Lunch

Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli

Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli is a wholesome, satisfying, and flavorful one-bowl meal that combines tender chicken pieces glazed in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce, steamed or sautéed broccoli, and warm fluffy rice. Originating from Japanese cuisine and widely loved around the world, this recipe brings together balance, simplicity, and rich flavor in every bite.

The glossy sauce—made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and sesame—coats the juicy chicken perfectly, making each bite bold yet comforting. When served over a warm bed of rice with bright green broccoli, it becomes a nourishing, restaurant-style meal you can enjoy at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it offers the perfect balance between convenience and flavor. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests. The homemade teriyaki sauce takes the meal from ordinary to outstanding—fresh, rich, customizable, and preservative-free.

The best part? It’s HEALTHY without sacrificing taste. Tender chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and hearty rice make a filling meal suitable for adults and kids alike.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

One-pan cooking
Budget-friendly ingredients
Kid-approved flavor
customizable — swap meat, vegetables, or grains
Meal-prep friendly
Restaurant-quality in under 30 minutes

If you love bold flavor and satisfying bowls like those from Asian-inspired cafés or fast-casual restaurants, this recipe is an essential addition to your weekly rotation.

Recipe Information

CategoryDetails
CuisineJapanese / Asian Fusion
CourseMain Dish / Lunch / Dinner
Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Time15–20 minutes
Total Time25–30 minutes
Servings4 bowls
Calories per ServingApprox. 420–550 calories (varies with rice type)

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 500g (1 lb) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp vegetable or sesame oil
  • Salt & pepper to taste

For the Broccoli

  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • ¼ tsp salt (optional)
  • ½ tsp sesame oil (optional)

For the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

  • ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • 1 tbsp mirin (optional but recommended)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water to thicken)

For Serving

  • 2–3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
  • Sesame seeds (optional)
  • Sliced green onions
  • Chili flakes (optional for spice)

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

  1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
  2. Keep warm and fluff before serving.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

  1. Steam, blanch, or sauté broccoli until just tender and bright green (about 3–5 minutes).
  2. Drizzle a little sesame oil if desired.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

  1. Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked (6–8 minutes).

Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar/honey, vinegar, mirin, garlic, ginger, and water.
  2. Pour sauce over the chicken in the pan.
  3. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce becomes glossy and thick (1–2 minutes).

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

  1. Add rice to bowls.
  2. Top with teriyaki chicken and broccoli.
  3. Drizzle extra sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

How to Serve

Serve warm in a deep bowl with chopsticks or a spoon. Optional extras include:

  • Pickled ginger
  • Sriracha or spicy mayo
  • Extra steamed veggies
  • Lime wedge for brightness

Tips for Success

Cut chicken evenly so it cooks uniformly.
Don’t overcook the broccoli—keep it crisp-tender.
Add sauce only when chicken is nearly cooked so it thickens properly.
Want stickier sauce? Add a bit more cornstarch slurry.

Variations

Spicy Teriyaki
Add chili paste (like gochujang or sriracha) to the sauce.

Shrimp Teriyaki Bowl
Swap chicken for shrimp—only cook 2–3 minutes per side.

Vegetarian/Vegan Version
Use tofu and replace honey with brown sugar or maple syrup.

Teriyaki Noodle Bowl
Replace rice with udon, ramen, or soba noodles.

Storage & Freezing

MethodStorage Time
Refrigerate (chicken & broccoli)3–4 days
Refrigerate (assembled bowl)2–3 days
Freeze chicken + sauce onlyUp to 2 months
Freeze rice separatelyUp to 1 month

Special Equipment Needed

  • Large non-stick skillet or wok
  • Rice cooker or saucepan
  • Steamer basket (optional)

FAQ

Q: Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?
Yes, but homemade tastes much better and is healthier.

Q: Can I meal-prep this?
Absolutely—portion into containers and store up to 4 days.

Q: Is chicken thigh better than breast?
Thigh is juicier, but both work well.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli is a flavorful, satisfying, and nutritious dish that’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet tasty enough for special dinners.

With tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a bold homemade teriyaki glaze, every bite is comforting and exciting. This recipe will likely become a staple in your kitchen once you try it.

Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli

Recipe by Rhonda AndersonCourse: LunchCuisine: JapaneseDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Total time

25

minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken

  • 500g (1 lb) chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 1 tbsp vegetable or sesame oil

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • For the Broccoli

  • 2 cups broccoli florets

  • ¼ tsp salt (optional)

  • ½ tsp sesame oil (optional)

  • For the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

  • ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lemon juice)

  • 1 tbsp mirin (optional but recommended)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp grated ginger

  • ¼ cup water

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water to thicken)

  • For Serving

  • 2–3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)

  • Sesame seeds (optional)

  • Sliced green onions

  • Chili flakes (optional for spice)

Directions

  • Step 1: Prepare the Rice : Cook rice according to package instructions. Keep warm and fluff before serving.
  • Step 2: Cook the Broccoli : Steam, blanch, or sauté broccoli until just tender and bright green (about 3–5 minutes). Drizzle a little sesame oil if desired.
  • Step 3: Cook the Chicken : Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked (6–8 minutes).
  • Step 4: Make the Teriyaki Sauce : In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar/honey, vinegar, mirin, garlic, ginger, and water. Pour sauce over the chicken in the pan. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce becomes glossy and thick (1–2 minutes).
  • Step 5: Assemble the Bowls : Add rice to bowls. Top with teriyaki chicken and broccoli. Drizzle extra sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.