Easy Teriyaki Chicken Veggie Bowls to Try Now
If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, color, and healthy goodness, look no further than Teriyaki Chicken Veggie Bowls. These bowls combine tender, juicy chicken glazed in a savory homemade teriyaki sauce with a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. Whether you’re rushing through a busy weeknight or preparing a satisfying lunch, Teriyaki Chicken Veggie Bowls are quick, simple, and absolutely adaptable to your taste buds and pantry staples.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless weeknight meal: Ready in under 30 minutes, this bowl fits perfectly into any busy schedule without sacrificing flavor.
- Fresh and balanced: Packed with colorful veggies and protein, it offers a well-rounded, nutritious dish every time.
- Customizable to your liking: Easy to swap or add veggies and proteins, making this recipe a great canvas for your creativity.
- Homemade teriyaki magic: The sauce is made from scratch with simple pantry staples, making it both healthier and tastier than store-bought versions.
- Perfect for meal prep: These bowls keep well, so you can enjoy delicious leftovers during a busy week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Teriyaki Chicken Veggie Bowls lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component adds unique flavor, texture, and color, crafting a dish that’s as bright as it is delicious.
- Chicken breast or thighs: Choose thighs for juicier meat or breast for leaner protein, sliced thin for quick cooking.
- Fresh vegetables: Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots bring crunch, sweetness, and vibrant hues.
- Soy sauce: The salty base for your teriyaki sauce, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- Honey or brown sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the soy sauce.
- Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced for an aromatic and zesty punch in your sauce.
- Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar: A splash adds a mild tang that brightens the sauce.
- Sesame oil: For that deep, nutty flavor signature to Asian-inspired dishes.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken your teriyaki sauce to a perfect glaze consistency.
- Cooked rice or grain base: Jasmine rice, brown rice, or even quinoa offer a satisfying foundation.
- Sesame seeds and green onions: Garnishes that add texture and fresh bite.
Variations for Teriyaki Chicken Veggie Bowls
One of the wonderful things about Teriyaki Chicken Veggie Bowls is how easy they are to customize. Depending on what you have at home or your dietary needs, feel free to experiment with these variants.
- Vegetarian option: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to keep it plant-based without missing out on protein.
- Different veggies: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn for new textures and flavors.
- Spicy twist: Mix in sriracha or red pepper flakes to your teriyaki sauce for a little heat.
- Alternative grains: Use cauliflower rice or soba noodles for a low-carb or unique presentation.
- Sweetener switch: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave for different natural sweetness profiles.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Veggie Bowls
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Dissolve cornstarch in a little water and add to the sauce to ensure it thickens nicely when heated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add your choice of fresh vegetables and stir-fry just until tender yet crisp. This should take around 4-5 minutes — you want those vibrant colors to pop!
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the chicken to the pan with the veggies. Pour in the teriyaki sauce and toss everything together, cooking until the sauce coats the chicken and vegetables in a glossy finish.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Serve the teriyaki chicken and veggies over a warm bed of rice or your chosen grain. Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Teriyaki Chicken Veggie Bowls
- Use fresh ginger and garlic: These fresh aromatics elevate your sauce more than pre-minced options.
- Don’t overcook veggies: Keep them crisp-tender to maintain nutrients and color.
- Slice chicken thinly: This ensures quick, even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Make sauce in advance: Prepare extra sauce to drizzle over leftovers for extra flavor.
- Toast sesame seeds: Toasting enhances their nutty flavor—sprinkle them right before serving.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Veggie Bowls
Garnishes
Sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a handful of fresh cilantro add a burst of freshness and crunch that perfectly finishes each bowl.
Side Dishes
Complement your bowls with miso soup, steamed edamame, or a crisp Asian-inspired slaw for a full and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bowls in colorful ceramic dishes or bamboo bowls to bring a vibrant, authentic vibe to your table and make every bite feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Teriyaki Chicken Veggie Bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
These bowls freeze well. Divide into portions and freeze without the garnishes for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to keep the chicken and vegetables moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Store-bought sauce saves time and works well, but making your own allows you to customize sweetness and saltiness to your preference.
What vegetables work best in Teriyaki Chicken Veggie Bowls?
Crunchy veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots hold up well during stir-frying and add great color and texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and check labels on other ingredients, this dish can be naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this vegan or vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or extra veggies to easily enjoy a plant-based version of Teriyaki Chicken Veggie Bowls.
What’s the best rice to use for these bowls?
Jasmine or brown rice are popular choices, but quinoa or cauliflower rice also work well for different textures and nutritional needs.
Final Thoughts
Teriyaki Chicken Veggie Bowls strike the perfect balance between wholesome nutrition, bold flavors, and easy preparation. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a quick solo dinner, this recipe offers a reliable and customizable option. Give it a try and discover how simple ingredients come together to create a bowl that feels like a warm hug on your plate!
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Teriyaki Chicken Veggie Bowls
Teriyaki Chicken Veggie Bowls feature tender chicken glazed in a homemade savory-sweet teriyaki sauce, paired with colorful fresh vegetables served over a fluffy rice or grain base. This quick, adaptable, and nutritious meal is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and customizable to suit dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, sliced thin
Vegetables
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (to dissolve cornstarch)
Base & Garnishes
- 2 cups cooked rice or grain (such as jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, fresh ginger, rice vinegar, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Dissolve cornstarch in water and add to the sauce mixture to ensure it thickens nicely when heated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the prepared fresh vegetables. Stir-fry them just until tender yet crisp, about 4-5 minutes, ensuring they retain vibrant color and crunch.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over, tossing everything together to coat the chicken and veggies evenly with a glossy glaze.
- Assemble the Bowls: Serve the teriyaki chicken and vegetable mixture over a warm bed of your preferred cooked rice or grain. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh ginger and garlic to enhance the flavor of your sauce compared to pre-minced options.
- Do not overcook vegetables; keep them crisp-tender to maintain nutrients and vibrant appearance.
- Slice chicken thinly for quicker cooking and tender results.
- Make extra teriyaki sauce in advance to drizzle over leftovers for added flavor.
- Toast sesame seeds before serving to bring out a deeper nutty aroma and taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: teriyaki chicken, chicken veggie bowl, healthy dinner, quick meals, homemade teriyaki, gluten free, weeknight dinner, meal prep