Every now and then, you stumble upon a recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—this Quick and Healthy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is just that. It’s like the culinary version of your favorite cozy sweater, perfect for those days when you’re craving something nutritious yet incredibly satisfying. Imagine tender chicken glazed with a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce, nestled on a bed of fluffy rice—oh, and don’t get me started on the vibrant veggies adding a delightful crunch.
Steps
- Cook rice according to the instructions on the package.
- Heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add carrots and broccoli, season with garlic powder and salt, and cook for about 5 minutes until they are tender. Remove the vegetables from the pan.
- Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed chicken breast and cook for 3 minutes on one side without moving them much.
- Flip the chicken pieces over to brown the other side for another 3 minutes.
- In the meantime, mix together the teriyaki sauce ingredients. Combine the cornstarch with water separately before adding it to the sauce mix.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce into the pan with the chicken and let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens. Optionally, spoon the sauce over the cooked vegetables.
- Assemble the bowl by layering the rice, vegetables, and chicken teriyaki. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 large chicken breast (approximately 8 oz), cubed
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil + 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown or white rice
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger paste or minced fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
FAQ
- Can I use different vegetables for the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl?
- Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using broccoli and carrots, feel free to substitute with bell peppers, onions, or snap peas. The teriyaki sauce complements a variety of vegetables.
- Is it possible to substitute chicken with another protein?
- Yes, you can replace chicken with shrimp for an equally delicious teriyaki bowl. The cooking process remains similar, with just a few adjustments for shrimp cooking time.
- Can I make the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl gluten-free?
- Yes, to make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free certified.
- What can I use as a substitute for brown sugar in the teriyaki sauce?
- You can replace brown sugar with coconut sugar to achieve a similar sweetness in the teriyaki sauce.
- How can I thicken the teriyaki sauce if it’s too runny?
- If the sauce is too runny, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce while stirring. Cook until it reaches the desired consistency.
Tips
- To ensure the chicken is cooked evenly, avoid moving it around too much in the pan. Let it brown on one side before flipping it over.
- For a smoother teriyaki sauce, mix the cornstarch with water before adding it to the sauce mixture. This will help to avoid lumps.
- Experiment with different vegetables or proteins like shrimp to change up the dish while maintaining the delicious teriyaki flavor.
- Consider adding the vegetables directly into the pan with the sauce and chicken for a more integrated flavor and fewer dishes to clean.
Equipment
- Large Pan or Skillet – For cooking the chicken and vegetables.
- Rice Cooker or Pot with Lid – To cook the rice if you don’t have one.
- Whisk – To mix the cornstarch and water together.
- Chef’s Knife – For chopping vegetables and cubing chicken.
- Cutting Board – For preparing the vegetables and chicken.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups – To measure ingredients accurately.
