Why You’ll Love Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowls Recipe
This recipe is fast, satisfying, and easy to customize. The homemade teriyaki sauce adds a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor without needing bottled sauce. It’s also a great balanced bowl with protein, vegetables, rice, and a refreshing crunchy topping.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 lb ground chicken
3 bell peppers, sliced thinly
1 small yellow onion, sliced thinly
1.5 cups rice
2 mini cucumbers, sliced
1/2 bunch green onion, chopped, light green part
Sesame seeds, for topping
2 tsp sesame oil
1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup honey
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp cornstarch
Directions
Whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic powder, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch in a glass measuring cup or small bowl.
Cook the rice according to the package directions, then set it aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the ground chicken, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink.
Pour half of the sauce over the chicken and bring it to a simmer. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, about 7 to 8 minutes. Turn off the heat and transfer the chicken to a bowl.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
Pour in most of the remaining sauce, saving about 2 tablespoons for the cucumber topping. Toss the peppers and onions in the sauce and cook until the sauce thickens, about 7 to 8 minutes. Turn off the heat.
In a small bowl, mix the sliced cucumbers, chopped green onion, and reserved sauce.
Assemble the bowls by adding rice to the bottom, then topping with teriyaki chicken, peppers and onions, cucumber mixture, and sesame seeds.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey, ground beef, or diced chicken instead of ground chicken.
Swap the rice for brown rice, jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
Add extra vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Make it spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili sauce.
For a sweeter sauce, add a little extra honey. For a tangier flavor, add a splash more rice vinegar.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, store the cucumber topping separately so it stays fresh and crisp.
Reheat the chicken, vegetables, and rice in the microwave until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Add the cucumber topping after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works well and has a similar texture and mild flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken, vegetables, and rice ahead of time. Store the cucumber topping separately until serving.
Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce gives you better control over sweetness, saltiness, and spice.
What kind of rice works best?
White rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice all work well for these bowls.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
How do I keep the cucumbers crunchy?
Add the cucumber topping right before serving and store it separately from the warm ingredients.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, and snap peas are all great additions.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes. You can reduce or omit them for a milder version.
Can I freeze this recipe?
The cooked chicken, vegetables, and rice can be frozen, but the cucumber topping should be made fresh.
How do I thicken the sauce?
The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce as it simmers. Let it cook for several minutes until it coats the chicken and vegetables.
Conclusion
Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowls are a simple, flavorful, and filling meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With saucy chicken, tender vegetables, fluffy rice, and a fresh cucumber topping, every bite is balanced, colorful, and delicious.
