If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, I have to share this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe with you. It’s one of those meals that come together in just about 30 minutes, and the balance of crispy chicken, vibrant veggies, and a luscious, homemade teriyaki sauce is absolutely fan-freaking-tastic. Whether you’re meal prepping or whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, you’ll love how straightforward and satisfying this recipe is.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Convenient: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Balanced: Lean chicken, fresh veggies, and a naturally sweetened sauce.
- Flavorful and Fresh: The ginger and garlic combo brightens up the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- Customizable: Easy to swap veggies and adjust the sweetness or spice to your liking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I’ve chosen ingredients that create a perfect harmony of savory, sweet, and fresh notes. These pantry staples are easy to find, and each plays a key role in achieving that classic teriyaki flavor you crave. Let me share some tips to get you started!

- Chicken breast: I prefer boneless, skinless for quick cooking and easy shredding if desired.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural chicken flavor.
- Toasted sesame oil: Adds a wonderful nutty aroma that really lifts the dish.
- Minced garlic: Fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch.
- Fresh grated ginger: This is the secret ingredient for that authentic zing.
- Chopped green onion (white part only): Use the white parts for cooking to build flavor.
- Low sodium soy sauce or tamari: Makes the sauce savory without overwhelming saltiness.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Gives a little tang that brightens all the flavors.
- Honey: Sweetens naturally—feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to chicken and veggies.
- Water: To make the cornstarch slurry smooth without lumps.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a sweet crunch.
- Broccoli florets: A hearty veggie that soaks up the sauce wonderfully.
Variations
I love that this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe is flexible—you can mix and match veggies or switch up the protein. Make it your own and enjoy every bite, whether you’re keeping it simple or adding a fun twist!
- Veggie Swap: I sometimes swap broccoli for snap peas or shredded carrots for a different crunch, and it’s just as delicious.
- Protein Variations: Tried it with tofu or thinly sliced beef for a change that my family goes crazy for.
- Spice it Up: Adding sriracha or red pepper flakes ramps up the heat nicely if you like a little kick.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Maple syrup or brown sugar both work well if you want to experiment with the flavor profile.
How to Make Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to about ½ inch thick—this helps them cook evenly and quickly. Then cut the chicken into bite-sized 1-inch cubes. Toss these cubes with salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out their natural flavor. I find that this simple seasoning lets the teriyaki sauce shine later on without being overpowering.
Step 2: Cook Aromatics and Chicken
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add toasted sesame oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the minced garlic, fresh grated ginger, and the white parts of the green onion. Sauté for a minute until fragrant, then add your seasoned chicken pieces. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on each side to develop that gorgeous golden-brown crust. You’ll want the chicken mostly cooked through—this locks in juiciness and flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm. In the same pan, add the chopped red bell pepper and broccoli florets. Depending on your pan, add a touch more sesame oil if it looks dry. Cook the veggies for about 5 minutes or until they become tender but still have a little crisp—this balance of textures is what I personally love.
Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Sauce and Combine
While the veggies cook, whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, and honey. Once mixed, stir in your cornstarch slurry to the sauce. Pour this mixture into the skillet over the sautéed veggies, then add the chicken pieces back in. Let everything simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully. Pro tip: always check that your chicken is fully cooked at this stage!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your teriyaki chicken and veggies over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. I like to top mine with red pepper flakes for a slight zing and sprinkle on some sliced green onions for freshness. Trust me, that finishing touch takes this bowl from great to unforgettable.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Even Thickness Matters: I learned that pounding the chicken evenly really helps it cook uniformly without drying out.
- Don’t Skip Toasted Sesame Oil: That little nutty flavor makes all the difference in authenticity, don’t substitute it for regular oil.
- Vegetables Last: Cooking the veggies after the chicken keeps them crisp and vibrant, which makes the bowl more enjoyable.
- Check Sauce Thickness: If your sauce gets too thick, a splash of chicken broth will loosen it up perfectly.
How to Serve Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe

Garnishes
I keep it simple with some sliced green onions and a pinch of red pepper flakes for just enough heat. Sometimes I throw in a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds—those add a lovely crunch and nutty finish that I absolutely love. Fresh chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice also brighten up the whole bowl if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite satisfying on its own, but I occasionally serve it alongside steamed edamame or a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing. For a heartier meal, miso soup or a crunchy Asian slaw pairs beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, I served this in hollowed-out pineapple halves for a tropical party vibe, which was a total hit. Layering the chicken and veggies in colorful bento boxes is another fun way to make lunch special. Using different rice bases like cauliflower rice is great for a low-carb twist while keeping presentation pretty cool.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and honestly, the flavors improve a bit as they meld overnight. Just make sure to keep the rice separate if possible to avoid sogginess. This way, each component stays fresh and you get that perfect texture even the next day.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this recipe once or twice when meal planning, and it works well! I recommend freezing the chicken and veggies without rice for best texture. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge to keep everything tender and delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm the chicken and veggies in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying out, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken broth helps loosen the sauce back up. Heat the rice separately in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top—it comes out fluffy and fresh every time.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to breast. Keep an eye for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can be. Just be sure to use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and check that your chicken broth is gluten-free. This recipe naturally lends itself to a gluten-free diet without sacrificing any flavor.
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How can I make this dish spicier?
I like to add red pepper flakes either during cooking or as a garnish. You can also stir in a spoonful of sriracha or a dash of chili garlic sauce into the teriyaki sauce for some heat. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
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What’s the best rice to serve with this recipe?
Jasmine or basmati rice are my go-to choices because of their fragrant aroma and fluffy texture. Brown rice works well too if you want something a bit heartier and higher in fiber. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a great alternative!
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe comes together—with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. It’s quickly become a family favorite in my house, especially on those busy nights when everyone wants something tasty yet wholesome. Once you try it, I’m confident you’ll keep it in your regular rotation too. So, give it a whirl, have fun experimenting with your favorite veggies or spice levels, and enjoy every comforting bite!
Print
Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is a quick and healthy gluten-free dinner packed with tender pan-fried chicken, vibrant sautéed vegetables, and a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce sweetened naturally with honey. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal served over rice and garnished with fresh green onions and red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion (white part only)
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thickness and cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes with salt and black pepper to season them evenly.
- Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the toasted sesame oil. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onion (white part), and the seasoned chicken cubes. Sauté together, allowing the chicken to cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and mostly cooked through.
- Set Chicken Aside: Transfer the cooked chicken and aromatics from the skillet to a plate and set aside while cooking the vegetables.
- Cook Vegetables: In the same pan, add the chopped red bell pepper and broccoli florets. Add a little more oil if the pan seems dry. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they are fork-tender but still vibrant.
- Make Cornstarch Slurry: While vegetables cook, whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth with no lumps.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Whisk low sodium soy sauce (or tamari), chicken broth, rice vinegar, and honey together in another small bowl. Then add the cornstarch slurry to this mixture and whisk well.
- Simmer Chicken and Vegetables with Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture over everything. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients nicely, about a few minutes.
- Check Chicken Doneness: Cut into a piece of chicken to ensure it is fully cooked through with no pink in the center.
- Serve: Serve the teriyaki chicken and vegetables over cooked rice. Top with red pepper flakes and the remaining green onion (green part) for garnish. Enjoy your delicious bowl!
Notes
- This teriyaki chicken bowl is an easy and healthy gluten-free dinner recipe ready in about 30 minutes.
- The sauce is sweetened naturally with pure honey, avoiding refined sugars.
- Using low sodium soy sauce and chicken broth helps control salt content.
- Serve over white or brown rice, or substitute for cauliflower rice for a lower carb option.
- Make sure chicken is fully cooked by checking it before serving.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or carrots to customize.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 251 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg


