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The Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is the definition of a perfect weeknight meal: quick to prepare, deeply satisfying, and packed with bold, balanced flavors. Tender chicken coated in a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce, served over warm rice and paired with fresh vegetables—this bowl delivers comfort, nutrition, and crave-worthy taste in every bite.
Teriyaki chicken bowls have become a staple in modern home cooking because they combine simplicity with restaurant-style appeal. This version is intentionally designed to be approachable, using pantry-friendly ingredients while delivering that signature sweet-savory teriyaki flavor people love.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding a family, or simply craving a cozy yet fresh dinner, this easy teriyaki chicken bowl checks every box.
Why Teriyaki Bowls Are So Popular
The appeal of teriyaki bowls lies in balance. Sweetness from sugar or honey, saltiness from soy sauce, and richness from a glossy reduction come together to create a sauce that enhances rather than overwhelms the chicken.
Bowls also offer flexibility. You control the base, toppings, and portion sizes, making them ideal for different dietary preferences and lifestyles. One pan, one bowl, endless variations.
What Makes This Recipe “Easy”
This recipe skips complicated marinades and long cook times. The sauce comes together in minutes, thickening quickly while the chicken cooks. Everything happens in one pan, which means fewer dishes and faster cleanup.
By dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces, you ensure fast cooking and maximum sauce coverage—every piece becomes flavorful and tender.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast (boneless, skinless, diced)
- Soy sauce
- Honey or brown sugar
- Garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Cornstarch
- Sesame oil
- Neutral cooking oil
- Cooked rice
- Optional vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until lightly golden and fully cooked.
- Pour teriyaki sauce into the skillet with the chicken.
- Stir continuously as sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
- Reduce heat and simmer briefly until glossy.
- Serve chicken over cooked rice and add vegetables as desired.
Choosing the Best Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for this recipe because it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce well. Chicken thighs can also be used if you prefer a richer, juicier texture.
The key is uniform sizing. Evenly diced chicken ensures consistent cooking and prevents dryness.
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce vs Store-Bought
Homemade teriyaki sauce gives you full control over sweetness, saltiness, and thickness. Unlike many bottled sauces, this version avoids excessive sodium and artificial flavors.
It also thickens naturally during cooking, creating that signature glossy finish without additives.
The Role of Cornstarch
Cornstarch is essential for achieving the proper sauce texture. It thickens the sauce quickly, allowing it to cling to the chicken instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl.
Always whisk cornstarch thoroughly with liquid before heating to prevent lumps.
Ginger and Garlic: Flavor Builders
Fresh ginger adds warmth and brightness, while garlic delivers depth. Together, they elevate the sauce beyond simple sweet-and-salty.
If using ground ginger, reduce the amount slightly to avoid overpowering the dish.
Rice Options for Your Bowl
White rice is classic, but brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice work beautifully.
For added flavor, cook rice in chicken broth instead of water.
Vegetable Pairings
Steamed broccoli is the most popular pairing, but snap peas, shredded carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers all complement teriyaki chicken well.
Vegetables add color, texture, and nutritional balance to the bowl.
Meal Prep Friendly
This easy teriyaki chicken bowl stores well and reheats beautifully. Portion into containers with rice and vegetables for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
The sauce thickens slightly when chilled but loosens again when reheated.
How to Keep Chicken Juicy
Avoid overcooking. Chicken breast cooks quickly, and once it’s done, the sauce should only simmer briefly.
Cooking over medium-high heat helps seal moisture in the chicken.
Sweetness Control
Prefer less sweetness? Reduce honey slightly or replace part of it with water.
Like it sweeter? Add a drizzle of extra honey at the end.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with sesame seeds and green onions.
Pair with miso soup, cucumber salad, or a simple side of edamame for a complete meal.
Why This Recipe Is a Family Favorite
Kids love the mild sweetness, adults appreciate the savory depth, and everyone enjoys the comforting bowl format.
It’s familiar, satisfying, and endlessly repeatable.
A Takeout Classic Made Better
This homemade teriyaki chicken bowl rivals restaurant versions while being fresher, lighter, and more customizable.
Once you make it at home, it quickly becomes part of your regular rotation.
Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Tender chicken coated in a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce served over rice.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook diced chicken until golden and cooked through.
- Add teriyaki sauce and simmer until thick and glossy.
- Serve over rice and add vegetables if desired.
Notes
Sauce thickens quickly; stir constantly once added.
