Chicken Rice Teriyaki Bowl

Why You’ll Love Chicken Rice Teriyaki Bowl

• Quick and easy to prepare in under an hour

• Made with simple pantry ingredients

• Balanced with protein, grains, and vegetables

• Family-friendly and customizable

• Perfect for meal prep

• Sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce

• Easily adaptable with store-bought sauce if needed

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the teriyaki sauce:
½ cup low sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup orange juice
3 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
½ teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 teaspoon minced garlic
2 teaspoon cold water
2 teaspoon cornstarch

For serving:
sesame seeds
chopped green onions
shredded carrots
rice
steamed veggies (such as broccoli)
optional: raw cashews, chopped

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Season the cubed chicken with salt and black pepper.

3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked through, with no pink remaining.

4. While the chicken cooks, prepare the teriyaki sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, orange juice, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and minced garlic.

5. In a separate small bowl, stir together the cold water and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually whisk this mixture into the sauce.

6. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet. Stir continuously as it simmers and thickens.

7. Remove from heat once the sauce has thickened and coats the chicken evenly.

8. Serve over white or brown rice with steamed vegetables. Spoon extra sauce over the rice and garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, shredded carrots, and chopped cashews if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

• Use pre-made teriyaki sauce to save time.

• Make it low-carb by serving over cauliflower rice.

• Add pineapple chunks for a sweet tropical twist.

• Stir in snap peas, bell peppers, or zucchini for added vegetables.

• Make it spicy with a drizzle of sriracha or red pepper flakes.

• Keep it nut-free by omitting cashews.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the rice for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and provide a slightly richer flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.

Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?

Absolutely. A store-bought sauce is a convenient alternative if you’re short on time.

What type of rice works best?

Both white and brown rice work well. Jasmine rice is especially fragrant and pairs nicely with the sauce.

Can I add vegetables directly into the skillet?

Yes, but it’s best to steam or sauté them first so they cook evenly before mixing them into the sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, simply stir in a small amount of water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, it stores well and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunches throughout the week.

Can I reduce the sodium content?

Use low-sodium soy sauce and avoid adding extra salt to the dish.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I freeze the entire bowl?

You can freeze the chicken and sauce. Rice freezes well too, but for best texture, consider preparing fresh rice when serving.

Conclusion

This Chicken Rice Teriyaki Bowl is a reliable, flavorful dinner that delivers both convenience and comfort. With tender chicken, a glossy homemade sauce, and fresh vegetables over rice, it’s a complete meal that’s easy to customize and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping meals ahead, this dish is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.