Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowls are a quick and healthy dinner packed with bold flavors. Juicy, marinated chicken thighs are grilled to perfection, then served over steamed rice with broccoli and topped with homemade teriyaki sauce, sesame seeds, and green onions. This customizable and meal-prep-friendly dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a wholesome family dinner.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup sake
• ½ cup mirin
• ½ cup sugar

For the Teriyaki Chicken Bowls:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• ½ cup teriyaki sauce (plus more for brushing and drizzling)
• 1 tbsp chili garlic paste or sriracha
• Diamond kosher salt, to taste
• Ground white pepper, to taste
• 4 cups steamed rice
• 12 oz broccoli (grilled or steamed)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Sesame seeds, for sprinkling

Directions

1. Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

• Combine soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar in a small saucepan. Stir and simmer over medium-low heat until reduced by one-third. Let cool completely.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a mixing bowl, combine chicken thighs, ½ cup teriyaki sauce, chili garlic paste, salt, and white pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 2–24 hours.

3. Prep the Grill:

• Clean grill grates and lightly grease with nonstick spray. Preheat to medium-high (450°F). Alternatively, heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.

4. Grill the Chicken:

• Grill or sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, brushing with additional teriyaki sauce as it cooks. Remove and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

5. Assemble the Bowls:

• Divide steamed rice among bowls. Add grilled chicken and broccoli. Drizzle with more teriyaki sauce, then garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 469 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 1646 mg
• Vitamin A: 576 IU
• Vitamin C: 78 mg

The Art of the Perfect Teriyaki Sauce

The teriyaki sauce is the heart of this dish, delivering its signature flavor. Made with a few simple ingredients—soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar—the sauce strikes a perfect balance between salty, sweet, and umami flavors. Reducing the sauce to a thicker consistency enhances its ability to cling to the chicken, rice, and broccoli, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

For added complexity, you can infuse the sauce with fresh ginger or garlic while simmering, or add a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical twist.

The Secret to Juicy Grilled Chicken

The chicken thighs are marinated in the teriyaki sauce, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat. The chili garlic paste or sriracha in the marinade adds a subtle kick, while the salt and white pepper enhance the overall seasoning.

Grilling the chicken over medium-high heat creates beautiful char marks and locks in moisture. Brushing the chicken with additional teriyaki sauce during cooking enhances the caramelization, adding layers of flavor and a glossy finish. Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing ensures it stays juicy and tender.

Why Broccoli Complements the Dish

Broccoli adds both color and nutritional value to the bowl, creating a well-rounded meal. Its slightly crisp texture and mild flavor balance the richness of the teriyaki chicken and sauce. Grilling the broccoli alongside the chicken adds a smoky depth, while steaming it keeps the preparation light and simple.

If broccoli isn’t your favorite, you can easily substitute it with other vegetables such as zucchini, snap peas, or roasted bell peppers for a personalized twist.

The Role of Rice in the Bowl

Steamed rice provides the perfect base for this dish, soaking up the teriyaki sauce and complementing the chicken and vegetables. Jasmine or basmati rice are great options for their fluffy texture and fragrant aroma. For a healthier alternative, you can use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to fit dietary preferences.

The rice acts as a neutral backdrop, allowing the vibrant flavors of the chicken and sauce to take center stage.

Customizing Your Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

One of the best aspects of this dish is its versatility. Here are some ways to make it your own:

1. Add More Vegetables: Include carrots, edamame, mushrooms, or bok choy for added texture and nutrition.
2. Spice It Up: Increase the chili garlic paste in the marinade or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for more heat.
3. Make It Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
4. Try Other Proteins: Swap the chicken thighs with shrimp, tofu, or salmon for a different take on the dish.
5. Include Toppings: Add avocado slices, pickled ginger, or crushed peanuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

These variations ensure the dish can cater to different tastes and dietary needs.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Meal Prep

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowls are an excellent choice for meal prep. The components can be prepared in advance and assembled just before eating, making them ideal for busy lifestyles. Here’s why they work so well:

• Longevity: The chicken and sauce stay fresh for up to four days in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: The dish reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Customizable Portions: You can easily adjust the quantities of rice, chicken, and vegetables to suit individual preferences or dietary goals.

Pack the components in separate containers to maintain their textures, then combine them when you’re ready to enjoy.

Health Benefits of Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

This dish is not only flavorful but also nutritious:

• High in Protein: The chicken provides lean protein to support muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in Vitamins: Broccoli and green onions contribute essential vitamins like A and C, as well as fiber.
• Low in Fat: The dish is naturally low in fat, with most of it coming from healthy oils and chicken thighs.
• Balanced Carbohydrates: Rice offers sustained energy, while the teriyaki sauce provides a touch of sweetness without being overly indulgent.

This balance makes it a wholesome choice for those seeking a meal that nourishes both the body and the taste buds.

Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality soy sauce, fresh chicken thighs, and vibrant vegetables make a noticeable difference in flavor.
2. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours, for the best results.
3. Control the Heat: Preheat the grill or pan properly to achieve a good sear without drying out the chicken.
4. Don’t Skip the Sauce: Drizzling extra teriyaki sauce over the assembled bowl ties all the components together.
5. Serve Fresh: Enjoy the dish as soon as it’s assembled for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

While the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowls are a complete meal on their own, you can elevate the dining experience with a few additions:

• Sides: Serve with a side of miso soup, cucumber salad, or gyoza for a more elaborate meal.
• Beverages: Pair with green tea, sparkling water with citrus, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
• Dipping Sauces: Offer a side of extra teriyaki sauce, spicy mayo, or a garlic ginger dressing for added flavor.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers can be stored and enjoyed later:

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days.
• Reheating: Warm the chicken and rice separately to preserve their textures, then combine with fresh toppings.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before assembling the bowls.

Proper storage ensures the dish retains its flavor and quality.

Conclusion

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowls are a delicious, versatile, and wholesome meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful homemade sauce. Their ease of preparation, customizable ingredients, and health benefits make them a standout choice for any meal. Whether you’re serving them for a quick weeknight dinner, prepping lunches for the week, or impressing guests with a beautifully presented dish, these bowls are guaranteed to satisfy.

Try this recipe today, and experience the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor in every bite. Your taste buds—and your loved ones—will thank you!