Name: Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 3 tbsp cornstarch; 1 cup cold water (divided: ¾ cup and ¼ cup); ½ cup brown sugar; ½ cup soy sauce; 2 tsp honey; ½ tsp sesame oil; ½ tsp ground ginger; ½ tsp garlic powder; 1 lb chicken breast, cubed; 1 ½ tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 3 cups cooked rice; 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed; ½ cup baby cucumber, sliced; ½ cup shredded carrot; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe·4 from 2 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that bursts with flavor, texture, and comforting warmth, then this Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect harmony of tender, juicy chicken coated in a glossy, homemade teriyaki sauce, resting on a bed of fluffy rice, with crisp vegetables adding fresh color and crunch. Easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to share with friends, this dish highlights how simple ingredients come together to create an unforgettable bowl of happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each containing different ingredients. In the center, there is a clear bowl with raw pink chicken pieces. Around it, there is a bowl with light brown cooked rice, a bowl with bright green chopped broccoli, a bowl with dark brown thick sauce, a bowl with green chopped scallions, a small square white dish with green cucumber slices and orange shredded carrots, and another small bowl with light beige liquid. There is also a small white bowl with light colored sesame seeds next to a pair of wooden salt and pepper shakers. The setup is bright and clean with a flat lay view. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating a Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe that sings with flavor and balance. Each element—whether the sweet soy-based teriyaki sauce or the fresh veggies—plays a crucial role in the dish’s taste, texture, and visual appeal.

Cornstarch: A thickening agent that gives the sauce its signature glossy and luscious texture.
Cold water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch and adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
Brown sugar: Adds natural sweetness and depth, balancing the savory notes nicely.
Soy sauce: The salty, umami-packed backbone of the teriyaki flavor.
Honey: Brings a subtle floral sweetness that enhances the sauce’s richness.
Sesame oil: Introduces a toasty aroma and unique nutty flavor that makes the dish pop.
Ground ginger: Adds a gentle warmth and slight zing for extra complexity.
Garlic powder: Lends a savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Chicken breast (cubed): A lean, tender protein that absorbs the delicious teriyaki sauce beautifully.
Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken until it’s golden and juicy.
Salt and black pepper: Basic but essential seasonings that enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
Cooked rice: The comforting base that soaks up all the extra sauce and brings the bowl together.
Broccoli florets (steamed): Crunchy and vibrant, they add nutrition and fresh green color.
Baby cucumber (sliced): Offers a cool, crisp contrast that refreshes each bite.
Shredded carrot: Adds sweetness, texture, and that irresistible bright splash of orange.
Green onions (sliced): For a mild oniony bite and pretty garnish.
Sesame seeds: A final nutty crunch that ties everything together beautifully.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

Start by combining ¾ cup water, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ground ginger, and garlic powder in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently and bring this mixture to a simmer, letting the flavors blend and sweeten the kitchen air. This sauce foundation is where the magic begins.

Step 2: Thicken the Sauce

While your sauce is simmering, whisk the cornstarch with the remaining ¼ cup cold water in a small bowl until completely smooth. Slowly drizzle this into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy, perfect coating consistency. Remove from heat and set this luscious sauce aside for later.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes generously with salt and black pepper for balanced seasoning. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re fully cooked with a beautiful golden crust. This browning step locks in moisture and flavor.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Pour your thickened teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Toss everything gently to ensure every piece is coated in that shiny, irresistible glaze. Let it cook together for an additional 1 to 2 minutes so the chicken soaks up every bit of that flavorful sauce. This step makes the chicken shine.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Now comes the fun part: building your bowl! Start with a generous scoop of cooked rice as the base. Layer on steamed broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and crisp sliced baby cucumbers, then pile on your saucy teriyaki chicken. Finish by scattering sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for color, crunch, and that authentic restaurant-worthy touch.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe

A white bowl filled with a base layer of light brown cooked rice, topped with small bright green broccoli florets and thin orange shredded carrots arranged on opposite sides. Around the middle layer, there are round slices of fresh green cucumber placed neatly. On top, there are chunks of golden-brown chicken covered in a thick dark brown sauce with a shiny texture, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small chopped green onions. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some green onion pieces scattered nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh green onions and sesame seeds are more than just decoration; they add a punch of freshness and texture that elevates the dish’s appeal. You can also add a little sprinkle of toasted nori flakes or a few red chili flakes if you like a hint of spice and extra visual interest.

Side Dishes

This Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe is a meal in itself, but if you want to go all out, serve it alongside simple miso soup or a crisp Asian slaw. Pickled ginger or an edamame salad can also complement the sweet and savory flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation turns dinner into an experience. Try serving your teriyaki chicken over quinoa instead of rice for a nutty twist, or pack the components into mason jars for a grab-and-go lunch option. Using colorful bowls and arranging veggies in neat sections not only looks appealing but makes every bite exciting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover teriyaki chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Storing components separately—rice, sauce, and chicken—helps maintain their best texture and flavor when reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and teriyaki sauce together in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve juiciness and flavor. Avoid freezing the rice and fresh vegetables to keep their texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickened too much after chilling, splash a little water or broth to loosen it up. Serve with freshly steamed broccoli or raw veggies for that just-made feel.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs remain juicy and flavorful and can be an even better choice for this Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe, offering richer taste and tenderness.

What can I substitute for soy sauce if I have dietary restrictions?

You can use tamari for a gluten-free alternative or coconut aminos if you want a soy-free option. Both will keep your teriyaki sauce savory and delicious.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

Yes! Swap chicken for tofu, tempeh, or seitan, and be sure to use vegetarian-friendly sauce ingredients. The cooking method stays the same, and you’ll still get a tasty bowl full of plant-based goodness.

How spicy is this Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe?

This recipe is mild and sweet by default, perfect for all palates. If you love a bit of heat, feel free to add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce or as a garnish.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! The sauce can be made a day or two ahead, and chicken can be cooked in advance. Just store separately and assemble the bowls fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe that balances sweet, savory, and fresh flavors so perfectly, all in one bowl. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the simple pleasure of a deeply satisfying, homemade meal that feels special but comes together with ease. It’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to dinners, just like it is for me!