Easy & Delicious Homemade Chicken Teriyaki Bowls: Your Go-To Weeknight Meal
Savor the Sweet and Savory: Delicious Chicken Teriyaki Bowls with Oven-Baked Chicken and Fresh Veggies!
Life can be a whirlwind, especially when you’re a parent. Just yesterday, I waved goodbye to my oldest son at the airport. It was a mix of emotions – excitement for his adventures with his dad and family in Utah, but also that familiar ache of seeing him go. He’ll be back at the end of July, and until then, I’m navigating the quieter house and planning for his return.
One notable milestone this trip? He’s officially no longer an unaccompanied minor. That means no more navigating security with him and waiting at the gate. It’s a bittersweet step into his growing independence – a little scary, yet also a testament to how quickly our kids mature!
He’s only 12, but I like to think he carries himself with a certain maturity. Well, most of the time, that is. Pre-teens have a unique way of expressing themselves, and sometimes, it can be downright hilarious or, dare I say, a little weird. For instance, he has this peculiar habit that always makes me smile.
Imagine this: he’ll walk through the kitchen, completely unprompted, and casually utter, “I like chicken.” Then, he’ll just keep walking as if he’s shared a profound secret. It’s one of those charming quirks that makes him, well, him! And honestly, who can argue with that sentiment? Because I, too, wholeheartedly agree: I like chicken!
Especially when it comes to an easy chicken dish that’s baked quickly and doesn’t demand a long list of fancy ingredients to taste absolutely amazing. This brings me to a family favorite, a dish that often elicits similar enthusiastic declarations of “I like chicken” from everyone at the table: **Chicken Teriyaki Bowls**.
Why Chicken Teriyaki Bowls are a Weeknight Winner
Chicken Teriyaki is a beloved classic for a reason. Its irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors, coupled with tender, juicy chicken, makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I’m pretty confident that 99.9% of people adore Chicken Teriyaki – and this recipe elevates it to the next level of deliciousness and simplicity. Forget complicated takeout; with this recipe, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s bursting with flavor. The homemade teriyaki sauce is the star – a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a hint of garlic and ginger that coats the chicken beautifully. Baked to perfection, the chicken comes out incredibly tender and infused with that incredible teriyaki goodness. Served over a comforting bed of fluffy rice and vibrant steamed vegetables, these bowls transform into a complete, wholesome, and satisfying meal. Prepare for happy sighs and perhaps a few more declarations of “I like chicken!” around your dining table.
The Magic of Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
While store-bought teriyaki sauce can be convenient, making your own at home is a game-changer. It allows you to control the quality of ingredients, adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your family’s preferences, and avoid any unwanted additives or high-fructose corn syrup often found in pre-made versions. Our homemade teriyaki sauce is incredibly simple to whisk together, using pantry staples you likely already have on hand:
- **Cornstarch and Water:** These combine to create a slurry that thickens the sauce to that perfect glossy consistency.
- **Sugar or Truvia Sweetener:** Provides the essential sweetness. Using Truvia is a fantastic option for a lighter, lower-calorie version without sacrificing flavor.
- **Lite Soy Sauce:** Forms the salty, umami base. Opting for a lite version helps manage sodium intake.
- **Apple Cider Vinegar:** Adds a bright, tangy note that cuts through the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- **Fresh Garlic & Ground Ginger:** These aromatic powerhouses are crucial for that authentic teriyaki taste. Freshly minced garlic and a good quality ground ginger make all the difference.
- **Black Pepper:** A simple seasoning that ties all the flavors together.
This carefully crafted blend simmers gently, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken into a luscious glaze that perfectly coats every piece of chicken.
Choosing and Preparing Your Chicken
For this recipe, we opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They are lean, cook relatively quickly, and readily absorb the wonderful flavors of the teriyaki sauce. You’ll need about 5-6 chicken breasts, though feel free to add more if you like, as this recipe yields a generous amount of sauce. You can keep the chicken breasts whole, slice them into thinner cutlets for faster cooking, or even cube them for bite-sized pieces that are ideal for bowls and easier for younger eaters. Ensuring the chicken is cooked through to 165°F (74°C) internal temperature is key to tender, safe, and delicious results.
Crafting the Perfect Bowl: Rice and Veggies
What truly makes these Chicken Teriyaki Bowls a complete meal is the harmonious pairing with fluffy rice and crisp-tender vegetables. For the rice, you have options:
- **White Rice:** A classic choice that’s light and absorbent, perfect for soaking up the delicious teriyaki sauce.
- **Brown Rice:** A healthier alternative, offering more fiber and a nutty flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
Either way, steaming your rice in a rice cooker ensures a perfectly cooked, hands-off component of your meal. For the vegetables, a bag of pre-cut fresh stir-fry vegetables is a convenient time-saver. You can also use frozen stir-fry mixes – just ensure they are steamed until tender-crisp. Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, and bok choy are all excellent choices that add color, nutrients, and texture to your bowl. These fresh additions make the meal balanced and incredibly appealing.
Tips for Success and Customization
- **Marinating (Optional but Recommended):** While this recipe bakes quickly, you can enhance the flavor by marinating the chicken in a portion of the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes to a few hours before baking. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken.
- **Don’t Overcook:** Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) and remove it from the oven promptly.
- **Adjust Sweetness/Saltiness:** Taste the homemade teriyaki sauce before pouring it over the chicken. If you prefer it sweeter, add a touch more sugar; if you prefer it saltier, a dash more soy sauce will do the trick.
- **Spice it Up:** For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- **Garnishes:** Sesame seeds are a classic and visually appealing garnish for teriyaki bowls. Freshly chopped green onions or cilantro also add a lovely pop of color and freshness.
- **Protein Alternatives:** While chicken is fantastic, this sauce would also work well with thinly sliced pork, beef, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
- **Grain Alternatives:** Instead of rice, try serving these bowls over quinoa, couscous, or even rice noodles for a different twist.
Chicken Teriyaki Bowls
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Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Teriyaki Bowls
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp. cold water
- 1 cup sugar or 1/2 cup Truvia sweetener for a lighter option
- 1 cup lite soy sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 garlic cloves minced or pressed
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 5-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (this recipe makes plenty of sauce, so feel free to use more chicken if desired!)
- 1 bag pre-cut fresh stir-fry vegetables (or frozen, steamed until tender-crisp)
- steamed rice (white or brown, your preference)
- sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions for Chicken Teriyaki Bowls
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Preheat your oven to 425º F (220º C). In a small saucepan, combine the cornstarch and cold water, stirring until smooth to create a slurry. Add the sugar (or Truvia), soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper to the saucepan. Place over low heat and simmer for a few minutes, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to a desirable consistency.
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Lightly spray the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the pan. Pour the homemade teriyaki sauce generously over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil.
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Bake the covered chicken for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through, no longer pink in the center, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sauce should also be beautifully glazed and slightly caramelized.
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While the chicken is baking, prepare your accompaniments. Cook your steamed rice in a rice cooker according to package directions. Separately, cook your stir-fry vegetables (either fresh or frozen) by steaming them until they are tender-crisp. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
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To assemble your delicious Teriyaki Bowls, add a generous portion of steamed rice to the bottom of each bowl. Follow with a vibrant layer of your cooked stir-fry vegetables. Slice the baked chicken breasts into desired pieces and layer them on top of the vegetables. Drizzle generously with any remaining teriyaki sauce from the pan. For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!
This easy chicken teriyaki recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a way to bring delicious, healthy food to your family table with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of dish that caters to everyone’s tastes and makes weeknight dinners enjoyable again. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy homemade teriyaki sauce with perfectly baked chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp vegetables creates a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe incredibly straightforward and rewarding.
So, the next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, remember this delightful recipe. It’s quick, customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit. And who knows, you might even hear someone declare, “I like chicken!”
Looking for more easy, healthy, and delicious dinner recipes? Explore these favorites too:
Chicken Thai Noodle Bowls
Flavorful Turkey Pesto Burgers
Pecan Crusted Chicken with Apple Cream Sauce
This post was originally published at I Heart Nap Time on January 31st, bringing delightful and easy recipes to busy households.