High Protein Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Highlighted under: World Food Recipes
I love preparing a quick and nourishing meal, and this High Protein Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is one of my go-tos. It combines tender chicken with a savory teriyaki sauce, served over fluffy brown rice and crisp vegetables. The balance of flavors and textures satisfies my cravings and keeps me energized throughout the day. Plus, it's easy to whip up in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. I can't wait to share this delicious recipe with you!
When experimenting with flavors in the kitchen, I discovered how much I adore the rich taste of teriyaki sauce combined with protein-packed chicken. It was a game changer when I started using fresh ingredients like ginger and garlic to make my own sauce – the difference in taste is remarkable! I usually prepare a double batch and store it, so I always have a quick meal option.
One key tip I’ve learned is to let the chicken marinate in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps keep the chicken moist during cooking. I enjoy serving it with a colorful assortment of veggies, making this bowl not just healthy but visually appealing too!
You Will Love This Recipe Because
- Packed with protein to fuel your day
- Flavorful teriyaki sauce that elevates the dish
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables and grains
Essential Techniques for Perfect Chicken
The key to achieving tender and juicy chicken in your teriyaki bowl lies in the marination process. By allowing the diced chicken to soak in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes, you're infusing it with flavor and helping to tenderize the meat. For maximum effect, you can marinate the chicken longer, even overnight, in the refrigerator. This way, the chicken absorbs more of the savory goodness, resulting in an explosion of flavor with every bite.
When cooking the chicken, make sure to use a large pan that provides ample space for even cooking. If you overcrowd the pan, the chicken will steam instead of sear, leading to less desirable dryness. I recommend using a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and make cleaning easier. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, stirring occasionally for uniform browning and avoiding burning.
Vegetable Variations for Your Bowl
While this recipe calls for broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, feel free to get creative with your vegetable selection. Snap peas, zucchini, or even spinach can work beautifully in this dish. The important factor is to choose vegetables that cook quickly to maintain their crispness. If using sturdier veggies like carrots or broccoli, try cutting them into smaller pieces to ensure they soften quickly while sautéing.
Consider briefly blanching hard vegetables like broccoli before adding them to the pan. This technique enhances their color, locking in nutrients while softening them slightly. Sauté everything over medium heat so that the vegetables retain some of their bite, a contrast that nicely complements the tender chicken and fluffy rice.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bowl
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- Green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
Cooking Steps
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the diced chicken and teriyaki sauce. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until they begin to soften.
Cook the Chicken
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked.
Assemble the Bowl
In each bowl, place a serving of brown rice, top it with the vegetable and chicken mixture, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Enjoy Your Meal!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to customize the vegetables and add additional toppings such as avocado or nuts to give your bowl more texture.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This High Protein Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is not only quick to make but also great for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance, storing them separately in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat the chicken and vegetables in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. When you're ready to serve, cook the brown rice fresh, or use pre-cooked rice to save time.
As an alternative, consider doubling the recipe to serve a larger crowd or to have leftovers for the week. You can easily store the assembled bowls in airtight containers, which makes it convenient to grab a nutritious meal on busy days. Just be cautious with the teriyaki sauce; if it thickens in the fridge, a splash of water will help to loosen it up during reheating.
Flavor Enhancements and Customization
To elevate the flavor profile of your teriyaki chicken bowl, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice before serving. These additions will bring brightness to the dish, cutting through the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick or use a different protein like shrimp or tofu if you're seeking variety or dietary adjustments.
For those looking to reduce carbs, substituting cauliflower rice for brown rice can be a delicious and nutritious option. Simply sauté riced cauliflower briefly until tender, then layer it in your bowl as a lower-carb base. This not only maintains the overall balance of the dish but also adds a wonderful texture variation.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked chicken is a great time-saver; just heat it through in the teriyaki sauce.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use a plant-based teriyaki sauce.
High Protein Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
I love preparing a quick and nourishing meal, and this High Protein Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is one of my go-tos. It combines tender chicken with a savory teriyaki sauce, served over fluffy brown rice and crisp vegetables. The balance of flavors and textures satisfies my cravings and keeps me energized throughout the day. Plus, it's easy to whip up in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. I can't wait to share this delicious recipe with you!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: World Food Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken Bowl
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- Green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine the diced chicken and teriyaki sauce. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
In a large pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until they begin to soften.
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked.
In each bowl, place a serving of brown rice, top it with the vegetable and chicken mixture, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to customize the vegetables and add additional toppings such as avocado or nuts to give your bowl more texture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 740mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 54g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 35g