There’s just something so satisfying about a bowl packed with tender chicken, glossy teriyaki sauce, and fluffy rice. This Easy Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowls Recipe is a total game-changer for me when I want a tasty dinner on the table fast, without sacrificing flavor or freshness.

The dish shows a white bowl filled with three main layers. The bottom layer is white rice spread evenly across the bowl. On one side of the rice, there are bright green broccoli florets with a fresh, textured look. Next to the broccoli, several slices of light green avocado are neatly placed, topped with white sesame seeds. The third layer features small pieces of dark brown chicken coated with a shiny sauce, also sprinkled with white sesame seeds, placed beside the broccoli and avocado on the rice. The bowl is set on a surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is one of my go-tos because it manages to be quick, wholesome, and downright delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family after a busy day or prepping a meal for yourself, it checks all the boxes.

Speedy and Simple: You’ll have dinner ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Fresh Ingredients: Crisp-tender broccoli and creamy avocado add fresh texture and flavor to the bowl.
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: The sauce is made with common pantry staples and tastes so much better than store-bought.
Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or add your favorite veggies to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Easy Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowls Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to balance comfort and nutrition. Plus, you might find some pantry staples lurking in your kitchen right now!

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown packed brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of clear rice vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl with fresh pale yellow minced ginger, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh white minced garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, a small white ceramic bowl of pale white cornstarch powder, fresh bright green broccoli crown cut into small florets, two whole ripe avocados halved and sliced showing creamy green flesh, raw boneless skinless chicken breast cubes with pink fresh color, a simple mound of cooked white rice, a small white ceramic bowl of shiny light golden avocado oil, a few scattered light beige sesame seeds, all arranged in perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Less sodium soy sauce: Using less sodium gives you control over saltiness and works great with the sweetness of brown sugar.
Brown sugar: Opt for light or dark for subtle differences in depth—dark adds richness, light keeps it bright.
Rice vinegar: The acid balances the sweetness beautifully; apple cider vinegar works fine if that’s what you have.
Fresh ginger: Fresh minced ginger adds a zing that bottled can’t fully replicate but both work.
Minced garlic: Always a must for savory depth; fresh is best but bottled can save time.
Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce quickly and gives that glossy finish your teriyaki sauce needs.
Broccoli crown: Steamed crisp-tender for texture contrast; it absorbs some sauce flavor, too.
Avocado oil: Or your favorite neutral oil helps sear the chicken perfectly without strong flavors.
Boneless skinless chicken breast: Cubed for quick, even cooking and easy bites.
Cooked rice: I love using microwaveable frozen rice for speed, but brown or white both shine here.
Avocados: Creamy slices balance the sauce’s saltiness and add healthy fats.
Sesame seeds: The final sprinkle adds nuttiness and a little crunch, making every bite special.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up depending on what’s in my fridge. This Easy Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowls Recipe is super forgiving—feel free to get creative and make it yours.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the broccoli for snap peas or green beans for a different crunch and color in the bowl; both work wonderfully.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha can bring a nice kick.
Protein swap: Try using tofu or shrimp if you want to change up the proteins—just adjust cooking times.
Grain options: Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even noodles add great texture and flavor variations.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowls Recipe

In a white bowl, there are three layers: the bottom layer is soft white rice spread evenly, the middle layer has bright green broccoli florets on the left side and thin, light green avocado slices resting on top of the broccoli, and the top layer features glossy, dark brown chicken pieces coated in sauce on the right side of the bowl. White sesame seeds are sprinkled over the chicken and avocado, adding small white dots of texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Up That Luscious Sauce

Start by combining the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, water, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Whisk it well to dissolve the sugar and mix the starch thoroughly. Setting it aside lets those flavors marry beautifully while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Steam Your Broccoli to Perfection

Pour ¾ cup water into a large nonstick skillet and bring it to a boil over high heat. Toss in the broccoli florets, cover the pan, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it steam for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. Don’t overcook—it should still have a little snap. Drain, transfer to a bowl, and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Just Right

Wipe the skillet clean and heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken in an even layer and season generously with salt and pepper. Let it sit a moment before stirring, then cook for 5-6 minutes until the edges brown and the inside is cooked through. It’s key to get that beautiful golden crust—it locks in juiciness.

Step 4: Bring On the Sauce

Give your sauce mixture a quick whisk and pour it over the chicken. Stir occasionally as the sauce comes to a bubble, then reduce the heat to low and let it gently thicken. If it gets too thick, just add a splash of water to loosen it. That glossy coating is what you’re after!

Step 5: Assemble and Enjoy

Scoop cooked rice into bowls, spoon over the teriyaki chicken, add the steamed broccoli, and top each bowl with slices of fresh avocado. Don’t forget to sprinkle sesame seeds on top and give the avocado a pinch of salt and pepper. This last touch really elevates the flavors and presentation.

Top Tip

From my experience making this recipe many times, a few key tips can really take it to the next level and keep your kitchen stress-free.

Proper Chicken Cubing: Cut chicken into uniform pieces so they cook evenly, preventing some pieces turning dry while others stay underdone.
Don’t Skip the Sauce Whisking: Always whisk the sauce well before adding to the pan to avoid clumps and ensure smooth thickening.
Steam Broccoli Just Right: Over-steaming kills the vibrant green color and crunch; 2-3 minutes is perfect for that fresh bite.
Adjust Sauce Thickness: Keep some water nearby so you can tweak the consistency if it thickens too much—better to have it saucy than sticky.

How to Serve Easy Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowls Recipe

Garnishes

I rarely skip the avocado slices and sesame seeds—they add creaminess and a nutty crunch that compliment the savory sauce so well. Sometimes I like to throw in some thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted nori flakes for an extra flavor boost.

Side Dishes

To keep things simple and balanced, I often serve this bowl alongside a light cucumber salad or pickled veggies. Edamame or miso soup also pair wonderfully if you want a fuller spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special occasion, I love placing each bowl on a bamboo mat with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a small wedge of lime. A drizzle of spicy mayo or a side of kimchi can make it feel festive and unique without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover teriyaki chicken and broccoli store beautifully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually keep the avocado and rice separate to prevent sogginess, adding fresh slices when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the cooked chicken and sauce mixture successfully, just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge and it reheats nicely, though avocado should be fresh.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water before warming helps revive the sauce’s texture. Then, toss on fresh avocado slices after heating for that creamy contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a richer flavor and stay juicy, so they work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you swap the soy sauce for tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce alternative), and check that other ingredients like rice vinegar are gluten-free, this recipe is safe for a gluten-free diet.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick or sticky?

Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers. If it thickens more than you’d like, simply stir in a little water, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the perfect consistency.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the chicken?

Reheat the chicken gently over low heat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water. Covering the pan or bowl helps trap moisture so the chicken stays tender and the sauce stays saucy.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowls Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s reliable, comforting, and delicious every time I make it. I can’t recommend it enough for your weeknight rotation — give it a try and I bet it’ll become a favorite in your house too!