Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl

A Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl is the kind of meal that hits every note — sweet, savory, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. Juicy chicken coated in a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce, served over warm rice with simple toppings, creates a bowl that feels like takeout comfort food made better at home.

This recipe is fast enough for weeknights, customizable for meal prep, and packed with bold flavor using pantry staples. Unlike many store-bought sauces, homemade teriyaki strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and umami without being overly salty or syrupy.

Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping lunches for the week, or craving a cozy bowl-style dinner, this teriyaki chicken bowl delivers every time.


Why This Rice Bowl Works So Well

Teriyaki chicken is a classic for a reason. The sauce caramelizes beautifully on the chicken, creating sticky edges and deep flavor while keeping the meat juicy. Served over rice, it becomes a complete meal that’s comforting and filling without being heavy.

This bowl is:

  • Better than takeout
  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Great for meal prep
  • Easy to customize with veggies
  • Family-friendly

It’s one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to because it never disappoints.


Ingredients

Teriyaki Chicken

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • Soy sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Honey
  • Garlic, minced
  • Fresh ginger, grated
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Cornstarch
  • Water

Rice & Toppings

  • Jasmine or white rice, cooked
  • Green onions, sliced
  • Sesame seeds
  • Steamed broccoli or snap peas (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Teriyaki Sauce
    In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
  2. Cook the Chicken
    Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
  3. Simmer the Sauce
    Pour teriyaki sauce into the skillet and simmer until thickened and glossy.
  4. Glaze the Chicken
    Return chicken to the pan and toss until fully coated in the sauce.
  5. Assemble the Bowls
    Divide rice into bowls, top with teriyaki chicken, and spoon extra sauce over the top.
  6. Garnish and Serve
    Finish with green onions, sesame seeds, and optional vegetables.

Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl

Juicy chicken glazed in homemade teriyaki sauce served over fluffy rice for a fast, flavorful meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Japanese
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

Teriyaki Chicken
  • 1.25 lb chicken thighs boneless, skinless
  • 0.33 cup soy sauce low sodium
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1.5 tbsp cornstarch
  • 0.25 cup water
Rice & Toppings
  • 3 cups cooked rice

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Whisk teriyaki sauce ingredients together.
  2. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through.
  3. Simmer sauce until thickened.
  4. Toss chicken in sauce.
  5. Serve over rice and garnish.

Notes

Serve with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

  • Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts work well too.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan for proper browning.
  • Simmer gently to thicken sauce without burning sugar.
  • Double the sauce if you like extra drizzle.

Easy Variations

  • Spicy Teriyaki: Add sriracha or chili paste.
  • Pineapple Teriyaki: Stir in pineapple chunks.
  • Low-Carb Bowl: Serve over cauliflower rice.
  • Veggie-Loaded: Add carrots, bell peppers, or edamame.

Meal Prep & Storage

Teriyaki chicken bowls are excellent for meal prep. Store rice and chicken separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.


Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

This is one of those reliable, comforting meals that checks every box — quick, flavorful, filling, and flexible. It satisfies cravings without requiring special ingredients or hours in the kitchen.

Once you start making teriyaki chicken at home, takeout won’t stand a chance.

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