Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowls Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup low-sodium teriyaki marinade (such as Kikkoman)
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon chili oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast halves
• 1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 6 wedges
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 teaspoon black and white sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Directions

Step 1: In a resealable plastic bag, combine the teriyaki marinade, horseradish, and chili oil. Add the chicken, ensuring its well-coated with the marinade. Squeeze out excess air, seal the bag, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

Step 2: Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes per side, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and juices run clear. The internal temperature should reach at least 165F (74C).

Step 3: While the chicken is grilling, prepare the vegetables. Place the broccoli florets and red bell pepper strips in a large bowl. Drizzle with sesame oil and toss to coat evenly. Add the garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes, then toss again to coat the vegetables with the seasonings.

Step 4: Place the seasoned broccoli and red pepper strips in a grill basket. Grill them, turning occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp.

Step 5: Grill the pineapple wedges for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they are soft and heated through. Once done, remove from the grill and slice the pineapple into 1-inch cubes.

Step 6: Slice the grilled chicken into 1-inch cubes. In four separate bowls, layer the ingredients starting with a base of cooked rice, then add the grilled chicken, pineapple cubes, broccoli, and red peppers.

Step 7: Garnish each bowl with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. If desired, drizzle extra teriyaki sauce over each serving for added flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 498
• Total Fat: 15g (19% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 3g (14% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 96mg (32% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1603mg (70% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 48g (17% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 6g (20% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 43g (86% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 143mg (159% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 94mg (7% Daily Value)
• Iron: 4mg (22% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 896mg (19% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is based on available data and may not be complete for all ingredients. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, consult your doctor or dietitian before preparing this recipe.

The Rich History of Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowls

Chicken Teriyaki, as a culinary concept, originates from Japan, where the term teriyaki refers to a cooking technique that involves broiling or grilling foods with a glaze of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. The method was developed centuries ago as a way to enhance the flavor of proteins, particularly fish, before it expanded to poultry and beef. Rice bowls, or donburi, have been a staple of Japanese home cooking for generations, offering a balanced meal in a single bowl. Combining grilled chicken with teriyaki glaze over rice is a modern adaptation that merges traditional Japanese flavors with contemporary presentation.

Regional Variations and Local Adaptations

While traditional teriyaki originated in Japan, regional variations have emerged as the dish traveled globally. In the United States, Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowls often include additional vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or pineapple, providing a colorful and nutrient-rich meal. Hawaii, in particular, has popularized a sweeter, more tropical version, frequently incorporating pineapple to complement the savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. Each region adjusts the intensity of the marinade and the accompaniments to suit local palates, making every bowl slightly unique.

What Sets This Dish Apart from Similar Meals

Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowls differ from other rice-based dishes like stir-fries or curry bowls in several key ways. Unlike stir-fries, which are often cooked quickly over high heat and include a variety of sauces, teriyaki bowls emphasize the glaze that caramelizes on the protein during grilling. Compared to Japanese curry rice, which is saucy and hearty, a teriyaki rice bowl maintains a lighter, fresher profile with distinct layers of flavor and texture. The inclusion of grilled pineapple or roasted vegetables adds a balance of sweetness and crunch, distinguishing it from more uniform dishes.

Where Youll Usually Find Chicken Teriyaki Bowls

These bowls are versatile and widely available in casual dining settings, Japanese restaurants, and food courts. They are particularly popular in fast-casual eateries that emphasize customizable bowls with fresh ingredients. Home cooks also frequently prepare them because of the simplicity of grilling the chicken and vegetables, while still achieving restaurant-quality flavor. Bento boxes often include a smaller version of teriyaki chicken over rice, highlighting its role in Japanese-inspired meals.

Interesting Facts About Teriyaki and Rice Bowls

• The word teriyaki comes from teri, meaning shine or luster, and yaki, meaning grill or broil, referring to the glossy sauce that coats the meat.
• Marinating the chicken for several hours allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, producing a richer taste than a quick glaze.
• Rice bowls became popular in post-war Japan as a convenient, balanced meal for busy households, blending protein, vegetables, and starch in one dish.
• Grilled pineapple, though not traditional in Japan, is a modern addition that enhances sweetness and provides a tropical twist favored in Hawaiian and Western versions.
• Teriyaki sauce can be customized with additional ingredients like chili oil, horseradish, or garlic powder to create unique flavor profiles while retaining the classic umami base.

Overall, Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowls offer a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors while honoring a centuries-old Japanese cooking tradition. They are a colorful, nutritious, and satisfying meal enjoyed around the world.

FAQ about Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowls Recipe