Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with Steamed Rice
If you’re looking for a wholesome, quick-to-make meal that checks all the boxes—savory, satisfying, nutritious, and crowd-pleasing—then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with Steamed Rice. It’s a beautiful harmony of tender chicken glazed in a sticky homemade teriyaki sauce, fluffy rice, fresh steamed broccoli, and creamy guacamole—all finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onion.
Perfect for busy weeknights, lunch meal prep, or an easy dinner that feels like takeout without the guilt, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. And the best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
Who Is This Recipe For?
This Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is ideal for:
- Busy professionals looking for a meal prep-friendly recipe
- Families needing a balanced dinner everyone will enjoy
- Fitness-focused foodies who want protein-packed meals without sacrificing flavor
- Anyone who loves a quick Asian-inspired dinner with minimal cleanup
Whether you’re an experienced home chef or just starting out, this recipe is as straightforward as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
✅ Balanced & Filling – With protein-rich chicken, wholesome rice, and healthy fats from guacamole, this bowl is the complete package.
✅ Fresh & Flavorful – Sweet, savory, and tangy notes meet rich, creamy textures in every bite.
✅ Quick & Easy – 30 minutes from kitchen to table, with no complicated steps or special tools.
✅ Customizable – Swap out rice for quinoa, broccoli for snap peas, or make it vegetarian-friendly—this dish is super flexible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Teriyaki Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs 🍗
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce 🍶
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey 🍯
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 🍚
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil 🌿
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 🌱
- 1 clove garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening) 🌽
- 1 tablespoon water 💧
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish) 🍥
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups steamed white or brown rice 🍚
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed 🥦
- Guacamole (store-bought or homemade) 🥑
- Green onions, sliced (optional garnish)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- Large skillet or grill pan
- Medium mixing bowl
- Small bowl (for thickening slurry)
- Tongs or spatula
- Rice cooker or saucepan
- Steamer basket or microwave-safe bowl for broccoli
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
3. Make the Teriyaki Glaze
In the same skillet, pour in the teriyaki sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water into a slurry. Stir it into the simmering sauce to thicken, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Bowls
Start with a generous scoop of steamed rice at the bottom of each bowl. Arrange the steamed broccoli on one side and sliced teriyaki chicken on top. Add a dollop of guacamole to one corner of the bowl. Drizzle the thickened teriyaki glaze over the chicken and rice. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions if using.
Tips & Tricks for Success
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking.
- Go Veggie: Swap the chicken for pan-fried tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that still packs plenty of protein.
- Use Frozen Veggies: Save time by using frozen broccoli florets—steam them in the microwave while you cook the chicken.
- Double the Sauce: This teriyaki sauce is so good, you might want to double the recipe and keep extra on hand for stir-fries or grilled veggies.
- Rice Options: White jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice all work beautifully here.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips:
- Microwave: Place rice and chicken in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 1–2 minutes.
- Stovetop: Reheat chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Avoid reheating guacamole—add fresh when serving again.
Suggested Pairings
This bowl is already pretty well-rounded, but if you’re planning to serve it as part of a full meal, consider these additions:
Side Dishes:
- Pickled ginger or kimchi
- Cucumber salad with rice vinegar & sesame oil
- Edamame with sea salt
Drinks:
- Iced green tea or jasmine tea
- Sparkling water with lime
- Cold sake or a light white wine like Riesling for an adult twist
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Teriyaki Bowl: Add a squirt of sriracha or a few red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a kick.
- Pineapple Twist: Add pineapple chunks to the skillet for a sweet and tropical upgrade.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice and skip the cornstarch to keep it keto-friendly.
- Kids’ Version: Leave out the ginger and green onions for milder flavor that picky eaters will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a high-quality store-bought teriyaki sauce will do the trick—just keep an eye on the sodium content.
Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-cooking?
Yes! Grilled chicken adds an extra smoky flavor that works beautifully with the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
What’s the best way to steam broccoli?
A steamer basket over boiling water for 4–5 minutes does the trick. Alternatively, microwave in a covered bowl with a splash of water for 3 minutes.
How do I make homemade guacamole?
Mash ripe avocados with lime juice, salt, and optional extras like minced garlic, onion, and cilantro. That’s it!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with Steamed Rice is everything a great meal should be—nutritious, quick, packed with flavor, and completely customizable. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to something delicious and homemade, this recipe delivers every time.
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