If you love quick, easy, and delicious dinner recipes for your busy week nights, then look no further!! This Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl is a delightful meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep, offering a balance of flavors with tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Plus, it’s customizable with your favorite veggies and rice options!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish is ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavorful: The homemade teriyaki sauce brings a rich and unique taste that elevates simple chicken to a gourmet level.
- Versatile: Customize it with any vegetables or rice you prefer. It’s an excellent way to use up leftovers!
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and low in calories, this recipe maintains nutrition without sacrificing taste.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet flavor of teriyaki, making it a hit at the dinner table.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl effortlessly, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Provides ample space for browning chicken evenly while allowing the sauce to thicken properly.
- Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking together the ingredients for your teriyaki sauce without any spills.
- Whisk: Ensures that all ingredients are thoroughly combined for a smooth sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 Tbsp. packed light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- 2 tsp. minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 3 tsp. cornstarch
For Serving
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
- Rice for serving
- Steamed veggies for serving
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Heat oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add cubed chicken to the skillet:
1. Cook until browned and no longer pink inside.
2. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
While the chicken is browning, make your teriyaki sauce:
1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
– Soy sauce
– Water
– Honey
– Brown sugar
– Rice vinegar
– Sesame oil (if using)
– Ground ginger
– Minced garlic
– Cornstarch
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked through:
1. Pour your homemade teriyaki sauce into the skillet.
2. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately over white or brown rice with steamed veggies:
1. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Enjoy your delicious Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl!
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl
Serving your Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl can be as creative as you want. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various ingredients and garnishes that enhance its flavors.
With Steamed Vegetables
- Broccoli: A classic pairing, steamed broccoli adds a crunchy texture and balances the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
- Carrots: Thinly sliced or julienned carrots provide a hint of sweetness and color to your bowl.
- Snap Peas: These fresh peas add a nice crunch and vibrant green color, making your dish visually appealing.
With Fresh Garnishes
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an added nutty flavor and extra crunch.
- Chopped Green Onions: These provide a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
Over Different Types of Rice
- White Rice: The traditional base for this dish, white rice absorbs the flavors of the sauce well.
- Brown Rice: A healthier option, brown rice adds more fiber and a nuttier taste.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice is light and allows the teriyaki chicken to shine.
As a Wrap
- Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with teriyaki chicken, rice, and veggies for a fun twist on the bowl.
How to Perfect Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl
To make the perfect Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables enhance flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen or pre-packaged options when possible.
Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, you can increase or decrease the amount of honey or brown sugar in your sauce for a sweeter or less sweet flavor profile.
Marinate Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate cubed chicken in soy sauce and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This adds depth to each bite.
Cook Sauce Separately: If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook it separately until it reduces before adding it to the cooked chicken. This will intensify the flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl
Pairing side dishes with your Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to complement this flavorful dish.
Miso Soup: A warm miso soup can be a comforting start to your meal. It’s light yet full of umami flavor.
Edamame: Steamed edamame beans are protein-packed snacks that are easy to prepare and add a nice crunch.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with vinegar dressing provides a crisp contrast to the rich teriyaki chicken.
Fried Rice: A simple fried rice with peas, carrots, and eggs complements the flavors while adding heartiness to your meal.
Seaweed Salad: This unique salad offers a salty sea flavor that pairs perfectly with teriyaki chicken.
Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled veggies balance out the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce beautifully, enhancing your dining experience.
Tempura Vegetables: Lightly battered and fried tempura veggies add crunchiness and deliciousness that everyone loves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl is simple, but there are some common mistakes to keep in mind for the best results.
- Using high-sodium soy sauce: This can make your dish overly salty. Opt for low sodium soy sauce for a better flavor balance.
- Not letting the chicken brown: Browning adds depth to flavor. Ensure you cook the chicken until it’s golden before adding the sauce.
- Skipping the cornstarch: Cornstarch is essential for thickening the sauce. Don’t forget it; otherwise, your sauce will be too runny.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Adding them too early can lead to mushy veggies. Steam them separately and serve fresh for crunch.
- Ignoring garnishes: Garnishes like sesame seeds and green onions enhance both taste and presentation. Don’t skip these finishing touches!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each interval for even warming.
- Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making a Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl.
How do I make my Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the teriyaki sauce for an extra kick!
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Tofu, shrimp, or beef can also work well with this teriyaki sauce.
What type of rice works best with Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl?
Both white rice and brown rice complement this dish nicely. Choose your favorite!
Can I prepare the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the teriyaki sauce and store it in the fridge for up to a week before using it.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the sweetness of the sauce. It’s perfect for busy nights when you crave something delicious!
Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl
Experience the delightful flavors of a Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl, a quick and satisfying meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish features tender chicken glazed with a homemade teriyaki sauce that strikes the ideal balance between sweet and savory. Customize it with your favorite vegetables and rice options to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping, this bowl is not just nourishing but also packed with protein, making it a family-friendly dinner everyone will enjoy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp packed light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 3 tsp cornstarch
- Rice for serving
- Steamed veggies for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add cubed chicken and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken; stir continuously until thickened.
- Serve over rice with steamed vegetables and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
