The Best Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl

The Best Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl like this Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl are exactly the kind of meal that makes dinner feel effortless yet satisfying. I found this recipe while scrolling through Pinterest one evening, and it immediately caught my attention—the glossy sauce, the tender chicken, the fluffy rice—it looked like pure comfort in a bowl. I decided to give it a try, and after a few small tweaks in my own kitchen, it turned out even better than takeout. The homemade teriyaki sauce is sweet, savory, and just the right amount of sticky, coating every bite perfectly. These chicken rice bowls have quickly become one of my favorite weeknight dinners—simple, wholesome, and full of flavor that never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl

Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
The homemade teriyaki sauce is simple and better than any bottled version.
Pairs beautifully with rice and veggies for a complete meal.
Family-friendly and customizable with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs add extra tenderness and rich flavor.

Olive Oil

For browning the chicken—use extra virgin olive oil or any light cooking oil you prefer.

Soy Sauce

Low sodium soy sauce keeps the flavor balanced and not overly salty.

Brown Sugar

Adds sweetness and helps create that glossy, caramelized teriyaki finish.

Rice Vinegar

Gives the sauce a gentle tang and balance.

Sesame Oil

Optional but adds a deep, nutty aroma that enhances the dish.

Garlic and Ginger

Freshly minced garlic and ground ginger bring warmth and flavor to the sauce.

Honey

Adds natural sweetness and thickens the sauce beautifully.

Cornstarch

Used to thicken the teriyaki sauce into a smooth, silky glaze.

Rice

Serve with steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice for a hearty base.

Vegetables

Steamed broccoli, carrots, or snap peas make this a complete, colorful meal.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls

Step 1 – Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until browned and no longer pink inside. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.

Step 2 – Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth and combined.

Step 3 – Combine and Simmer

Pour the sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens into a glossy glaze that coats the chicken evenly.

Step 4 – Serve

Spoon the teriyaki chicken over warm rice and top with your favorite vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a finishing touch.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Rice Bowls

Cut the chicken into equal-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
Don’t skip the cornstarch—it’s the secret to a rich, thick sauce.
Let the sauce simmer long enough to thicken properly before serving.
You can double the sauce recipe if you love extra teriyaki flavor on your rice.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Variations and Add-Ins

Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different twist.
Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for more color and nutrients.
Use cauliflower rice or quinoa instead of traditional rice for a lighter meal.
Mix in a bit of pineapple for a tropical, sweet-savory flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover teriyaki chicken and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the sauce if needed.

Can You Meal Prep Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls?

Absolutely! Divide the cooked teriyaki chicken, rice, and veggies into meal prep containers. Drizzle a little extra sauce on top and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat and enjoy a ready-to-go, balanced lunch or dinner.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 214 | Protein: 12g | Carbohydrates: 24g | Fat: 8g | Sodium: 795mg | Sugar: 17g |

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work perfectly in these chicken rice bowls. They stay juicy and flavorful, even if slightly overcooked, and absorb the teriyaki sauce beautifully.

2. What type of rice is best for chicken rice bowls?
White jasmine rice is classic, but brown rice, sushi rice, or even cauliflower rice are all great options depending on your preference and dietary needs.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make the teriyaki sauce up to 5 days in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stove before adding it to your cooked chicken.

4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari or coconut aminos) and ensure that the cornstarch you’re using is labeled gluten-free.

5. What vegetables go best with this dish?
Broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and bell peppers all pair wonderfully with teriyaki chicken rice bowls. You can steam, roast, or stir-fry them to your liking.

6. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce tastes fresher and lets you control the sweetness and sodium levels. If you’re short on time, store-bought is a fine shortcut.

7. How long do leftovers last?
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat the chicken and rice separately for best texture.

8. Can I freeze teriyaki chicken rice bowls?
Yes! Freeze the cooked chicken and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

9. Can I make this spicy?
Definitely. Add crushed red pepper flakes, a drizzle of sriracha, or spicy chili oil to the teriyaki sauce for a kick of heat.

10. How do I keep the chicken tender and juicy?
Don’t overcook it—once it’s no longer pink, it’s done. Also, cut the chicken into even-sized cubes so they cook uniformly and stay tender in the sauce.Fiber: 1g

Final Thoughts

These Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls are everything you want in a weeknight meal—quick, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, savory-sweet sauce, and fluffy rice makes it a family favorite that never gets old. Once you try this homemade version, you’ll skip the takeout and make it part of your regular dinner rotation.