Name: Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp grated ginger; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening); 2 cups cooked white or brown rice; 2 cups steamed or sautéed vegetables (e.g. broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, snap peas); Sliced green onions (for garnish); Sesame seeds (for garnish); Optional: sriracha or chili flakes

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Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowls are a quick and flavorful meal featuring juicy chicken glazed in a sticky-sweet homemade teriyaki sauce, served over fluffy rice with crisp, colorful vegetables. I love how easy this dish is to pull together on busy weeknights while still tasting like something I’d order at my favorite takeout spot. It’s balanced, filling, and full of bold flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, healthy, and totally customizable. The homemade teriyaki sauce is sweet, savory, and perfectly coats the tender chicken. Paired with steamed rice and my favorite stir-fried or raw veggies, it’s a complete meal in one bowl. Whether I’m cooking for myself or prepping for the week, this dish always satisfies. Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowls

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the teriyaki chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Soy sauce
Brown sugar or honey
Garlic, minced
Ginger, grated or minced
Rice vinegar
Cornstarch + water (for thickening)
Olive oil or sesame oil
Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the bowls:

Cooked white or brown rice
Steamed or sautéed vegetables (like broccoli, carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Green onions, sliced
Optional: sriracha or chili flakes for heat

Directions

I whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. I set aside.
In a large skillet, I heat oil over medium heat. I season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper and cook until golden and cooked through.
I pour the teriyaki sauce mixture into the pan with the chicken and bring it to a simmer.
I stir in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce, cooking until it becomes glossy and coats the chicken.
Meanwhile, I steam or sauté my choice of vegetables and prepare the rice.
To assemble, I scoop rice into bowls, top with teriyaki chicken and vegetables, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s ideal for a fast dinner or meal prep. Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowls

Variations

I use tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for a different protein.
I add pineapple chunks to the sauce for a tropical twist.
I use cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lighter, low-carb option.
I drizzle spicy mayo or sriracha on top for extra flavor.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm everything in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. The sauce keeps the chicken moist, even after a couple of days.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Yes, but I prefer making my own so I can control the sweetness and saltiness.

What’s the best rice to use?

I like jasmine or basmati rice for a fluffy texture, but brown rice adds more fiber and works well too.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the dish gluten-free.

How do I keep the chicken tender?

I avoid overcooking it and use thighs for extra juiciness. Marinating the chicken in the sauce before cooking also helps.

Can I freeze chicken teriyaki?

Yes, I freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the rice and veggies, then thaw and reheat when ready to eat.

Conclusion

Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowls are one of my go-to meals when I want something easy, satisfying, and full of flavor. The homemade sauce makes it taste fresh and authentic, and I love how customizable the bowl is with whatever veggies I have on hand. It’s the kind of dish I come back to again and again—for dinner, lunch, or anything in between.