Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe

Nothing beats the sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavors packed into this Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe! Tender marinated chicken, caramelized and juicy from the grill, layered over fluffy rice and paired with crisp veggies—this bowl is pure comfort and energy in every bite. Whether you’re meal-prepping or planning a cozy family dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: Making your own sauce means you get deeper flavor and total control over the sweetness, salt, and umami!
  • Juicy, Flavor-Packed Chicken: Marinating ensures the meat is tender, bursting with classic teriyaki notes, and never dry or bland.
  • Customizable, Family-Friendly Bowls: Let everyone build their own bowl with their favorite toppings—great for picky eaters and fun for gatherings.
  • Meal Prep Magic: This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for lunches all week or easy, satisfying dinners on busy nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe shines because every ingredient brings something delightful to the table—sweet, savory, or satisfying texture. Here are the stars that build those irresistible layers of flavor and color.

  • Soy Sauce: The umami backbone of teriyaki, giving the sauce its rich, savory depth.
  • Sake: Adds a subtle sweetness and complexity; don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off.
  • Mirin: This sweet rice wine adds shine, body, and a hint of floral note to the sauce.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances out the salty tang and gives the sauce its classic glossy finish.
  • Boneless Chicken Thighs: Stay tender and juicy on the grill—perfect for soaking up all that tasty marinade.
  • Chili Garlic Paste/Sriracha: Provides a gentle heat and just a touch of garlicky kick; totally optional for spice level!
  • Kosher Salt & White Pepper: Simple seasoning to let the other flavors shine without overpowering.
  • Steamed Rice: Fluffy, neutral, and perfect for catching all the tasty sauce—jasmine, sushi, or even brown rice work beautifully.
  • Broccoli: Grilled or steamed for bright color, crunch, and a fresh contrast to the savory chicken.
  • Green Onions: For a pop of color and zesty freshness at the end.
  • Sesame Seeds: Classic finishing touch for texture and subtle nutty flavor.
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.

Variations

The Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so you can tweak it for dietary needs, ingredients you have on hand, or simply mix it up to keep things fresh and fun!

  • Swap the Protein: Try this bowl with grilled salmon, tofu, shrimp, or even thinly sliced steak for an easy twist.
  • Add More Veggies: Toss in snap peas, bell peppers, shredded carrots, or edamame to bulk up the bowls and boost the color.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a wheat-free alternative.
  • Low-Carb Option: Serve over steamed cauliflower rice or a crunchy bed of salad greens for a lighter bowl.

How to Make Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

Start by building the magic base: combine soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar in a small saucepan. Stir well, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away over medium-low heat until the sauce reduces by a third—it will look shiny and smell irresistible. Once it’s thickened slightly, let it cool completely so it clings to the chicken later.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your boneless chicken thighs in a mixing bowl and pour over about half a cup of the cooled teriyaki sauce along with chili garlic paste. Season with kosher salt and white pepper, then toss everything so every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let all those flavors soak in; overnight is even better if you have the patience!

Step 3: Prep the Grill (or Pan)

Before you fire up the grill, make sure the grates are clean and give them a quick spritz with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Heat the grill to medium-high (about 450°F). No outdoor grill? No worries—a grill pan or sturdy cast iron skillet on your stove does the trick perfectly.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Lay your marinated chicken on the hot grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, brushing with extra teriyaki sauce as you go. You want a nice char and caramelized edges! Once the chicken is beautifully glazed and cooked through, let it rest for 5 minutes—this keeps it juicy and easy to slice.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Scoop fluffy steamed rice into each bowl. Top with slices of grilled teriyaki chicken, add a handful of grilled or steamed broccoli, and drizzle with more sauce if you like things extra saucy. Finish with green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that perfect final flourish!

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe

  • Sauce Reduction Secrets: Don’t rush your teriyaki sauce—cook it down until slightly syrupy so it clings beautifully to the chicken and rice without being runny.
  • Maximize Marinade Time: The longer you marinate (up to 24 hours), the deeper the flavor—plan ahead for extra-delicious results.
  • Grilling for Char: Make sure your grill (or pan) is hot before adding chicken—this ensures those gorgeous grill marks and a caramelized exterior.
  • Rest and Slice: Always give your chicken a few minutes to rest before slicing; it keeps every bite juicy and lets the flavors settle in.

How to Serve Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A final flourish of toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions brings a pop of color, crunch, and a subtle nutty, zesty finish—totally elevating the presentation and flavor of your Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe.

Side Dishes

This bowl is a meal in itself, but you can make it a feast with crisp cucumber salad, miso soup, or even simple roasted sweet potatoes for extra comfort and nutrition on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving everything family-style and let guests assemble their own bowls. For a fun twist, layer the ingredients in clear jars or bento boxes for picnics or work lunches—the colors and textures look gorgeous and stay fresh!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover chicken and rice cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, the bowls will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days—making them ideal for quick lunches or leftover night.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze portions of the grilled chicken (without green onions or fresh garnishes) in freezer bags or containers for up to 2 months. Simply freeze extra sauce separately for easy bowl-building anytime the craving hits.

Reheating

Gently reheat chicken and rice in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in, or quickly warm everything in a pan on the stovetop. Drizzle with a little extra teriyaki sauce for revived flavor and shine!

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

    Absolutely! Boneless chicken breast works well—just be careful not to overcook, as breasts dry out faster than thighs. Marinate as directed and grill until just cooked through, brushing with sauce for moisture and flavor.

  2. Do I need an outdoor grill for the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe?

    No grill? No problem—you can achieve fantastic results with a cast iron skillet or grill pan on your stovetop. Just be sure to heat the pan thoroughly to get that delectable sear and caramelization!

  3. How spicy will the chicken be if I use chili garlic paste?

    The recipe as written has just a subtle kick—enough to wake up your taste buds but still family-friendly. Feel free to adjust the chili paste amount or skip it entirely for a milder bowl.

  4. Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

    Definitely! The sauce stores well for up to a week in the refrigerator. It actually tastes even better after a day or two, as the flavors have time to meld and deepen—making prep even easier for busy days.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something bold, wholesome, and deeply satisfying, you can’t go wrong with this homemade Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aromas of sweet, savory, and smoky goodness. I hope it becomes as loved in your home as it is in mine!

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Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 147 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 bowls 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Japanese
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Enjoy a delicious Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with flavorful teriyaki-marinated chicken, steamed rice, grilled broccoli, and a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce. A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors in every bite.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Teriyaki Sauce

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup sake
  • 1/2 cup mirin
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Bowls

  • 1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce, plus more for brushing and drizzling
  • 1 tablespoon chili garlic paste (or sambal or sriracha)
  • diamond kosher salt
  • ground white pepper
  • 4 cups steamed rice, for serving
  • 12 oz broccoli, grilled or steamed
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • sesame seeds, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Make the teriyaki sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar. Simmer over medium-low heat, reduce by 1/3, and let it cool.
  2. Marinate the chicken. Combine chicken, teriyaki sauce, and chili paste. Season and refrigerate for 2-24 hours.
  3. Prep the grill. Clean and preheat the grill or a skillet/grill pan over medium-high heat.
  4. Cook the chicken. Grill or sear chicken 3-4 minutes per side, basting with teriyaki sauce.
  5. Assemble bowls. Serve rice topped with chicken, broccoli, teriyaki sauce, sesame seeds, and green onions.

Notes

  • You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili paste.
  • Feel free to customize the bowls with additional veggies or toppings.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 1120mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 62g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

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