Chicken and Edamame Bowl

A vibrant, protein-packed bowl featuring tender teriyaki-glazed chicken, crisp edamame, and a rainbow of fresh vegetables served over fiber-rich brown rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced nutrition across protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fresh produce

• Quick assembly ideal for busy weeknights

• Highly customizable to suit different dietary preferences

• Perfect for meal prep and enjoying throughout the week

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 to 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken breast

• 4 cups cooked brown rice

• 1 large carrot, shredded

• 2 cups shredded purple cabbage

• ½ cup chopped green onions

• ⅓ cup teriyaki glaze

• 1 avocado, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 cup raw or thawed edamame

• Sesame seeds, for garnish

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Arrange the chicken breasts on a foil-lined baking sheet and brush both sides with teriyaki glaze.

3. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.

4. Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

5. To assemble each bowl, place 1 cup of cooked brown rice in a serving bowl.

6. Top the rice with sliced chicken, shredded carrot, shredded cabbage, sliced avocado, and edamame.

7. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

8. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: Approximately 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20–25 minutes at 350°F (175°C)

• Total time: Approximately 35 minutes

Variations

• Grain swap: quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice instead of brown rice

• Sauce options: soy-ginger dressing, peanut sauce, or honey-mustard vinaigrette

• Protein alternatives: grilled salmon, tofu, tempeh, or shrimp

• Veggie add-ins: steamed broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, snap peas, or pickled cucumbers

storage/reheating

• Refrigeration: Store assembled bowls in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Omit avocado before freezing; freeze components separately for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Microwave for 1–2 minutes (add a splash of water to rice to prevent dryness), or reheat in a covered skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add fresh avocado and sesame seeds just before serving.

FAQs

What type of rice works best in this bowl?

Brown rice adds fiber and a nutty flavor, but white rice, jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice are all excellent alternatives to adjust texture and nutrition.

Can I use frozen edamame without thawing first?

Yes. Simply add frozen edamame directly to the bowl—they will defrost quickly when mixed with warm rice and chicken.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari or a certified gluten-free teriyaki sauce in place of regular teriyaki glaze, and verify that all other sauces and seasonings are gluten-free.

Is it possible to meal-prep these bowls in advance?

Absolutely. Prepare rice, chicken, and vegetables ahead of time and store components separately, then assemble bowls when ready to eat to preserve freshness.

Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?

Yes. Chicken thighs provide more fat and flavor—adjust baking time to 25–30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer: the thickest part should register 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest piece to ensure there is no pink meat.

What other garnishes pair well with this bowl?

Try toasted sesame seeds, furikake seasoning, a drizzle of sriracha mayo, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of fresh lime.

Can I add more vegetables to boost nutrient content?

Yes—steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, roasted sweet potato cubes, or an edamame succotash mix blend well to enhance flavor and nutrition.

How should I adjust the recipe for a spicier version?

Mix sriracha or chili garlic sauce into the teriyaki glaze, or sprinkle red pepper flakes over assembled bowls for extra heat.

Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Freeze ingredients separately—rice and chicken in one container, vegetables in another—and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Edamame Bowl offers a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors in every bite. Its straightforward assembly, adaptability, and balanced nutrition make it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners, meal-prep lunches, or casual gatherings. Feel free to experiment with grains, proteins, and sauces to make this recipe uniquely yours—enjoy!