simmer: Once the vegetables are tender, add the chicken back to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients well. Check that the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the teriyaki chicken and vegetables over cooked rice. Garnish with the remaining green onion tops and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Enjoy your healthy and flavorful bowl!
Notes
- This teriyaki chicken bowl is an easy and healthy gluten-free dinner recipe ready in about 30 minutes.
- The chicken gets a delicious crispy pan-fried texture combined with tender sautéed vegetables.
- The sauce is naturally sweetened with pure honey, making it a wholesome choice.
- Serve over steamed rice to make it a complete meal.
- Add red pepper flakes to taste for a bit of heat if desired.
- If you prefer, swap broccoli for other green veggies like snap peas or kale.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 251 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg