Simple Teriyaki Bowl with Chicken
The Simple Teriyaki Bowl with Chicken is a delightful go-to meal in my household when we crave something comforting and satisfying. I remember one evening after a long day at work, I wanted to whip up something quick yet flavorful. I reached for my trusty teriyaki sauce, some fresh vegetables, and of course, juicy chicken thighs. This dish came together beautifully, and soon the aroma of sweet and savory flavors filled my kitchen, wrapping us in warmth and happiness. It’s amazing how simple ingredients can transform into an uplifting bowl of goodness that makes you feel at home.
Recipe Snapshot
25 mins
15 mins
10 mins
Easy
480 kcal
35 g
Paleo, Whole30, Gluten-Free
18 g
Chef’s Knife, Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Saucepan, Frying Pan, Skillet
The Magic of This Simple Teriyaki Bowl with Chicken
Quick and Easy to Prepare
What I love most about the Simple Teriyaki Bowl with Chicken is how quickly it comes together. With just a few steps, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen!
Flavorful Ingredients
The combination of chicken, fresh vegetables, and the rich teriyaki sauce creates a symphony of flavors that’s truly irresistible. The sweetness of the sauce complements the savory notes of the sautĂ©ed chicken, bringing everything together harmoniously. Each bite is a burst of deliciousness!
Healthy and Nutritious
This recipe is loaded with fresh produce like broccoli, carrots, and napa cabbage, making it a nutritious choice for you and your family. It’s a wonderful way to sneak in those essential vitamins and minerals while enjoying a comforting meal.
Customizable to Your Taste
Another fantastic aspect of the Simple Teriyaki Bowl with Chicken is its versatility. You can easily swap out vegetables based on what’s in your fridge, or even add in some extra toppings like sesame seeds or sliced radishes for an added crunch. It’s all about making it your own!
Perfect for Meal Prep
This dish holds up well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prepping. You can store each component separately and assemble when you’re ready to eat. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully!
Ingredients Required for Simple Teriyaki Bowl with Chicken

When it comes to the Simple Teriyaki Bowl with Chicken, the ingredients are what make it shine. Each component plays a vital role in creating a deliciously balanced dish. The key players include hearty chicken, fresh vegetables for that crunch, and a flavorful teriyaki sauce to tie it all together. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil – This oil adds a rich nuttiness that enhances the flavor profile of the dish.
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs – Juicy and tender, these are perfect for stir-frying.
- ¼ cup cornstarch – Used to coat the chicken, giving it a nice crispy texture when cooked.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for bringing out the flavors of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger – Adds a warm spiciness and depth to the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – A must-have for that aromatic touch.
- 8 ounces teriyaki sauce – Sweet and savory, this sauce is the star of the show.
- 3 cups roughly chopped napa cabbage – Adds a fresh crunch and a lovely color.
- 1 ½ cups sliced carrots – Sweet and nutritious, they’re a great addition to the bowl.
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets – Packed with vitamins and a perfect complement to the other veggies.
- 4 cups cooked rice – The base of your bowl; I love using jasmine or brown rice for added flavor.
- 1 cup sliced radishes – For a refreshing crunch and a pop of color.
- 1 cup sliced fresh pineapple – Adds a sweet and juicy contrast to the savory flavors.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds – A lovely garnish that provides a nutty taste and visual appeal.
How to Make Simple Teriyaki Bowl with Chicken

