EASY AND DELICIOUS MEAL PREP - TERIYAKI CHICKEN BOWLS

EASY AND DELICIOUS MEAL PREP - TERIYAKI CHICKEN BOWLS is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 5. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by SAM THE COOKING GUY on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 48 min | Total: 1 hr 35 min

Cost: $21.88 total, $4.38 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 cups Basmati Rice (rinsed until water runs clear)
  • 6 cups Water (for cooking rice)
  • 1 tsp Salt (for rice water)
  • 2 pieces Chicken Breast (skinless, boneless, about 1.5 lb total)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (high‑smoke‑point oil for grilling and sautéing)
  • 1 tsp Salt (for seasoning chicken)
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 0.25 cup Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
  • 0.25 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 2 tbsp Honey (liquid honey)
  • 1 clove Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Fresh Ginger (minced)
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch (for slurry)
  • 1.25 cup Water (for sauce) (divided: 1 cup for base, 0.25 cup for slurry)
  • 2 medium Carrots (sliced ~¼‑inch rounds)
  • 2 cup Broccoli Florets (cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 1 tsp Sesame Seeds (toasted)
  • 1 handful Micro Cilantro (for garnish)
  • 10 pieces Chicken‑Vegetable Dumplings (store‑bought, frozen)
  • 1 tsp Avocado Oil (for final veg sauté)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rice

    Rinse 3 cups of basmati rice until water runs clear. Combine rice, 6 cups water and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, lower heat and simmer for 25 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: medium-high

  2. Make Teriyaki Sauce

    In a small saucepan combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp honey, minced garlic, minced ginger and 1 cup water. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. In a separate bowl whisk together 2 tbsp cornstarch with 0.25 cup water until smooth; pour into the simmering sauce. Cook, stirring, until thickened and glossy, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium

  3. Grill the Chicken

    Pat chicken breasts dry, rub both sides with 1 tbsp olive oil, then season with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Pre‑heat grill pan over medium‑high heat, lightly oil the surface. Grill chicken 4‑5 minutes per side, turning frequently for even char, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium-high

  4. Steam Vegetables

    Bring a pot of water to a boil, place a steamer basket inside. Add sliced carrots first, cover and steam for 1 minute. Then add broccoli florets, cover and steam an additional 1.5 minutes until both are bright‑green and just tender. Remove and set aside.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  5. Cook Dumplings

    Bring a small pot of water to a boil, add the frozen dumplings and cook for 3 minutes or until they float. Drain and pat dry. Heat a frying pan with a splash of oil over medium heat, add dumplings cut‑side down and fry until golden, about 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  6. Garlic‑Soy Veggie Finish

    In the same frying pan add a drizzle of avocado oil, then the minced garlic. Sauté for 15 seconds until fragrant, add a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the steamed carrots and broccoli quickly to coat, then remove from heat.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium

  7. Slice the Chicken

    Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice the rested chicken breasts against the grain into bite‑size strips or cubes, whichever you prefer for the bowls.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Assemble Meal‑Prep Bowls

    Divide the cooked rice evenly among five meal‑prep containers (about 1 ½ cup each). Top each with a portion of sliced teriyaki chicken, a handful of garlic‑soy vegetables, 2 dumplings, a drizzle of remaining teriyaki sauce, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a few micro cilantro leaves for color.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Cool and Store

    Allow the assembled bowls to cool to room temperature (no more than 30 minutes), then seal containers and refrigerate. They will keep for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual bowls (omit fresh cilantro) and reheat from frozen.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
520
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
65 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: High protein, Contains soy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Soy, Wheat (soy sauce), Sesame

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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EASY AND DELICIOUS MEAL PREP - TERIYAKI CHICKEN BOWLS

Recipe by SAM THE COOKING GUY

A simple, flavorful Japanese‑inspired meal‑prep recipe featuring grilled teriyaki chicken, fluffy basmati rice, quick‑steamed broccoli and carrots, store‑bought chicken‑vegetable dumplings, and a finishing garlic‑soy drizzle. Perfect for five days of lunch or dinner with minimal effort.

