Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls
Highlighted under: Easy Global Meals
I love making Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls because they are quick, delicious, and packed with flavor. This dish has become one of our go-to meals during busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, tangy teriyaki sauce, and fluffy rice creates a satisfying and comforting dinner. Plus, it's incredibly easy to customize with your favorite vegetables. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a wholesome meal on the table that everyone will enjoy!
When I first tried making Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls at home, I was amazed by how quickly it came together. Using pre-marinated chicken or teriyaki sauce from the store allows for a fast dinner option without sacrificing flavor. Pairing the chicken with fresh vegetables not only enhances the taste but adds a nutritional boost too.
My secret to perfectly fluffy rice is allowing it to steam for an extra 10 minutes after cooking. This simple trick ensures that each grain is separate and perfectly tender, making every bite of the dish perfectly satisfying.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Savory teriyaki sauce that enhances the chicken's flavor
- Customizable with your choice of vegetables
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
Understanding Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce is the star of this dish, combining soy sauce, mirin, and sugar for a savory-sweet flavor profile. The sauce not only enhances the chicken but also acts as a glaze, giving it a beautiful, glossy finish when cooked. For a more intense flavor, consider simmering the sauce for a few extra minutes before adding it to the chicken, allowing it to thicken slightly and coat the meat more effectively.
If you want to customize the taste, experimenting with homemade teriyaki sauce is a fantastic option. You can control the sweetness by adjusting the amount of sugar or substitute honey for a different flavor dimension. Adding minced garlic or ginger can also elevate the sauce, bringing warmth and deeper flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
Choosing the Right Vegetables
The beauty of Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls lies in their versatility. While this recipe features broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, you can easily swap in other vegetables such as snap peas, zucchini, or even bok choy. Just keep in mind that denser vegetables may require a slightly longer sauté time to become tender, while softer ones like spinach will cook much faster.
When sautéing vegetables, use a medium-high heat to achieve slight caramelization, which adds a depth of flavor. It’s essential to stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. If you prefer your veggies crisp-tender, aim for just 4-5 minutes in the pan—an indicator that they’re ready when they turn bright in color and are still somewhat firm to the bite.
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
For the Rice Bowls
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
Feel free to swap any of the vegetables for your favorites!
Instructions
Cook the Rice
Prepare your rice according to package instructions and set aside. If you're using leftover rice, heat it gently in a pan.
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Teriyaki Sauce
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken and stir well to coat. Let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes.
Sauté the Vegetables
In a separate pan, sauté the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot until just tender, about 5 minutes.
Assemble the Bowls
In serving bowls, layer the cooked rice, followed by the teriyaki chicken and sautéed vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for an hour before cooking. Also, consider adding sliced avocado or edamame for a creamier texture.
Make-Ahead Tips
One of the advantages of Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls is how well they hold up as a meal prep option. You can marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce the night before, allowing the flavors to meld and resulting in juicier meat. Additionally, you can pre-cook the rice and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a breeze to assemble on busy evenings.
If you’re preparing this dish in advance, consider sautéing the vegetables slightly less than you normally would, as they can be reheated without becoming mushy. When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and veggies in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, and then serve them over the fresh, fluffy rice for a quick and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
To enhance your Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls further, consider serving them with additional garnishes like pickled ginger or a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or sesame oil can add freshness and a hint of nuttiness. For a crunch factor, add crushed peanuts or cashews on top—the contrast of textures elevates the dish and makes each bite more delightful.
Pairing complimentary sides can enhance the overall experience as well. A simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar provides a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken. Additionally, serving these bowls with steamed edamame can round out the meal while also adding a nutritional boost.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu for a different flavor profile.
→ Is teriyaki sauce gluten-free?
Most teriyaki sauces contain soy sauce, which typically has gluten. However, you can find gluten-free options in stores.
→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can cook the chicken and rice in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
→ What's a good side dish to serve with this?
A simple cucumber salad or miso soup pairs wonderfully with teriyaki chicken rice bowls.
Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls
I love making Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls because they are quick, delicious, and packed with flavor. This dish has become one of our go-to meals during busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, tangy teriyaki sauce, and fluffy rice creates a satisfying and comforting dinner. Plus, it's incredibly easy to customize with your favorite vegetables. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a wholesome meal on the table that everyone will enjoy!
What You'll Need
For the Teriyaki Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
For the Rice Bowls
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
How-To Steps
Prepare your rice according to package instructions and set aside. If you're using leftover rice, heat it gently in a pan.
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken and stir well to coat. Let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes.
In a separate pan, sauté the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot until just tender, about 5 minutes.
In serving bowls, layer the cooked rice, followed by the teriyaki chicken and sautéed vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for an hour before cooking. Also, consider adding sliced avocado or edamame for a creamier texture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 60g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 30g