Chicken Teriyaki Bowl Recipe

I absolutely love making this Chicken Teriyaki Bowl Recipe because it’s such a satisfying, well-balanced meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. The tender chicken glazed in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, paired with crisp veggies and fluffy rice, makes it a weeknight winner that never disappoints.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how simple ingredients could create such bold, comforting flavors. You’ll find that it’s perfect for busy evenings or whenever you crave something homemade but fuss-free. Plus, the vibrant veggies add freshness and texture that really round out the whole bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Chicken Teriyaki Bowl Recipe come together beautifully, combining simple pantry staples with fresh veggies to create a harmonious meal. Don’t hesitate to pick fresh, crisp broccoli and carrots for the best flavor and texture.

• Chicken breast: I use boneless, skinless chicken breast for lean protein; cubing it helps it cook evenly and fast.
• Olive oil: Divided between cooking veggies and chicken, it helps develop great flavor and prevents sticking.
• Carrots: Add a nice sweetness and crunch—slice them thin for quicker cooking.
• Broccoli: I like it fresh and chopped roughly; it keeps a little bite after sautéing.
• Garlic powder and salt: Simple seasoning to brighten up the veggies and chicken.
• Rice (brown or white): Your choice; brown adds nuttiness and fiber, white cooks faster.
• Teriyaki sauce ingredients: Water, sesame oil, brown sugar or coconut sugar, soy sauce or coconut aminos, honey, fresh/minced garlic and ginger, and a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
• Sesame seeds and green onions: Essential toppings that add nuttiness and freshness—don’t skip these!

Variations

I love how versatile this Chicken Teriyaki Bowl Recipe is—you can easily swap or add ingredients to suit your mood or dietary needs. I often mix it up depending on what’s in season or what’s in my fridge.

• Vegetable swaps: I sometimes swap broccoli for snap peas or bell peppers for a different crunch and flavor.
• Protein options: Using chicken thighs is a great twist if you prefer more juicy, flavorful meat.
• Gluten-free version: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
• Spicy kick: A drizzle of sriracha or a dash of red pepper flakes added to the sauce amps up the heat delightfully.

How to Make Chicken Teriyaki Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by cooking your rice according to the package directions. I usually prep this first so it’s ready when the chicken and veggies are done. For fluffier rice, rinse it under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies

Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the sliced carrots and chopped broccoli, seasoning them with garlic powder and salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re tender but still have a pleasing crunch. Then, scoop them out and set aside. This step helps keep the veggies vibrant and prevents overcooking later.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Next, add the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and heat it until shimmering. Add your cubed chicken breast and let it cook undisturbed for 3 minutes—this helps develop a nice golden brown crust. After that, flip the chicken pieces and cook another 3 minutes until the other side is golden and the chicken is nearly cooked through. Resist the urge to keep stirring; patience here is key to getting that perfect sear.

Step 4: Make and Add the Teriyaki Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the teriyaki sauce ingredients: water, sesame oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ginger. Mix the cornstarch with water separately to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce mixture right before pouring it into the pan. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens and coats all the chicken pieces beautifully. Spoon some extra sauce over your veggies for full flavor integration.

Step 5: Assemble Your Teriyaki Bowl

Start with a bed of fluffy rice in your bowl, add the sautéed veggies next, then pile on the glossy teriyaki chicken. Top it all off with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that authentic finish and fresh pop of color. Now, dig in and enjoy!

How to Serve Chicken Teriyaki Bowl Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my chicken teriyaki bowls with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions. The sesame seeds add a lovely nutty crunch, while green onions bring a fresh burst and vibrant color that makes the dish visually inviting.

Side Dishes

If I want to round out this meal, I often pair it with a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar or some steamed edamame. These light sides keep the meal balanced and refreshing without stealing the limelight from the star teriyaki bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this Chicken Teriyaki Bowl Recipe in pretty ceramic bowls and add a few slices of avocado on the side for creaminess. Sometimes, sprinkling a little crushed nori or furikake seasoning on top adds an exciting Japanese-inspired twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken teriyaki and veggies together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Separating rice into a different container helps keep its texture from getting soggy. When I do this, the flavors stay fresh and ready for a quick reheat.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover chicken teriyaki before with decent results—just cool everything completely, then pack tightly in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The veggies might be a bit softer after freezing, but it’s still a lifesaver for meal prep.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of water or extra soy sauce to freshen the sauce. Microwaving works fine too, but I recommend stirring halfway through to keep the chicken moist and sauce evenly heated.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Teriyaki Bowl Recipe has become one of my go-to meals because it ticks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, and nourishing. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something comforting, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly delicious it turns out!

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