Save This teriyaki chicken rice bowl is my weeknight hero when I crave bold flavor without a lot of fuss. The sweet-savory glaze infuses bite-sized chicken, then everything comes together with rice and bright veggies in a single bowl. Perfect for days when you want something comforting and a little special, yet totally doable in under thirty minutes.
I came up with this version on a Tuesday after a long workday and it instantly earned a spot in our dinner rotation. It is always polished off and even picky eaters go for seconds.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: gives lean protein that cooks quickly and stays juicy if not overdone Choose pieces that are pink with no odor
- Vegetable oil: ensures even browning and stops sticking Go with a neutral oil like canola or sunflower
- Salt: highlights all the teriyaki notes Kosher salt is easiest to pinch and spread evenly
- Black pepper: adds gentle spice always grind fresh for best taste
- Soy sauce: is the umami backbone Look for Japanese-style or naturally brewed types
- Mirin: or sweet rice wine brings a mellow sweetness Use good-quality mirin or swap with a mild cooking wine plus a pinch of sugar
- Honey: or brown sugar sticks to the chicken and balances salty flavors Both work but honey adds fragrance
- Rice vinegar: gives a gentle lift of bright acidity Avoid harsh vinegars and pick one labeled for sushi rice for best results
- Garlic: intensifies the sauce Mince fresh to avoid bitterness
- Fresh ginger: makes the glaze pop Grate a peeled knob for the most aroma
- Cooked white or brown rice: is your fluffy base Use day-old white jasmine or brown rice for texture that holds up
- Steamed broccoli florets: supply a fresh crunch When picking broccoli look for tight green heads and avoid any yellow hue
- Shredded carrot: brings gentle sweetness and color Buy whole carrots and shred yourself for the freshest flavor
- Sesame seeds: create a nutty finish Toast briefly in a dry pan if you like even more aroma
- Sliced spring onions: finish with crisp freshness Opt for bright green stalks free from blemishes
Instructions
- Make the Sauce:
- Combine soy sauce mirin honey rice vinegar minced garlic and grated ginger in a small mixing bowl Whisk until it comes together and looks glossy Then set aside so the garlic and ginger can mingle with the liquids
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season your chicken pieces with salt and black pepper Just a little goes a long way to build flavor Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high until it shimmers Add the chicken in a single layer Cook for at least four minutes Untouched at first to get a golden brown crust then toss and sear all sides until the meat is no longer pink inside
- Glaze the Chicken:
- Pour your prepared teriyaki sauce evenly over the cooked chicken Watch as it begins to simmer and bubble Stir the chicken as the sauce thickens taking about two to three minutes The glaze should cling to each piece and become shiny
- Build the Bowl:
- Spoon the cooked rice into serving bowls Spread it a bit for even coverage Pile the glazed chicken over the top Add the steamed broccoli and a generous measure of fresh shredded carrot For a finishing touch sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced spring onions Make sure everything is piping hot and serve right away
Save There is something about grating fresh ginger right into the bowl that makes the sauce come alive My kids always insist on an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds because they love the crunch and visual flair It brings us together around the kitchen counter every time
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Keep the garnishes separate to maintain texture If you want to refresh the meal warm in the microwave and add fresh spring onions just before serving
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap the chicken for firm tofu sliced thin and seared until caramelized If you do not have mirin try using extra rice vinegar with a bit more honey For a gluten free approach use tamari in place of soy sauce Brown sugar stands in perfectly for honey if that is what you have
Serving Suggestions
A light cucumber salad or miso soup pairs beautifully with these bowls For a low carb option try serving over cauliflower rice or quinoa Add a drizzle of sriracha if you want extra heat Steam extra veggies like snow peas or baby corn for variety
Japanese Roots
Teriyaki is a Japanese method that means to grill or broil glazed with a luster This rice bowl spins on that tradition but makes it easy for home cooks everywhere Layering on vegetables and making it a meal in one bowl fits how many Japanese families eat at home
Seasonal Adaptations
Use snap peas or asparagus instead of broccoli in spring Stir in baby spinach at the end for a gentle wilted texture Swap in roasted winter squash or sautéed mushrooms for colder months
Success Stories
Friends have made this bowl for casual dinner parties and gotten rave reviews It is also the most common request from my teenager who loves taking leftovers for lunch One reader even turned it into hand rolls for a sushi night at home
Save This bowl not only saves you on a busy weeknight but always impresses with just the right balance of comfort and craveable flavor
Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve a glossy chicken glaze?
Simmer the chicken in the teriyaki sauce until it reduces and thickens, coating each piece with a shiny finish.
- → Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, both white and brown rice work well as the base, offering different textures and nutrition profiles.
- → What vegetables pair well in this bowl?
Steamed broccoli and shredded carrot add crunch, but snap peas, edamame, or bell peppers are great options too.
- → How can I make it vegetarian?
Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh. Pan-sear until golden, then coat with the teriyaki sauce as you would the chicken.
- → Is the sauce very sweet?
The sauce balances sweet and savory notes with honey (or brown sugar), soy, and vinegar. Adjust sweetness by taste.
- → What garnishes work best?
Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced spring onions for texture and color, enhancing both flavor and presentation.