When it comes to stir-fried dishes that combine savory and sweet flavors, the Teriyaki Chicken Bowl stands out. Imagine juicy pieces of chicken coated in a rich, glossy sauce served on a bed of fluffy rice, accompanied by vibrant vegetables. This dish not only dazzles the taste buds but also makes for an appealing presentation on your dinner table. In this article, you’ll learn how to create a delightful Teriyaki Chicken Bowl in your kitchen, along with helpful tips, variations, and serving suggestions.
Why We Love This Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe
You might wonder why the Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is such a favorite among home cooks and restaurant-goers alike. First and foremost, its preparation is straightforward and usually requires ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce envelops the chicken, infusing it with flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. Additionally, it’s customizable; you can swap in different vegetables or proteins to suit your preferences.
What truly makes this dish special is how it brings the essence of Japanese cuisine to home cooking. With vibrant colors and a multifaceted taste experience, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, transporting you straight to a bustling Tokyo eatery, all while being easy enough for even the novice cook to master.
Ingredients about Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Creating a delicious Teriyaki Chicken Bowl requires a select group of ingredients that come together to elevate this dish. Below is a list of everything you’ll need to prepare this delicious meal:
List of ingredients with measurements:
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion (just the white part)
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Directions
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s dive into the steps for assembling your Teriyaki Chicken Bowl. This is where the magic happens!
Prepare the Chicken: Begin by taking your chicken breast and pounding it to about 1/2 inch thick. This helps with even cooking and tenderness. Once flattened, cut the chicken into one-inch cubes. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Sauté Garlic and Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and pour in the toasted sesame oil. Add the minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and the chopped white parts of the green onion to the skillet. These aromatics will create a fragrant base. After about 30 seconds, add the seasoned chicken to the pan. Sauté the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped red bell pepper and broccoli florets. Sauté the veggies for about 5 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. This keeps them vibrant and slightly crisp while enhancing their flavor.
Make the Sauce: While the vegetables are cooking, take a small bowl and whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. In another bowl, combine the low sodium soy sauce (or tamari), low sodium chicken broth, rice vinegar, and honey. Once the vegetables are ready, add the chicken back into the skillet and pour the sauce over everything. Stir to combine.
Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the mixture and stir continuously. Let it simmer for another few minutes until the sauce thickens up nicely. This step is essential, as you want the sauce to cling to the chicken and vegetables, enveloping them in flavor.
Check the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked through. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Serve: Your delicious Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is now ready to be served!
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
The way you serve your Teriyaki Chicken Bowl can enhance the overall experience. Typically, this dish is served over a bed of steamed rice—white, brown, or jasmine rice work perfectly. You can scoop generous portions of the chicken, vegetables, and sauce over the rice, letting the flavors meld together harmoniously.
To elevate the presentation, consider topping your bowl with the remaining green onion pieces for a fresh pop of color. If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for an added kick. You can serve it alongside pickled veggies or a simple salad to create a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and visually appealing.
Expert Tips: Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Choose Quality Chicken: Using high-quality chicken breast will make a big difference in the flavor and juiciness. Fresh, not frozen, chicken tends to perform better in marinades and cooking.
Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your taste, feel free to adjust the honey in the sauce. If you prefer a more savory dish, you can reduce the amount of honey.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: When sautéing the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. This allows for even cooking and ensures that the chicken browns nicely rather than steaming.
Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to mix and match your vegetables. Snap peas, carrots, or asparagus can work well in this dish.
Make Extra Sauce: If you love a saucy bowl, consider double the sauce ingredients so you can drench your rice and vegetables in that delicious teriyaki flavor.
How to Store Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
After enjoying this wonderful dish, you might have some leftovers! To store your Teriyaki Chicken Bowl, follow these handy tips:
- Cool Down: Allow the dish to cool entirely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation in the storage container, which can make your food soggy.
- Airtight Container: Use an airtight container to store the Teriyaki Chicken Bowl in the refrigerator. It should be good for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: When it’s time to enjoy the leftovers, reheat your portion in the microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, or, if you prefer, reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Variation of Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
While the classic Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is delightful, don’t hesitate to explore variations that can adapt to your taste preferences or dietary restrictions:
- Teriyaki Tofu Bowl: Swap the chicken for firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cube-cutting and sautéing. This is a delicious vegetarian option.
- Add Nuts: For an extra crunch, consider adding toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts as a topping.
- An Alternative Sauce: When you feel adventurous, try using a different sauce, like sweet chili sauce or peanut sauce, for a unique flavor twist.
- Ramen Noodle Bowl: For a fun twist, serve the teriyaki chicken over ramen noodles instead of rice. This will create a hearty comfort dish.
- Use Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb version, substitute traditional rice with cauliflower rice. It’s a great way to keep the meal light without skimping on flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Teriyaki Chicken Bowl?
A Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is a delicious dish typically made from marinated chicken cooked in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, accompanied by fresh vegetables and served over rice.
How do you make Teriyaki Chicken?
To make Teriyaki Chicken, you need to marinate the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger before cooking it on a stovetop or grill.
Is Teriyaki Chicken Bowl healthy?
Yes! The Teriyaki Chicken Bowl can be a healthy meal option, especially if you use lean chicken, plenty of vegetables, and low-sodium sauces.
What can I use instead of chicken in this recipe?
You can substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or even beef! This recipe is versatile and works well with various proteins.
Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast Use high-quality chicken for best results.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion (white part)
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey Adjust sweetness to taste.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch For thickening the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons water For cornstarch slurry.
For the Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets
Instructions
Preparation
- Pound the chicken breast to about 1/2 inch thick, then cut into one-inch cubes. Season with salt and black pepper.
Cooking
- In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, heat the toasted sesame oil. Add garlic, ginger, and white parts of green onion, sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped red bell pepper and broccoli. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until fork-tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. In another bowl, combine soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, and honey.
- Add chicken back to the skillet, pour the sauce mixture over, and stir to combine.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and let simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F/75°C).
Serving
- Serve over steamed rice of your choice, garnished with remaining green onion pieces.