A simple yet satisfying dish featuring tender chicken pieces glazed in a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce, served over steamed rice and crisp broccoli. This recipe delivers balanced flavours and textures with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and straightforward preparation yields a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes.
Balanced combination of protein, grains and vegetables for a complete, nutritious meal.
Homemade teriyaki sauce enhances fresh flavours without relying on store-bought alternatives.
Highly adaptable: swap proteins, adjust sweetness or add your favourite vegetables.
Perfect for individual bowls, family-style servings or make-ahead lunches.

ingredients

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

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
3 cups cooked jasmine or short-grain rice
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed until tender-crisp
2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

directions

Prepare the rice.
Cook the rice according to package instructions and keep it warm.
Make the teriyaki sauce.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger and garlic. In a separate small dish, dissolve the cornstarch in water; stir into the sauce mixture.
Cook the chicken.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Thicken the sauce and finish.
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Pour in the sauce mixture and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1–2 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly.
Add the vegetables.
Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, until heated through and coated in sauce.
Assemble the bowls.
Divide the rice among four bowls. Top with teriyaki chicken and broccoli. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Chicken thighs. Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavour.
Vegetable medley. Incorporate bell peppers, snow peas, carrots or snap peas for added colour and texture.
Alternative proteins. Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp or beef strips to suit dietary preferences.
Sauce adjustments. Add a teaspoon of honey for extra sweetness or a dash of sriracha for heat.
Gluten-free option. Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensure the cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
Keto-friendly. Serve over cauliflower rice and replace sugar with a low-carbohydrate sweetener.

storage/reheating

Refrigeration: Store chicken, sauce and rice separately or assembled in airtight containers for up to four days.
Freezing: Place cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to two months; note that rice may become slightly soft if frozen.
Reheating: Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary, or microwave on high in one-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.

FAQs

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

You may substitute tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative; both provide a similar umami flavour, though coconut aminos tend to be slightly sweeter.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and confirm that your cornstarch and any other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will yield a juicier and more flavourful result; adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).

How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking: remove the chicken from the heat as soon as it reaches 165 °F (74 °C) internally and immediately coat it in the teriyaki sauce to lock in moisture.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately from the rice. Reheat both components gently before assembling to maintain optimal texture.

What is the best way to thicken the teriyaki sauce?

Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in cold water before adding. Stir the sauce constantly over gentle heat until it reaches the desired consistency.

What side dishes pair well with these rice bowls?

Pickled vegetables, steamed edamame, miso soup or a simple green salad dressed with sesame oil and rice vinegar complement the flavours nicely.

How should I store leftovers to maintain quality?

Keep chicken and rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days; to preserve texture, store them separately if possible.

Can I freeze the assembled bowls?

It is preferable to freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the rice to prevent sogginess. Freeze rice in a flat layer and reheat gently to restore its texture.

Is teriyaki sauce healthy?

Homemade teriyaki sauce allows you to control sodium and sugar levels. Using low-sodium soy sauce and moderating sugar content creates a balanced, flavourful option.

Conclusion

These Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls offer a harmonious balance of sweet and savoury flavours, combined with tender chicken and nutritious vegetables. With quick preparation and versatile options, they are ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep or casual gatherings. Feel free to adjust ingredients and garnishes to suit your taste and dietary needs, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.