Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Bowl in 15 Minutes

Japanese Teriyaki Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something quick yet satisfying. The combination of juicy, tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce served over a bed of rice makes for a delicious and well-balanced meal.

In this post, we’ll show you how to make a Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Bowl in just 15 minutes, so you can enjoy this delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for those who love bold, authentic flavors but are short on time.

What is Teriyaki Chicken?

Teriyaki Chicken is a classic Japanese dish where chicken is marinated and glazed in a teriyaki sauce, which is typically made from soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar. The chicken is then either grilled, broiled, or pan-fried, resulting in a tender, flavorful protein with a glossy, sweet glaze. The dish is often served with steamed rice and garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra texture and freshness.

The beauty of Teriyaki Chicken lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it an ideal option for a quick, easy dinner.

Ingredients for Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

To make this quick and flavorful meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken and Teriyaki Sauce:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon mirin (optional)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

• 1 tablespoon water

• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional)

• 1 garlic clove, minced

For Serving:

• 2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine rice or short-grain rice works well)

• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

• Sliced green onions (for garnish)

• Steamed or stir-fried vegetables (optional, like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas)

How to Make Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Bowl in 15 Minutes

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, mirin (if using), sesame oil, ginger, and minced garlic. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the honey (or sugar) dissolves, and the sauce begins to simmer.

To thicken the sauce, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the simmering sauce and stir until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip the cornstarch step. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the sauce is simmering, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil to the pan and place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). If you’re using chicken thighs, cook them for about 7-8 minutes per side.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a minute. Slice the chicken into thin strips against the grain.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Teriyaki Sauce

Add the sliced chicken back to the pan with the teriyaki sauce, tossing the chicken to coat evenly in the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional minute to ensure the chicken absorbs the sauce and is fully glazed.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

To serve, scoop cooked rice into individual bowls. Top with the teriyaki chicken and drizzle with any remaining sauce from the pan.

For extra flavor and color, garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and any additional steamed or stir-fried vegetables you like, such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Bowl immediately while it’s warm. This dish is perfect as a standalone meal or paired with a light side, like a cucumber salad or miso soup.

Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken

• Use chicken thighs: If you prefer a juicier, more flavorful cut of chicken, chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe.

• Adjust sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce by adding more or less honey or sugar, depending on your preference.

• Add vegetables: To make the dish even more nutritious, add stir-fried or steamed vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.

• Serve with jasmine rice: For the perfect texture and flavor, serve your teriyaki chicken with steamed jasmine rice or short-grain rice.

• Make it spicier: If you enjoy a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped chili peppers to the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

This Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is the perfect weeknight meal for anyone craving bold flavors and a comforting dish that doesn’t take much time to prepare. The sweet, savory teriyaki sauce is the star of the dish, complementing the tender chicken and fluffy rice. With the option to customize it with your favorite vegetables or toppings, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious.

Plus, the entire meal comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for those busy evenings when you want something healthy, satisfying, and full of flavor.