Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

Teriyaki Chicken Bowls makes an incredibly easy and delicious meal the whole family will love. Made with Homemade Teriyaki Sauce, Short Grain Brown Rice, tender chicken and veggies. This meal is slightly sweet, savory, satisfying and makes a great homemade freezer meal.

There is nothing better than incredibly tasty homemade Asian inspired meals. Sticky Lemon Chicken, Chicken Peanut Udon Noodle Salad and this Teriyaki Chicken Bowl recipe always puts a huge smile on both my husband’s and my face.

This post may contain affiliate links which I earn a small portion in sales if a purchase is made. Rest assured though, it is never at any additional cost to you.

Basics of Bowl Meals

Buddha bowls, teriyaki’s bowls, meal prep bowls and power bowls are just a few of the names given to a complete meal that fits into a bowl. Additionally, there are as many creative ways to make it as there are names. However, there are a few basics to a healthy bowl meal.

Whole Grain or Complex Carbohydrate– These are high in nutrients and fiber in addittion to other encouraging health benefits. I have found that short grain brown rice is not only easy to make once you get the hang it, but it also has a wonderful taste and texture.

Protein– Of the three macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats and protein), protein is the most filling. In other words, chances of still feeling hungry after eating a good quality bowl meal is very low. 

Veggies– We all know the benefits of eating more veggies, but just in case you need a little more inspiration check out this article. 

Healthy Fat– Fat is an essential part of a healthy diet from helping the body absorb fat soluble vitamins to supporting hormone production. However, incorporating more healthy fats and less of the bad fats is ideal for achieving the positive side effects that healthy fats offer. 

Ingredients Needed

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds).
• 1 batch Short Grain Brown Rice. Many people struggle making brown rice. However, it really is easy once you learn the secrets and my recipe breaks down those secrets.
• Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
• 16 ounces of pre-cut stir fry veggies or a combination of 2 bell peppers, 1 pound of broccoli and 10 ounces shredded carrots.

How To Make Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

Prepare Brown Rice (Step 1)

Homemade short grain brown rice takes about an hour from start to finish so it is best to start with this first.

Prepare and Cook the Veggies (Step 2)

The easiest and fastest way to prepare the vegetables is to buy pre-cut stir fry veggies and prepare them following the instructions on the package. However, many prefer using fresh veggies. Here are the three options for cooking fresh vegetables.

Steaming

To steam veggies first wash and cut into uniform bite sized pieces. (Note: When steaming it is best to not use shredded carrots. Instead use 2 medium sized carrots cut into bite sized pieces). Place steaming basket in the bottom of a pan with a lid attachment. Add 1 inch of water to the bottom of the pan. (Note: water should be just below steaming basket.) Steam veggies on high heat until slightly tender but they still have a crispness to them. Here is the timing for steaming the veggies with the longest time listed first.

• Cremini Mushrooms: Approximately 10-15 minutes
• Carrots and Onions: Approximately 10 minutes 
• Zucchini Pieces: Approximately 8-10minutes
• Asparagus Pieces: 5 minutes for thin asparagus and approximately up to 10 minutes for thick asparagus spears.
• Broccoli and Sugar Snap Peas: 5 minutes 
• Bell Peppers: 2 minutes 

Steaming Pro Tip: If steaming a large variety of veggies use a large steaming basket and start with the longest cooking veggies first. Add the next longest cooking veggie and so on. Example: Add mushrooms and steam for 5 minutes, layer on carrots and steam for 2 minutes and then zucchini slices and steam for 8 minutes. 

If steaming just one type of veggie, use a small steaming basket.

Blanching

This is the act of scalding veggies in boiling water and it is usually easiest with just 1 or 2 veggies. I personally love blanched broccoli and find blanching works perfectly when that is the only veggie being prepared. 

To blanch 1 pound of broccoli bring 1 gallon of water to a boil. Once boiling add broccoli florets and cook until until broccoli turns a bright green color. Remove from water.

Blanching Pro Tip: Normally with blanching, the vegetables are submerged into ice water to stop the cooking process. However, I have found that removing the florets the moment they turn bright green to work best without having to shock them in ice water. Additionally, I enjoy eating warm broccoli for this dish. 

Stir Frying

Stir frying veggies on high heat with 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil is my favorite preparation method. The toasted sesame oil imparts a wonderful flavor and stir frying allows the veggies to be cooked to a perfect crispness. 

To stir fry heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add oil and the moment the pan starts to slightly smoke, add veggies. Toss while cooking and cook until veggies brighten in color and are sweating. 

Stir Frying Pro Tip: When stir frying larger amounts of veggies it is best to work in smaller batches, adding additional oil with each batch. Transfer each batch to a large bowl once done. 

Make Teriyaki Sauce (Step 3)

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce has a 10 minute preparation time and a 5 minute cook time. It is best to start the sauce before cooking the chicken. However, the sauce can be finishing off cooking while starting the chicken.

Stir Fry the Chicken (Step 4)

Cut chicken into 1 inch pieces. Heat a wok or frying pan over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil and once the pan just begins to smoke, add half of the chicken.  Cook stirring occasionally until chicken is cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Repeat process with second half of chicken.

Assembling the Teriyaki Chicken Bowl (Step 5) 

1. Once the chicken is cooked, add most of teriyaki sauce to the chicken and stir well. Reserve about 1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce.
2. To individual serving bowls add a scoop or two of rice.
3. Add veggies to serving bowls.
4. Layer on chicken.
5. Drizzle reserved teriyaki sauce over veggies.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to keep the calories of this Teriyaki Chicken Bowl on the lower side?

To lower calories use only a small amount of oil or none at all when preparing the short grain brown rice. Additionally, steam or blanch the veggies and use chicken breasts rather than chicken thighs. 

How can this Chicken Bowl be made in 15 minutes? 

Here are a few tips to prepare this recipe as quickly as possible.

• Pre-make the rice, freeze and then heat in the microwave while preparing the rest of the dinner.
• Use pre-cut stir fry frozen veggies and follow the directions for cooking on the package.
• When returning from the grocery store pre-cut the chicken. If not using the chicken immediately freeze in a freezer bag and defrost in the refrigerator the night before. 
• Use ground ginger rather than fresh ginger for the teriyaki sauce. 

Can this be made in the Instant Pot?

Yes, however to do so is a ginormous pain. I highly recommend saving the Instant Pot for beans and stews.

What is the best way to freeze this meal? 

This Teriyaki Bowl makes an amazing freezer meal frozen into individual portions. To do so, use a microwave and oven safe freezer container. Assemble just as you would as if you were eating it immediately. Once assembled cover with the freezer lid and freeze up to 3 months.

To heat, defrost in the refrigerator, remove lid and heat on power level 8 for 6 minutes. If pulling from the freezer to eat immediately remove lid, use power level 3 (defrost setting) for 20 minutes and then heat on power level 8 for 5-6 minutes. 

More Delicious One Bowl Meals

Baja Chicken Bowl

Egg Roll In a Bowl

Asian Chicken Sriracha Bowl

If you enjoyed these Teriyaki Chicken Bowls please let me know by leaving a comment and review below. Doing so helps to encourage others to make the recipe also. Thank you!