Forget takeout menus and long cooking times. This Teriyaki Chicken Bowl recipe is your new weeknight hero, delivering that crave-worthy, savory-sweet flavor you love in just 20 minutes. We’re talking tender, juicy chicken coated in a luscious, homemade teriyaki sauce, served over fluffy rice with your favorite fresh toppings. It’s a complete, satisfying meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant but is incredibly easy to whip up in your own kitchen.
This simple recipe is designed for busy people who don’t want to compromise on flavor. We’ll walk you through creating a simple yet powerful teriyaki sauce that puts the bottled stuff to shame. Get ready to make this your go-to meal for a quick and delicious dinner.
Why This Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe is a Weeknight Winner
When your day is packed, you need dinner recipes that are fast, easy, and satisfying for the whole family. This Teriyaki Chicken Bowl checks all the boxes.
- Incredibly Fast: From start to finish, this entire meal is on the table in 20 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for those hectic evenings.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients for the homemade teriyaki sauce in your pantry already. No strange or hard-to-find items here.
- Better Than Takeout: Not only is it faster than waiting for a delivery, but it’s also healthier and more flavorful. You control the ingredients, the sodium, and the sugar.
- Endlessly Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base. You can swap veggies, add different toppings, or even try a different protein. Everyone can build their own perfect bowl. If you enjoy this, you’ll love our Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl as well!
The Magic is in the Sauce: Homemade Teriyaki Ingredients
The heart of any great Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is the sauce. This simple, 5-ingredient homemade version is perfectly balanced and comes together in minutes. It’s what makes this dish truly special.
For the 5-Ingredient Teriyaki Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: The savory, umami-packed base of our sauce. Use a low-sodium version if you prefer.
- Mirin: A sweet Japanese rice wine that adds authentic flavor and a beautiful glaze.
- Honey: Provides a touch of sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce. Maple syrup can also be used.
- Fresh Ginger & Garlic: These aromatics are essential for a vibrant, punchy sauce. Fresh is always best!
- Cornstarch: Our thickening agent that turns the sauce from a thin liquid into a rich, glossy glaze that clings perfectly to the chicken.
For the Chicken & Bowl:
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking. Chicken thighs work great too.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic flavor when cooking the chicken.
- Cooked Rice: The classic base for any bowl. We love jasmine or short-grain white rice.
- Toppings: Steamed broccoli, sliced avocado, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions are our favorites for freshness and crunch.
How to Make the Perfect Teriyaki Chicken Bowl (Step-by-Step)
This recipe is all about a simple, efficient workflow. By preparing the sauce while the pan heats, you can get this meal on the table in record time. For another amazing bowl recipe, check out these Chipotle Chicken Bowls.
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. In a separate tiny bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. This prevents lumps from forming in your sauce. Set both aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Glaze and Assemble
Pour the soy sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken, letting it bubble for about 30 seconds. Then, pour in the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously. The sauce will thicken into a beautiful glaze in about 1-2 minutes. Remove from the heat. To assemble your Teriyaki Chicken Bowl, spoon a generous portion of fluffy rice into each bowl, top with the glazed teriyaki chicken, and garnish with steamed broccoli, avocado slices, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and fresh green onions.
Tips for Teriyaki Perfection
A few simple tips can elevate your homemade bowl from great to absolutely unforgettable.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: For perfectly browned, juicy chicken, make sure you cook it in a single layer. If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the chicken in two batches.
- Prep Your Ingredients: This recipe moves fast! Have your chicken cut, your sauce ingredients measured, and your toppings ready to go before you start cooking.
- Adjust Sauce to Taste: Before adding the cornstarch slurry, give the sauce a taste. Want it sweeter? Add a bit more honey. Need more of a kick? Add more ginger.
Customizing Your Bowl: Topping & Variation Ideas
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your taste or what you have in the fridge. For a great side, consider pairing this with a simple Egg Fried Rice Recipe.
- Veggies: Add sliced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, shredded carrots, or edamame to the bowl for extra nutrients and color.
- Protein: This sauce works wonderfully with shrimp, salmon, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Grains: Swap the white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great choice for this recipe as they are very flavorful and stay juicy. They may need an extra minute or two of cooking time. Just ensure they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Store the chicken, rice, and any fresh toppings (like avocado) in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave until warmed through, then assemble the bowl with the fresh toppings just before serving.
Yes, it can be a very healthy meal. By making the sauce from scratch, you control the amount of sodium and sugar. It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken and can be loaded with nutritious vegetables. For a healthier option, serve it over brown rice or quinoa.
If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with dry sherry or a sweet marsala wine. For a non-alcoholic option, you can use rice vinegar with an added 1/2 teaspoon of sugar for every tablespoon of vinegar to replicate the sweetness.
This bowl is incredibly versatile! Besides broccoli, great vegetable additions include steamed or stir-fried bell peppers, snap peas, edamame, shredded carrots, sautéed mushrooms, or bok choy.
Ready for More?
We hope you love this quick and easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl! It’s a recipe that proves homemade can be faster, healthier, and more delicious than takeout. If you make it, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or share a picture of your creation on Pinterest. Your feedback helps us and inspires other home cooks!
Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe
Teriyaki Chicken Bowl (Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. In a separate very small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Glaze the Chicken: Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken and bring to a simmer. Cook for 30 seconds, then whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to stir for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top with the teriyaki chicken, steamed broccoli, and sliced avocado. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
Tip 2: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast; they may require an extra minute or two of cooking time.
Tip 3: For meal prep, store the chicken, rice, and toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