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s jump right into making the Simple Teriyaki Bowl with Chicken. Follow these easy steps to create a meal your family will love!
- Set two large skillets or sautĂ© pans on the stovetop. Ensure that one has a well-fitting lid. If you’re cooking rice, set out a large pot for it and follow the package instructions.
- Chop the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Place these pieces in a bowl and toss with cornstarch, salt, ground ginger, and garlic powder until they’re well-coated. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
- Next, chop your remaining fresh produce like the cabbage, carrots, and broccoli. It’s important to have everything prepped and ready to go to make the cooking process smooth.
- Add the carrots to the sauté pan with a lid. Pour in about a third of a cup of water and turn the heat to medium. Cover the pan and steam the carrots for about 5 minutes. This will help them become tender.
- After steaming the carrots, push them to one side of the pan and add in the broccoli florets and napa cabbage. Sprinkle with a little more salt and pepper to taste. Cover again and steam for another 3 minutes before removing from heat.
- While the veggies are steaming, take the other skillet and place it over medium heat. Add the sesame oil and allow it to get hot. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces and stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is mostly cooked.
- Pour in the teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken nicely. This is where the magic happens!
- To assemble the bowls, scoop approximately 1 cup of cooked rice into four bowls. Top each bowl with an equal portion of the hot teriyaki chicken, steamed cabbage, carrots, and broccoli.
- For the finishing touch, garnish your bowls with cool sliced radishes, fresh pineapple, and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve warm and enjoy!
Things Worth Knowing
- Cooking Chicken: Look for a golden-brown color on the chicken when stir-frying. This indicates that it’s cooking properly and will develop a nice texture.
- Steaming Veggies: Steaming is essential to retain the nutrients in your vegetables. Ensure they are tender but still have a crisp bite for that perfect texture.
- Rice Choices: While any variety of cooked rice works, jasmine rice is exceptionally aromatic and complements the teriyaki flavors beautifully.
- Teriyaki Sauce: Choosing a quality teriyaki sauce can elevate the dish. Look for one that’s rich in flavor without too many additives.
Change It Up

Feeling adventurous? Here are some tips to customize your Simple Teriyaki Bowl with Chicken:
- Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the components separate to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze the teriyaki chicken and vegetables. Just ensure they’re cooled completely before transferring to freezer bags.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different proteins like tofu or shrimp for a twist on this classic bowl.
- Garnishes: Top your bowls with chopped peanuts or fresh cilantro for an added crunch and flavor boost.
- Serving Size: Adjust the serving size based on your family’s appetite, or double the recipe for meal prep!
Pairing Suggestions for Simple Teriyaki Bowl with Chicken
When it comes to serving the Simple Teriyaki Bowl with Chicken, there are various ways to elevate your meal experience:
- Side Dishes: Consider serving with a light cucumber salad or miso soup for a refreshing contrast to the warm bowl.
- Occasions: This dish is perfect for casual family dinners or meal prepping for the week. It’s also great for gatherings when you want to impress your guests!
- Seasonal Pairing: In summer, serve with fresh fruits like watermelon or mango, while in winter, a warm ginger tea can complement the meal beautifully.
- Storing Tips: Always keep the rice separate from the other components to prevent it from getting soggy; reheat them together when serving.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Simple Teriyaki Bowl with Chicken is truly a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy evenings. With its delightful combination of flavors and nutritious ingredients, this meal is sure to become a favorite in your household. I encourage you to give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Simple Teriyaki Bowl with Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Set two large skillets or sauté pans on the stove top. Make sure one sauté pan has a well fitting lid. If cooking rice, also set out a large pot for the rice, and follow the package instructions.
- Chop the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Place the chicken in a bowl and toss with cornstarch, salt, ground ginger, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Chop the remaining fresh produce.
- Add the carrots to the sauté pan with a lid. Pour 1/3 cup of water into the pan and turn the heat on medium. Cover with a lid and steam the carrots for 5 minutes. Then push the carrots to one side of the pan and add in the broccoli florets and the napa cabbage. Sprinkle the tops with salt and pepper. Cover again and steam for another 3 minutes. Then remove from heat.
- While the veggies are steaming, place the sesame oil in the other skillet and set over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir fry the chicken pieces for 3 to 4 minutes, until mostly cooked. Then pour in the teriyaki sauce. Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens around the chicken pieces. Remove from heat.
- To assemble: Scoop 1 cup of cooked rice into four bowls. Top each rice bowl with an equal portion of hot teriyaki chicken, steamed napa cabbage, sliced carrots, and broccoli florets. Then garnish with cool sliced radishes, fresh pineapple, and a good sprinkling of sesame seeds. Serve warm.
Notes
- Tip 1: In a hurry? You can buy pre-cooked rice to heat up for this recipe, to cut down on cooking time.
- Tip 2: You can also buy pre-sliced carrots and broccoli to cut down on chopping.
- Tip 3: Homemade teriyaki chicken will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Tip 4: I suggest storing each of the bowl elements – meat, steamed veggies, rice, and fresh garnishes – in their own container.


