Why You’ll Love The Best Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
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It’s fast — from start to finish in about 25 minutes.
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The homemade teriyaki sauce is delicious and likely uses ingredients you already have in your pantry.
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You can serve the chicken with any veggies you enjoy, making it versatile.
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The sauce seeps into the rice, giving the whole bowl great depth of flavor.
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It’s a comforting, satisfying meal — often better than ordering takeout.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
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Olive oil
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Low sodium soy sauce
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Water
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Packed light brown sugar
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Rice vinegar
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Sesame oil (optional)
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Ground ginger
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Minced garlic
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Honey
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Cornstarch
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Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish)
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Rice (white or brown) for serving
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Steamed vegetables (e.g. broccoli and carrots) for serving
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until browned and no longer pink in the middle. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.
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While the chicken is cooking, whisk together soy sauce, water, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil (if using), ginger, garlic, and cornstarch in a medium bowl to make the teriyaki sauce.
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Once the chicken is cooked through, pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Continue cooking and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
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Serve the glazed chicken immediately over cooked rice with steamed vegetables of your choice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Servings and timing
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Serves: 4 people
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Prep time: about 5 minutes
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Cook time: about 20 minutes
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Total time: approximately 25 minutes
Variations
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Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts — thighs yield a juicier, slightly richer flavor.
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Add different vegetables: bell peppers, snap peas, zucchini, or carrots all work well.
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For a spicy twist, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
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If you prefer noodles over rice — serve the chicken over cooked noodles for a teriyaki noodle bowl.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken, rice, and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator to avoid soggy rice. Reheat separately (e.g. in a microwave), then assemble just before eating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables in my Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl?
Yes — just make sure to cook or steam them before adding them to the dish. Frozen broccoli or mixed stir-fry vegetables work well.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are a fine substitute — just cube them and cook until they’re no longer pink. They may take a few extra minutes, but the result will be juicy and flavorful.
Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying?
Yes. You can grill or use a rotisserie chicken instead of pan-frying. If using leftover or pre-cooked chicken, just toss it in the sauce to warm through.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Divide chicken, rice, and veggies into containers, drizzle extra sauce if desired, and refrigerate for up to several days. Then reheat separately before eating.
Does the recipe work if I skip sesame oil?
Yes. The sesame oil adds extra flavor but it’s optional — the teriyaki sauce will still taste delicious without it.
Can I use other types of rice or grains?
Yes. White or brown rice works fine. You could also use quinoa or even noodles if you prefer.
How do I get a good texture on the chicken — not too dry or overcooked?
Be sure to cut the chicken into evenly sized cubes so they cook evenly, and avoid overcooking: cook just until no longer pink, then add the sauce to finish.
Can I thicken the sauce more or make it thinner?
Yes — adjusting the amount of cornstarch (or water) in the sauce lets you control thickness. Use a little less cornstarch for a thinner sauce, or slightly more for a thicker glaze.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar — can I skip it?
While rice vinegar adds a nice tang that balances the sweetness, you could skip it in a pinch — but the flavor may be a bit less complex.
Can I add extra flavor — like spice or crunch?
Yes. For a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. For crunch/extras, consider tossing in sliced bell peppers or snap peas; or sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.
Conclusion
This Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl is a simple, go-to recipe when you want something tasty, satisfying, and quick. With a flavorful homemade sauce, flexible ingredient options, and quick prep — it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or just an easy dinner that tastes far better than takeout.
