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Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl (Healthy!) - Simple, Balanced, and Flavor-Packed

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast)
  • Rice: 3 cups cooked brown rice (or jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice)
  • Vegetables: 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 cup snap peas, 2 medium carrots (thinly sliced)
  • Aromatics: 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
  • Teriyaki sauce base: 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Slurry to thicken: 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • Cooking: 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
  • Garnishes: Sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, red pepper flakes (optional), lime wedges (optional)
  • Optional add-ins: Edamame (shelled), shredded cabbage, mushrooms, or spinach

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice: Prepare brown rice according to package directions. Fluff and keep warm. For a lighter option, steam cauliflower rice and season lightly with salt.
  2. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, maple or honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. In a separate cup, stir cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Set both aside.
  3. Prep the chicken: Trim excess fat and cut chicken into bite-size pieces. Pat dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Sear the chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and just cooked through.
  5. Add the sauce: Pour the teriyaki base into the skillet with the chicken. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Thicken: Stir the cornstarch slurry, then drizzle it in while stirring. Simmer 1–2 minutes until the sauce turns glossy and coats the chicken. If too thick, add a splash of water.
  7. Cook the veggies: In a second pan, sauté broccoli, bell pepper, snap peas, and carrots with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt for 3–5 minutes until crisp-tender. For extra flavor, add a splash of water to steam briefly at the end.
  8. Assemble the bowls: Divide rice among bowls. Top with teriyaki chicken and veggies. Spoon extra sauce over the top.
  9. Garnish: Finish with green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if you like heat. A squeeze of lime brightens everything.
  10. Taste and adjust: If you want sweeter, add a tiny drizzle of honey. For salt, add a splash more soy sauce. Keep adjustments small.