Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of steaming rice topped with tender chicken glazed in a rich, sticky-sweet sauce. The Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl has become a weeknight staple for so many families, and it’s no mystery why—it’s quick to make, endlessly customizable, and packs a punch of flavor that satisfies both kids and adults.

In our household, this dish is more than dinner. It’s tradition. I remember the first time I helped my grandmother stir a pot of thickened soy glaze on a Sunday afternoon. Her hands moved with purpose, never measuring but always getting it just right. While this version of teriyaki is more modern and simplified for busy families, it still carries that sense of warmth and shared experience.

Though teriyaki originated in Japan as a method of broiling meat and glazing it in a mix of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, it has taken on a life of its own in Western kitchens. In this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl, we honor the flavor profile while streamlining the technique for real-world dinner prep—perfect for school nights, meal prepping, or simply when you need something delicious fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast & family-friendly – Ready in just 30 minutes
• Kid-approved flavors – Sweet, savory, and not too spicy
• Minimal cleanup – All-in-one skillet method
• Budget-conscious – Simple pantry staples and easy substitutions
• Balanced meal – Lean protein, rice, and vegetables in every bite

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ¾ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups cooked jasmine or white rice
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• ½ cup carrots, julienned or thinly sliced
• ¼ cup sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds for garnish

HOW TO MAKE Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start with the sauce
   In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Set this aside—it’s the heart of your bowl.
2. Create your thickener
   Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry. This will thicken your sauce at the right moment without lumps.
3. Brown the chicken
   In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and sear for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned but not fully cooked through.
4. Add the sauce and simmer
   Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken. Stir to coat, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes, letting the sauce start to reduce slightly.

1. Thicken the glaze
   Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, perfectly clinging to the chicken.
2. Steam the veggies
   Add broccoli and carrots directly into the skillet. Cover with a lid or foil and let them steam for about 3–4 minutes, just until tender-crisp.
3. Assemble your bowl
   Spoon cooked rice into bowls, top with generous portions of teriyaki chicken and vegetables, then sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

HELPFUL TIPS

• Use thighs over breasts for best flavor and texture—thighs stay juicy and don’t overcook easily.
• Batch cooking? Double the sauce and store half in the fridge for later in the week.
• Rice swaps – Try brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to fit your preference.
• Vegetable variety – This bowl loves flexibility. Bell peppers, zucchini, snap peas, or shredded cabbage all work beautifully.
• No fresh garlic? Use ½ tsp garlic powder as a backup.

DETAILS

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Japanese-American Fusion
• Diet: Dairy-free, nut-free

NOTES

• Make it vegetarian by swapping chicken for tofu or mushrooms.
• Add a dash of sriracha to the sauce if you like a little heat.
• A splash of pineapple juice in the sauce gives it a tropical twist.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 12g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do you make chicken teriyaki bowls?
To make chicken teriyaki bowls, cook bite-sized chicken pieces in a skillet until golden. Add a homemade teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and sesame oil. Simmer until thickened. Serve over steamed rice with sautéed or roasted veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a complete meal.

What is a Teriyaki Bowl?
A teriyaki bowl is a flavorful, all-in-one meal featuring protein like chicken or tofu glazed in teriyaki sauce, served over rice and paired with vegetables. The sauce is sweet, savory, and sticky, making it a family favorite that’s quick to prepare and easy to customize.

What is teriyaki chicken & rice bowl?
A teriyaki chicken and rice bowl combines tender chicken coated in a sweet-savory teriyaki glaze with fluffy rice and fresh veggies. Common additions include broccoli, carrots, or avocado. It’s a balanced, satisfying dish that’s perfect for quick lunches or dinners.

How long does it take to make homemade teriyaki chicken?
Homemade teriyaki chicken takes about 25–30 minutes from start to finish. The quick stir-fry method cooks the chicken fast, while the sauce thickens in minutes. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you need a flavorful, fuss-free dinner.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

• Refrigerator: Store fully assembled bowls or separate components for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze just the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
• Reheat Tips: Add a splash of water when reheating to loosen the sauce if needed.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy and comforting meals:

• Hot Honey Feta Chicken
• A Cozy Twist on a Takeout Favorite: Healthy Sesame Chicken
• Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
• Chicken Teriyaki Pineapple Bowls

CONCLUSION

There’s something magical about meals that feel familiar and flavorful all at once. This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is one of those recipes you’ll come back to week after week. It’s fast enough for a hectic Monday, satisfying enough for Sunday dinner, and so versatile that it never gets old. Whether it’s your first try or your fiftieth, this bowl delivers big comfort with minimal effort.

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