EasyJapaneseServes 5

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
10m
Prep
1h 10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 30m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$21.88
Total cost
$4.38
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Ensuring the teriyaki sauce is lump‑free before thickening
  • Grilling chicken to proper internal temperature while achieving char marks
  • Steaming vegetables just enough to stay crisp‑tender
  • Assembling bowls while ingredients are still warm for sauce adhesion

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and grill pan with care to avoid burns
  • Steam basket releases hot steam – keep face away
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C)

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of teriyaki chicken in Japanese cuisine?

A

Teriyaki originated in Japan as a cooking technique where foods are glazed with a sweet‑savory soy‑based sauce and then grilled or broiled. It became popular after World War II when soy sauce and sugar were widely available, and today it represents a balance of umami, sweetness, and caramelized flavor in Japanese home cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of teriyaki chicken in Japanese cuisine?

A

In the Kansai region, teriyaki sauce often includes mirin and a higher sugar ratio, giving a sweeter glaze. In the Kanto region, the sauce may be thinner with more soy sauce and less sugar, focusing on a salty‑umami profile. Some coastal areas add a splash of sake for depth.

cultural
Q

How is teriyaki chicken traditionally served in Japan?

A

Traditionally, teriyaki chicken is served over a bed of steamed rice, sometimes accompanied by pickled vegetables (tsukemono) and a side of miso soup. It is a common home‑cooked dish for everyday meals and also appears in bento boxes for lunch.

cultural
Q

On what occasions is teriyaki chicken commonly enjoyed in Japanese culture?

A

Teriyaki chicken is an everyday comfort food, but it is also featured in family gatherings, school lunches, and casual izakaya settings. It’s especially popular during summer festivals where grilled foods are served outdoors.

cultural
Q

How does teriyaki chicken fit into the broader Japanese cuisine tradition?

A

Teriyaki exemplifies the Japanese emphasis on balance—sweet, salty, and umami—while using simple, high‑quality ingredients. It showcases the technique of glazing and caramelizing, a hallmark of many Japanese dishes such as yakitori and teriyaki salmon.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for teriyaki sauce versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic teriyaki sauce uses soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar (or honey). In this recipe, mirin is omitted for simplicity; you can substitute with a splash of rice vinegar and a bit more sugar. Low‑sodium soy sauce works as a healthier alternative.

cultural
Q

What other Japanese dishes pair well with this teriyaki chicken meal‑prep bowl?

A

Pair it with miso soup, a simple cucumber sunomono salad, or a side of pickled ginger. For a more substantial meal, add a small portion of edamame or a seaweed salad to round out the flavors.

cultural
Q

What makes this teriyaki chicken meal‑prep bowl special compared to other Asian‑style meal‑preps?

A

The recipe combines a homemade thick teriyaki glaze that clings to the chicken, quick‑steamed vegetables, and store‑bought dumplings for texture contrast, delivering a restaurant‑like flavor in a convenient, make‑ahead format.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making teriyaki chicken meal‑prep bowls?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken (resulting in dry meat), allowing the sauce to clump from insufficient whisking, and over‑steaming the vegetables so they lose their crunch. Follow the timing cues and stir the sauce continuously to prevent these issues.

technical
Q

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking for this teriyaki chicken recipe?

A

Use an instant‑read thermometer; the thickest part of the breast should read 165°F (74°C). The surface should be nicely caramelized, and the juices should run clear when pierced.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Sam the Cooking Guy specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Sam the Cooking Guy focuses on approachable, humor‑filled cooking tutorials that blend comfort food with global flavors. Sam emphasizes practical, do‑able recipes for everyday home cooks, often featuring meal‑prep and quick‑cook techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Sam the Cooking Guy's approach to Japanese‑inspired cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Sam the Cooking Guy brings a laid‑back, personality‑driven style to Japanese‑inspired dishes, prioritizing simplicity and ingredient accessibility over strict authenticity. Unlike some channels that focus on traditional techniques, Sam adapts recipes for busy home cooks while still honoring core flavor profiles.

channel

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