Name: Chicken Teriyaki Bowls with Homemade Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons Mirin (sweet rice wine); 1 tablespoon honey; 4 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/4 teaspoon ginger paste or ground ginger powder; 1/2 tablespoon corn starch; 1 tablespoon water (for slurry); 2 tablespoons water (for sauce); 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 8 ounces broccoli florettes; 2 carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 cups cooked white rice; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; Splash of soy sauce (for vegetables); Splash of mirin (for vegetables); Sesame seeds; Fresh sliced chives

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a vibrant, comforting, and flavor-packed meal, these Chicken Teriyaki Bowls with Homemade Sauce are exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender chicken browned to perfection, fresh steamed vegetables, and fluffy white rice, all brought alive by a luscious, homemade teriyaki sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. It’s not only a feast for the palate but a delight to prepare, allowing you to savor every bite with the satisfaction of having made something fresh and delicious at home.

Chicken Teriyaki Bowls with Homemade Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Chicken Teriyaki Bowls with Homemade Sauce are simple yet thoughtfully chosen, each adding its unique touch to create a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and color. From the rich soy sauce to the earthy ginger, and the fresh crunch of broccoli and carrots, every component plays a vital role.

Soy sauce: The salty umami backbone that defines the teriyaki flavor.
Mirin (sweet rice wine): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth while balancing the savory elements.
Honey: Gives natural sweetness and a sticky, glossy finish to the sauce.
Brown sugar: Enhances sweetness with a molasses richness that intensifies flavor.
Garlic clove, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth and a slight pungency.
Ginger paste or ground ginger powder: Brings a gentle spicy and fresh note that brightens the sauce.
Corn starch: Acts as a thickening agent to create that perfect silky sauce texture.
Chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces: The lean protein base that’s tender and juicy when cooked right.
Cooked white rice: Soft and fluffy, it serves as the comforting foundation for the bowl.
Broccoli florettes: Their vibrant green color and slight crunch add freshness and nutrients.
Carrots, peeled and cut into bite sized pieces: Provide a sweet earthy crunch with a pop of orange.
Sesame oil & extra virgin olive oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma, while olive oil is perfect for cooking the chicken.
Sesame seeds & fresh sliced chives: For garnish, adding texture and an herbal finish.

How to Make Chicken Teriyaki Bowls with Homemade Sauce

Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

Start by preparing the homemade teriyaki sauce, which is the heart of these Chicken Teriyaki Bowls with Homemade Sauce. Mix the corn starch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry and set it aside. Combine soy sauce, mirin, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and a little water in a small pot, then bring this mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to let it simmer, then whisk in the corn starch slurry and cook just long enough for the sauce to thicken into a beautifully glossy glaze. Setting it aside keeps it warm and ready to amplify the chicken’s flavor.

Step 2: Steam the Vegetables

Next, steam the broccoli florets and carrot pieces gently over boiling water for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want them tender but still with a slight bite to maintain their freshness and nutritional value. After steaming, toss the vegetables with a little splash of soy sauce and mirin for an extra layer of savory sweetness. This simple step ensures your veggies will complement the chicken perfectly with bright color and satisfying texture.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a combination of sesame oil and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add your bite-sized chicken pieces. Cook them until they’re beautifully golden and cooked through, roughly five minutes. This step locks in juiciness while creating a slightly crisped surface. Pour half of the rich teriyaki sauce over the chicken and give it one more minute in the pan, allowing the sauce to coat and caramelize the chicken slightly for that irresistible glaze.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

To assemble your Chicken Teriyaki Bowls with Homemade Sauce, spoon a generous bed of fluffy cooked rice into each bowl. Top with the steamed broccoli and carrots, then place the glossy chicken pieces on top. Drizzle the rest of the teriyaki sauce over everything and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh sliced chives. The result is a beautifully layered dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.

How to Serve Chicken Teriyaki Bowls with Homemade Sauce

Garnishes

Adding garnishes such as toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced chives brings an inviting crunch and a pop of herbal freshness to your Chicken Teriyaki Bowls with Homemade Sauce. These subtle touches transform the bowl from simple to spectacular and add visual contrast that will make every bite feel special.

