Jump to Recipe Print RecipeA savory scent wafting through the kitchen can evoke a comforting memory—or perhaps it’s the promise of a delicious meal taking shape? My Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl does just that, blending tender chicken with a sticky-sweet teriyaki glaze atop a fluffy bed of rice, ready to whisk anyone away from busy weeknights to a cozy dinner oasis. It’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for families on the go, while still being a health-conscious choice loaded with protein. Fresh, vibrant vegetables bring color and crunch, transforming a simple dinner into an enticing feast. Are you ready to stir up some flavor and delight at your table? Why is This Teriyaki Chicken Bowl a Must-Try? Quick and Easy: This Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl comes together in no time, perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast. Protein-Packed: Using chicken breasts offers a lean source of protein, while also being easily adaptable for extra nutrition, like incorporating tofu for a vegetarian version. Vibrant Veggies: Fresh bell peppers and carrots not only add crunch but also a splash of color, making this dish visually appealing as well as healthy. Versatile Base: Serve it over fluffy white rice, nutritious brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist—it’s all about what suits your family’s tastes! Crowd-Pleaser: With its delightful glaze and mouthwatering flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite, rivaling even the best takeout. For more quick and delicious meal ideas, check out my Chicken Teriyaki Noodles or Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl Ingredients For the Chicken and Rice • Chicken Breasts – The main protein providing a tender texture; substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor. • Rice – Acts as the base, soaking up the teriyaki sauce; use white or jasmine rice for fluffiness or brown rice for a healthier option. For the Vegetables • Bell Peppers – Adds a sweet crunch; alternate with favorite veggies like snap peas or zucchini for variety. • Carrots – Provide sweetness and color; can be replaced with shredded cabbage for extra crunch. • Onions – Enhance flavor depth; substitute green onions for a fresher taste. For the Sauce and Garnish • Teriyaki Sauce – The heart of the recipe; use store-bought for convenience or homemade for a personal touch. • Soy Sauce – Intensifies the overall flavor; use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. • Garlic – Provides aromatic depth; fresh garlic is recommended, but powdered can be used in a pinch. • Sesame Seeds – Adds a nutty flavor and garnishing touch; toast them for an aromatic boost. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl Step 1: Preheat Pan Begin by heating a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes. Ensure the pan is hot enough by flicking a little water onto it; if it sizzles, you’re ready! This preheating step is crucial for achieving that golden-brown exterior on your chicken. Step 2: Season Chicken While the pan is heating, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This step enhances the natural flavors of the chicken, making your Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl incredibly savory. Step 3: Cook Chicken Add a tablespoon of oil to the hot skillet, swirling it around. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and no longer pink in the center. You’ll know they’re done when the juices run clear; remove them from the pan and set aside. Step 4: Sauté Vegetables In the same skillet, toss in sliced bell peppers, chopped onions, and julienned carrots. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and vibrant in color. This step not only adds nutritional value but also brings a delightful crunch to your Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl, perfect against the silky sauce. Step 5: Make Sauce In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and a splash of soy sauce. Pour the mixture over the sautéed vegetables in the pan, stirring well. Let this simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, coating all the veggies in a shiny glaze. Step 6: Combine Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the sautéed vegetables. Gently toss everything together, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through, ensuring your Teriyaki Chicken is perfectly infused with the savory glaze. Step 7: Assemble Bowls To serve, place a generous scoop of fluffy rice in the bottom of bowls. Top with the glazed chicken and sautéed vegetables, allowing the colorful mixture to spill over. Finish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top, adding an inviting crunch and freshness to your Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl. Make Ahead Options These Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prep the chicken and vegetables up to 24 hours in advance. Simply season and cook the chicken, then let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the veggies, chop them ahead and keep them in a separate container. The teriyaki sauce can also be made and refrigerated, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, sauté the veggies briefly, warm the chicken, and combine everything with the sauce to finish the dish. This allows you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort on those hectic nights! Expert Tips for Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl Chicken Preparation: Ensure the chicken is patted dry before seasoning. This will guarantee a beautiful golden crust when seared, enhancing flavor. Vegetable Crunch: Sauté vegetables until they are tender-crisp to prevent sogginess in your dish. This texture elevates the overall enjoyment of the Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl. Flavor Experimentation: Feel free to swap out the chicken for alternative proteins like shrimp or firm tofu. This variety can accommodate different dietary preferences or make meal prep more exciting. Homemade Sauce: For a personal touch, consider making your own teriyaki sauce. This allows you to adjust sweetness and saltiness according to your family’s tastes. Serving Variation: Pair your bowls with pickled ginger or a side of steamed edamame for added freshness and authenticity, making it a more complete meal. Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl Variations Get ready to elevate your dinner by personalizing this delightful dish to suit your family’s flavors and dietary needs! Dairy-Free: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this a dairy-free delight, bursting with flavor. Vegetarian: Substitute firm tofu for chicken by marinating it in teriyaki sauce before sautéing for a heartwarming twist. Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the teriyaki sauce for a fiery kick that livens up your meal. Rice Alternative: Swap out regular rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb, vibrant option that still captures the essence of the dish. Protein Diversity: Try shrimp or beef instead of chicken for different flavor profiles, each offering a unique twist on this classic recipe. Veggie Boost: Toss in a variety of vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or snap peas to amp up the nutrition without compromising taste. Noodle Version: Transform this bowl into a noodle delight by using soba or rice noodles in lieu of rice for a satisfying slurp. Sweet Variations: Consider adding pineapple chunks or mango slices to your bowl for a sweet contrast, reminiscent of tropical takes on teriyaki. Whether you stick to tradition or mix things up, these variations keep your meals fresh and exciting! Looking for more inspiration? Dive into my Mango Chicken Stir or treat yourself to the flavors of Orange Chicken Savory. How to Store and Freeze Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl Fridge: Store your leftover Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate the chicken, rice, and vegetables to maintain freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the assembled bowl in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheating: Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the rice moist. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then assemble the Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl just before serving for optimal freshness and convenience. What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl Elevate your Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl experience with delightful pairings that add color, flavor, and texture to your meal. Crispy Edamame: These light and nutty bites provide a delicious crunch, enhancing the overall bite and offering a satisfying contrast to your bowl. Miso Soup: A warm, comforting bowl of miso soup complements the teriyaki flavors beautifully while adding a light and soothing element to your meal. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed with a touch of garlic, these vibrant beans offer a fresh, slightly crunchy side that harmonizes with the dish’s rich sauce. Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and sesame oil; it brings a cool, crisp balance to the warm rice bowl. Steamed Dumplings: Soft or crispy dumplings filled with savory ingredients make for an enticing appetizer, creating an Asian-inspired feast everyone will love. Pineapple Salsa: This fruity topping provides a vibrant, sweet contrast to the savory teriyaki, bursting with fresh flavors that brighten your meal. Chilled Soba Noodles: Offering a delightful texture, chilled soba tossed in sesame dressing can be a satisfying, cool side that pairs well with the warm chicken bowl. Matcha Green Tea: Sip this lightly bitter beverage to cleanse your palate while enhancing the umami of the teriyaki sauce, creating a harmonious dining experience. Chocolate Mochi: To finish on a sweet note, these chewy rice cakes filled with chocolate create an enticing dessert that perfectly complements the flavors of your meal. Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right chicken for my Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl? Absolutely! For the best results, select chicken breasts that are plump and free from dark spots or blemishes. If you prefer a richer flavor, chicken thighs are also an excellent choice. Just be sure they are boneless and skinless, and you’ll end up with tender and flavorful meat in your bowl! What is the best way to store leftovers of my Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl? To keep your dish fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend separating the chicken, rice, and vegetables to prevent sogginess and preserve texture. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed. Can I freeze my Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl? Indeed! To freeze, place the assembled bowl in a freezer-safe container, making sure everything is sealed tightly. Your Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, and then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot and tasty! What can I do if my sauce is too thick? No worries! If your teriyaki sauce becomes too thick while cooking, just add a little water, soy sauce, or chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. Stir it in gradually, so you can control the thickness. This not only helps the sauce flow better but also keeps the flavors rich! Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Very much so! If you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities, you can easily make your Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce. Additionally, if any family members have allergies to peanuts or sesame, ensure to check the sauces you use or omit sesame seeds entirely when garnishing. What variations can I try if I want to mix it up? The more the merrier! You can experiment by swapping the chicken for firm tofu or shrimp for a different protein source. For those who are into spicing things up, adding chili flakes or sriracha can inject a delightful heat to the dish. Don’t hesitate to switch up the vegetables based on your family’s favorites—zucchini or snap peas can make fantastic substitutes! Delicious Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl for Quick Family Nights This Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl is a quick and healthy dinner option, blending tender chicken with a sticky-sweet glaze over fluffy rice. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 bowlsCourse: DinnerCuisine: JapaneseCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken and Rice1 pound Chicken Breasts Can substitute with chicken thighs for richer flavor2 cups Rice Use white, jasmine, or brown rice for baseFor the Vegetables1 cup Bell Peppers Can substitute with snap peas or zucchini1 cup Carrots Can replace with shredded cabbage1 cup Onions Can substitute with green onionsFor the Sauce and Garnish1/2 cup Teriyaki Sauce Store-bought or homemade2 tablespoons Soy Sauce Tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free3 cloves Garlic Minced, fresh recommended2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds Toast for enhanced aroma Equipment Large skilletcutting boardknifeSmall Bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes.Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, and season both sides with salt and pepper.Add oil to the skillet, place the chicken in, and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.Sauté sliced bell peppers, chopped onions, and julienned carrots in the same skillet for 3-4 minutes.Whisk together teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and soy sauce in a bowl, then pour over the vegetables.Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.Serve by placing rice in bowls and topping with glazed chicken and vegetables, garnishing with sesame seeds. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 90mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 8mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of water to keep the rice moist. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
