Cheap, Healthy But Delicious Meal Prep For The Week l Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep in 40 Minutes
Cheap, Healthy But Delicious Meal Prep For The Week l Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep in 40 Minutes is a medium Japanese recipe that serves 5. 440 calories per serving. Recipe by Aaron and Claire on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: $17.71 total, $3.54 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.25 cup Short-Grain Rice (Rinse 2‑3 times before cooking)
- 1.25 cup Water (Same volume as rice for cooking)
- 1 kg Chicken Breast (Cut into bite‑size pieces; can substitute thighs for more flavor)
- 4 tbsp Soy Sauce (Low‑sodium preferred; divided between marinade and sauce)
- 3 tbsp Mirin (Can use cooking wine or a mix of rice vinegar and sugar)
- 0.5 tsp White Pepper (Ground)
- 1 tsp Baking Soda (Helps tenderize the chicken)
- 3.5 tbsp Cornstarch (Divided: 2 tbsp for coating, 1.5 tbsp for sauce)
- 3 tbsp Neutral Oil (High smoke point (canola, vegetable, grapeseed))
- 5 cloves Garlic (Smashed)
- 2 tsp Fresh Ginger (Finely grated)
- 2 stalks Green Onions (Separate white parts (cooking) and green parts (garnish))
- 1.5 heads Broccoli (Cut into florets; stems can be thinly sliced if desired)
- 1 tbsp Honey (Adds subtle sweetness)
- 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
- 1 tbsp Chicken Bouillon Powder (Boosts umami)
- 1 piece Small Chili Pepper (Optional, for extra heat (e.g., Thai bird’s eye))
- 1 tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (Garnish)
Instructions
Rinse and Cook Rice
Place 1.25 cups short‑grain rice in a bowl, rinse 2‑3 times until water runs clear, drain, then add the same amount of water and start the rice cooker.
Time: PT5M
Marinate Chicken
In a mixing bowl combine chicken pieces with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, 0.5 tsp white pepper, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tbsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp neutral oil. Massage until evenly coated. Let sit while you prep the veggies.
Time: PT10M
Prep Vegetables & Aromatics
Cut broccoli into florets (and thin stems if using). Smash 5 garlic cloves, grate 2 tsp fresh ginger, slice white parts of green onions, and set green tops aside for garnish. Slice the optional chili.
Time: PT10M
Mix Sauce
In a small container whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder, 1.5 tbsp cornstarch and 0.5 cup water. Add the optional chopped chili if you like heat.
Time: PT2M
Blanch Broccoli
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, then drop broccoli florets in for 1–2 minutes until bright green. Transfer immediately to an ice‑water bath to stop cooking, then drain.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 100°C
Sear Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp oil in the wok over high heat until shimmering. Add chicken in a single layer; sear 2–3 minutes without moving, then flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: 200°C
Sauté Aromatics & Add Sauce
In the same wok add another 1 tbsp oil, then sauté garlic, ginger, and white parts of green onions for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Pour in the prepared sauce, stir and let it come to a gentle boil; it will thicken within a minute.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: 180°C
Combine Chicken with Sauce
Return the seared chicken to the wok, toss to coat, and cook together for 1–2 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the glaze clings.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 180°C
Assemble Meal‑Prep Containers
Divide the cooked rice evenly into five containers, top with a portion of chicken‑sauce, place a handful of blanched broccoli in the center, and garnish with green onion tops, sliced chili and toasted sesame seeds. Let cool completely before sealing.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 440
- Protein
- 35 g
- Carbohydrates
- 58 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 2.5 g
Dietary info: High Protein, Low Carb, Gluten‑Free if using tamari, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free
Allergens: Soy, Gluten
Last updated: April 19, 2026






