Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal, look no further than this Chicken Teriyaki Bowl. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce, this dish brings the flavors of Japanese cuisine right to your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this bowl is not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your tastes. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
The Upside of Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
The Chicken Teriyaki Bowl is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a homemade teriyaki sauce creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love this dish:
– **Quick to Prepare**: You can whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
– **Nutritious**: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a wholesome option that’s sure to satisfy.
– **Versatile**: Feel free to swap out the vegetables or protein according to your preferences.
– **Flavorful**: The homemade teriyaki sauce is a game-changer, bursting with umami flavor that elevates the dish.
What You’ll Need
To create your own Chicken Teriyaki Bowl, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cubed
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 cups cooked rice
Setup & Equipment
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following equipment ready:
- Large skillet or wok: For cooking chicken and vegetables.
- Mixing bowl: To combine the sauce ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring and tossing.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping vegetables and cubing chicken.
Chicken Teriyaki Bowl: How It’s Done
Ready to create your Chicken Teriyaki Bowl? Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped broccoli and diced red bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and veggies. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 5: Serve
To serve, place a generous portion of cooked rice in a bowl. Top with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an added crunch. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Teriyaki Bowl!
If You’re Out Of…
No worries if you don’t have everything on hand! Here are some substitutions you can make:
- If you don’t have soy sauce, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Rice vinegar can be substituted with apple cider vinegar.
- Brown sugar can be replaced with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness.
- For a different protein, swap chicken for tofu or shrimp.
Slip-Ups to Skip
To ensure your Chicken Teriyaki Bowl turns out perfectly, here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overcooking the chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken to prevent it from becoming dry. Cook just until no longer pink.
- Burning the garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so add it closer to the end of cooking and stir constantly.
- Skipping the cornstarch: This is key for a thick, luscious sauce, so don’t skip it!
- Using uncooked rice: Always use cooked rice as the base for your bowl.
Best Ways to Store
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is unlikely, but hey, it happens!), here’s how to store them properly:
- Allow the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Ask & Learn
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and the result will be just as delicious. Just ensure you season and cook the tofu properly to absorb the teriyaki flavors.
Can I use different vegetables?
Yes! This Chicken Teriyaki Bowl is incredibly versatile. Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, such as snap peas, carrots, or zucchini. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I make the rice fluffy?
To achieve fluffy rice, rinse it under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch. Follow the package instructions for cooking, and let it sit covered for a few minutes after cooking to steam and fluff up.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! This recipe can be easily doubled to feed a larger crowd or for meal prep. Just make sure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity!
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have all the tips and steps to create a delicious Chicken Teriyaki Bowl, it’s time to get cooking. Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and enjoy the delightful experience of making this savory dish. With its rich flavors and vibrant colors, the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl is sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!
Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped broccoli and diced red bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and veggies. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- To serve, place a generous portion of cooked rice in a bowl. Top with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an added crunch. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Teriyaki Bowl!
Notes
- Feel free to swap out the vegetables or protein according to your preferences for a customized dish.
- Use tamari for a gluten-free option if you don't have soy sauce.
- For longer storage, freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