Side Dishes

For a fuller meal experience, pair your bowls with light, crisp side dishes like an Asian cucumber salad or pickled radishes. These add bright acidity to balance the sweet and savory notes of the teriyaki, elevating the overall meal without overwhelming its delicate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Chicken Teriyaki Bowls with Homemade Sauce in beautiful ceramic bowls or bamboo steamers for an authentic touch. Layering ingredients carefully and drizzling the sauce artfully over the top invites curiosity and makes every meal feel like a celebration. For a fun twist, add avocado slices or a soft-boiled egg to add richness and texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftovers of Chicken Teriyaki Bowls with Homemade Sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the chicken moist and the vegetables fresh for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

While rice and chicken freeze well separately, steamed vegetables can lose their texture when frozen. For best results, freeze the chicken and teriyaki sauce in a freezer-safe container and reheat with freshly steamed vegetables when serving. This way, you maintain the dish’s vibrant taste and texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat your Chicken Teriyaki Bowls with Homemade Sauce in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming without drying out the chicken. Add a splash of water or extra sauce if the mixture seems dry to revive that beautiful teriyaki glaze.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier, more tender bite and work wonderfully in Chicken Teriyaki Bowls with Homemade Sauce. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is there a substitute for mirin in the sauce?

If you don’t have mirin, you can use a mixture of water and a bit of sugar or honey, or try a dry sherry. It won’t be exactly the same but will still add the needed sweetness to balance the sauce.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce, and double-check that your other ingredients do not contain gluten. This makes the Chicken Teriyaki Bowls with Homemade Sauce safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without losing flavor?

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or additional sauce to keep everything moist and to revive the delightful teriyaki glaze. Microwaving with a covered dish can also work, but watch closely to avoid drying out the chicken.

Can I add other vegetables to the bowls?

Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn all make fantastic additions. Just steam or lightly stir-fry them to maintain their crunch and complement the flavors in your Chicken Teriyaki Bowls with Homemade Sauce.

Final Thoughts

Give this recipe a try and unlock the magic of Chicken Teriyaki Bowls with Homemade Sauce—each bite is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and fresh that’s hard to resist. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, these bowls come together easily and deliver a restaurant-quality flavor that will soon become a household favorite. I can’t wait for you to taste this delightful dish and experience how homemade teriyaki sauce transforms a simple bowl into pure comfort and joy!

Chicken Teriyaki Bowls with Homemade Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 6 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A flavorful and wholesome Chicken Teriyaki Bowl featuring tender chicken breast pieces glazed in a homemade teriyaki sauce, served over fluffy white rice with steamed broccoli and carrots. Garnished with sesame seeds and fresh chives, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors for a satisfying meal.

Instructions

Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the corn starch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Set this aside. In a small pot, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and 2 tablespoons of water until well combined. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce it to a simmer. Slowly whisk in the corn starch slurry and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Keep warm.
Steam the vegetables: Set a steamer over boiling water and steam the broccoli florettes and carrot pieces for 4 to 5 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp. Toss the steamed vegetables with a splash of soy sauce and mirin for additional flavor, then set aside in a warm place.
Cook the chicken: Heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Pour half of the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken and cook for an additional minute to coat and heat through.
Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked white rice evenly among serving bowls. Top each with the steamed broccoli, carrots, and cooked chicken. Drizzle the remaining teriyaki sauce over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh sliced chives before serving.

Notes

Mirin can be substituted with a mix of sake and sugar if unavailable.
Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content.
Vegetables can be swapped for other favorites like snap peas or bell peppers.
For extra flavor, marinate chicken briefly in a bit of soy sauce and garlic before cooking.
This dish can be prepared ahead by making the sauce and cooking the chicken, then assembling bowls when ready to eat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Steaming, Sautéing
Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 cup rice, 4 oz chicken, vegetables, and sauce)
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 680 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg