Savory Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls

Delicious & Easy Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls: Your Ultimate Weeknight Meal Solution

Delicious Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl with fresh vegetables and sesame seeds

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Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls

By: Julia Pacheco

Prepare to elevate your weeknight dinner routine with these incredibly delicious and easy Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls. Featuring succulent chicken pieces bathed in a rich, sweet, and savory teriyaki glaze, served alongside fluffy rice and a medley of fresh, crisp vegetables, this dish is a complete meal in one bowl. It’s a fantastic, customizable, and healthier alternative to your usual takeout, ready in under 35 minutes! Perfect for busy families or anyone craving a flavorful, wholesome dinner without the fuss.

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 28 minutes
Total: 33 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
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Why You’ll Love These Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls

There’s a reason teriyaki chicken bowls are a universally loved dish – they offer a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, combined with satisfying textures. This homemade version goes above and beyond, offering numerous benefits that make it a new family favorite:

  • Effortlessly Quick: With just 5 minutes of prep and 28 minutes of cooking, you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table faster than ordering takeout.
  • Better Than Takeout: Enjoy the authentic flavors of teriyaki chicken without the excessive sodium or preservatives often found in restaurant versions. You control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher and healthier meal.
  • Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: This recipe utilizes common pantry staples and fresh produce to create a complex and inviting taste profile that will impress even the pickiest eaters.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to piles of dishes! This entire meal comes together in a single deep skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Highly Customizable: Easily swap out vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference. Add extra protein, adjust the sauce, or try different toppings to make it your own.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: These bowls taste fantastic as leftovers, making them ideal for prepping healthy lunches or dinners for the week ahead.

Ingredients 

Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards a fantastic meal. For these Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls, we focus on fresh, accessible items that pack a punch of flavor and nutrition. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 tbs olive oilFor sautéing the chicken and vegetables. You can also use avocado oil or your preferred cooking oil.
  • 1 lb cubed chicken breastCut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking. Chicken thighs can also be used for a juicier result.
  • 3 tbs teriyaki sauceUsed for an initial marinade and flavor boost while cooking the chicken. Choose your favorite brand or a homemade version.
  • 2 cups uncooked jasmine or long grain white riceJasmine rice provides a lovely aroma and texture. Feel free to use brown rice, but adjust water and cooking time accordingly.
  • 3 ½ cups waterFor cooking the rice to perfection in the same skillet.
  • ¼ cup teriyaki sauceAdded to the rice and vegetables to create a rich, savory glaze that ties all the flavors together.
  • 3 tbs low sodium soy sauceTo add depth of flavor without over-salting the dish. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
  • 1 cup frozen sweet peasA classic addition that brings a pop of sweetness and color. No need to thaw beforehand!
  • 3 large carrots, dicedAdds natural sweetness and a hearty texture. Ensure they are diced to a similar size for even cooking.
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli floretsProvides essential greens and a delightful crunch. Cut into small, uniform florets.
  • Optional toppings: sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and crushed red pepper flakes – These garnishes add an extra layer of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Don’t skip them for the full experience!
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Instructions 

Get ready to create a masterpiece in a single pan! Follow these easy steps to bring your Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls to life. Remember, the key to success is to prepare your ingredients before you start cooking.

  • Step 1: Cook the Chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add the cubed chicken breast. Pour in the initial 3 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat the chicken pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Ensure there is no pink visible. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, leaving any residual oil and sauce in the pan.
  • Step 2: Start the Rice and Vegetables. In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), add the 2 cups of uncooked jasmine or long grain white rice. Pour in the 3 ½ cups of water, the remaining ¼ cup of teriyaki sauce, and the 3 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce. Add the 1 cup of frozen sweet peas and the 3 diced large carrots. Stir all the ingredients well to combine them, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed at the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
  • Step 3: Simmer and Add Broccoli. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it cook for 15 minutes. It’s crucial not to lift the lid during this time to allow the rice to steam properly. After 15 minutes, remove the lid and gently stir in the 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets and the cooked chicken that you set aside earlier. Replace the lid and continue to cook for an additional 10-13 minutes, or until the rice is perfectly cooked, all the liquid has been absorbed, and the broccoli is tender-crisp. You can give it another gentle stir halfway through this stage to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
  • Step 4: Serve and Garnish. Once the rice is tender and the vegetables are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Let it rest for a couple of minutes, still covered, to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to fully absorb any remaining steam. Spoon generous portions into individual bowls. Finish by topping with your desired garnishes: a sprinkle of sesame seeds for nutty crunch, fresh sliced green onions for a mild oniony bite, and a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls!

Tips for the Best Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls

Achieving a perfect Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl is easy with these helpful hints:

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, ensure you’re using a large enough skillet so the chicken has space to brown. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing.
  • Pre-chop Veggies: To truly make this a 5-minute prep meal, chop your carrots and broccoli ahead of time. You can even buy pre-chopped vegetables.
  • Adjust Teriyaki Sauce: Teriyaki sauces vary in sweetness and saltiness. Taste your sauce before adding it to the dish and adjust if needed. For a thicker glaze, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering.
  • Rice Matters: Rinsing your rice before cooking can help remove excess starch, leading to fluffier, less sticky grains.
  • Keep the Lid On: Resist the urge to peek or stir the rice too much while it’s simmering, especially during the initial 15 minutes. This allows the steam to cook the rice evenly.
  • Protein Alternatives: Not a chicken fan? This recipe works wonderfully with cubed pork, shrimp, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, spinach (stir in at the very end), or thinly sliced mushrooms.

Meal Prep and Storage

These Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls are excellent for meal prepping. Here’s how to store them:

  • Refrigeration: Allow the bowls to cool completely. Divide into individual airtight containers. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions. Place cooled bowls in freezer-safe containers. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. A splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce can help moisten the rice if it seems dry.

Video: See How It’s Made!

Watch this video to see Julia Pacheco prepare this delicious Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl recipe, along with other fantastic one-pot meal ideas. It’s a great visual guide to ensure you nail every step!

Nutrition Information

Understanding the nutritional value of your meal can help you maintain a balanced diet. Here’s an approximation of the nutritional content for one serving of these Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls:

Calories: 627kcal | Carbohydrates: 92g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 1833mg | Potassium: 1013mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 8228IU | Vitamin C: 58mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. Factors like specific brands of ingredients, exact portion sizes, and preparation methods can slightly alter the actual values.

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