Comfort food doesn’t get better than a teriyaki bowl, that vibrant combination of juicy chicken, sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, fluffy rice, and colorful veggies.
It’s a meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful, and it’s easy to make at home. This teriyaki chicken bowl brings together all your favorite flavors in one simple dish.
Inspired by the flavors of traditional teriyaki, this bowl packs all the essential elements: tender chicken, a rich homemade sauce, and fresh vegetables, all on top of a bed of rice.
It’s a simple, balanced meal perfect for any time of day.
If you call it a teriyaki chicken rice bowl or just a teriyaki bowl, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste right from your kitchen. The best part is how quickly everything comes together for a satisfying meal.
What Is a Teriyaki Bowl?
A teriyaki bowl is a delicious, balanced dish that combines tender chicken cooked in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, served over rice with vibrant vegetables.
It’s a meal that’s quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor.
The sauce is the heart of the dish, made from soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and a touch of ginger. Combined with tender chicken and a variety of vegetables, it’s a meal that comes together beautifully in a bowl.
This teriyaki chicken rice bowl style has become popular worldwide for its perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients You’ll NeedFor the Chicken:
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
For the Bowl:
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Recipe Notes & Prep Info
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Category | Main Dish |
| Method | Stovetop |
| Cuisine | Japanese-inspired |
| Yield | 4 servings |
Let’s Get Cooking – Step by Step!
This teriyaki bowl comes together quickly when you follow the right order. Timing is key, so everything is hot and ready to serve at the same time.
1. Cook Rice & Prepare Sauce
Cook rice according to package directions and set aside to keep warm. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
Make sure all sauce ingredients are well combined for the best flavor. Set the sauce aside until ready to use.
Pro Tip: Let rice rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking, then fluff with a fork for perfect texture. Make the sauce ahead and store in the fridge for up to a week.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the cubed chicken and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes. Ensure chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Season lightly with salt and pepper while cooking.
Pro Tip: Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if needed to get proper browning.
3. Add Sauce & Thicken
Lower the heat to medium and pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to develop flavors. Slowly stir in the cornstarch slurry to avoid lumps.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
Pro Tip: The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when properly thickened. Add cornstarch slurry gradually while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Prepare Vegetables
While the chicken cooks, steam the broccoli florets until crisp-tender. Sauté or steam the bell pepper slices until just softened. Julienne carrots if using for added crunch and color.
Keep all vegetables crisp-tender for the best texture and nutrition.
Pro Tip: Steam broccoli for just 3-4 minutes to maintain vibrant color and crunch. Vegetables can be prepped 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
5. Toast Garnishes
Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until golden. Thinly slice green onions for fresh garnish. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork after it has rested for 5 minutes.
Prepare serving bowls for assembly.
6. Assemble & Serve
Divide rice among serving bowls as the base layer. Top with teriyaki chicken and arrange the vegetables around the chicken.
Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top of each bowl. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, then serve immediately.
Pro Tip: Warm your serving bowls in a 200°F oven for 2-3 minutes before assembly to keep everything hot longer. Serve extra sauce on the side for those who want more.
Top with the teriyaki chicken, broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots. Drizzle extra sauce over the top, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
How to Serve This Teriyaki Bowl
Once your teriyaki chicken rice bowl is assembled, presentation makes all the difference in creating an authentic and satisfying experience:
| Serving Style | How to Do It |
|---|---|
| Traditional Bowl | Layer rice, chicken, vegetables, and sauce in that exact order for authentic presentation. |
| Family Style | Serve components in separate bowls so everyone can build their ideal bite. |
| Lunch Plate | Add extra vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal. |
Teriyaki Bowl Variations
The beauty of a teriyaki bowl lies in its versatility. Here are some popular variations to try:
- Spam Teriyaki Bowl – Replace chicken with thick slices of fried Spam for a true Hawaiian twist. This alternative is popular in Hawaii and offers a different protein option.
- Beef Teriyaki Bowl – Use thinly sliced beef instead of chicken. Cook the beef quickly over high heat to keep it tender for a heartier version.
- Salmon Teriyaki Bowl – Substitute grilled or pan-seared salmon for chicken. The rich fish pairs beautifully with the sweet teriyaki sauce.
- Vegetarian Teriyaki Bowl – Replace chicken with grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms and use vegetable stock in the sauce for a plant-based version.
- Spicy Teriyaki Bowl – Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick while keeping the classic teriyaki flavors intact.
- Korean-Style Teriyaki Bowl – Add kimchi and extra sesame oil for a Korean fusion twist on the traditional teriyaki bowl.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead for easier assembly:
1. Rice: Cook up to 2 days ahead and reheat with a damp paper towel in the microwave.
2. Chicken & Sauce: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop.
3. Veggies: Steam or sauté vegetables in advance, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The teriyaki sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes weeknight teriyaki bowl preparation much faster.
Nutritional Facts
This dish is full of protein and healthy fats for sustained energy!
Nutrition Information (per serving, estimate for 1 bowl):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400-450 kcal |
| Protein | 25-30g |
| Carbohydrates | 50-55g |
| Sugars | 13-18g |
| Fat | 9-12g |
| Saturated Fat | 1-2g |
| Fiber | 2-4g |
| Sodium | 800-1200mg |
Pro Tip: Can be reduced by using low-sodium soy sauce
Your Kitchen Smells Like Heaven
This teriyaki bowl recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen with simple ingredients and easy techniques.
The combination of tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying meal that works for lunch or dinner.
The beauty of a teriyaki chicken rice bowl lies in its flexibility and quick preparation time. You can customize the vegetables, adjust the sauce sweetness, and make it your own.
With proper storage techniques, you can even meal prep components ahead of time for busy weeknights.
Try this recipe tonight and experience the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors that make teriyaki bowls so popular worldwide.
Start cooking your perfect teriyaki bowl today and taste the difference homemade makes!
