Quick Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls (20 Minutes)
Teriyaki chicken rice bowls are the ultimate weeknight rescue. In just twenty minutes, you can have a sticky, savoury-sweet bowl that rivals any takeaway, with less sugar and a fraction of the cost. Whether you need a post-work dinner, a speedy lunch, or a meal that pleases everyone at the table, this roundup of twenty ideas will keep your rotation fresh. I’ve been making this for over 6 years, and it never disappoints. You’ll find everything from classic one-pan versions to clever twists using leftover roast chicken, all clocking in at under 20 minutes of active time. For another speedy weeknight option, check out this Spicy Beef Tacos Recipe Easy Weeknight Dinner — it’s another 20-minute hero. Let’s dive into the bowls that will save your evenings.
Why You’ll Love This List
- Time-saving efficiency: Every recipe on this list is designed to be cooked, assembled, and on the table in 20 minutes flat — no marinating overnight or slow braising required.
- Customisable for any diet: From low-carb cauliflower rice bases to gluten-free tamari swaps and extra veggie-packed versions, you can adapt each bowl to your nutritional needs without losing flavour.
- Budget-friendly ingredients: Most recipes rely on pantry staples like soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic, plus affordable chicken thighs or breasts — no expensive specialty items needed.
- Meal prep friendly: Cook a double batch of chicken and rice on Sunday, then assemble these bowls in minutes all week long — each variation uses slightly different toppings to keep things interesting.
- Balanced nutrition in every bowl: Each recipe includes estimated macros so you can track protein, carbs, and fats, ensuring you get a satisfying meal that keeps you full until the next meal.
1. Classic Stovetop Teriyaki Bowl
Pin thisJuicy chicken thighs cooked in a homemade teriyaki sauce that reduces to a glossy glaze. Served over steamed jasmine rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced spring onions for a clean, satisfying finish.
Ingredients
- 400g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 300g cooked jasmine rice
Instructions
- Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with kitchen paper.
- Mix soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl until honey dissolves.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and cook chicken pieces for 5 minutes, turning once, until golden brown.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced spring onions.
Quick tip: For extra gloss, add 1 tsp of cornflour mixed with 1 tbsp cold water to the sauce during the last minute of cooking.
2. One-Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli Bowl
Pin thisEverything cooks in a single pan — chicken, garlic, and broccoli florets tossed in a sweet-savoury sauce. The broccoli gets slightly charred edges while the chicken stays tender, all over a bed of fluffy rice.
Ingredients
- 350g boneless chicken thighs, diced
- 200g broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, sliced
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large frying pan over high heat until shimmering.
- Add diced chicken and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes until browned on one side, then stir and cook 2 more minutes.
- Toss in broccoli florets and sliced garlic, stir-frying for 2 minutes until broccoli turns bright green.
- Pour in soy sauce and honey, stir to coat everything, and cook for 1 minute until sauce bubbles and thickens.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice with the pan juices spooned on top.
Quick tip: Cut broccoli into small, uniform florets so they cook at the same speed as the chicken.
3. Spicy Sesame Teriyaki Bowl
Pin thisA fiery twist on the classic — chilli flakes and toasted sesame oil give this bowl a warm heat and nutty aroma. The chicken is coated in a sticky, spicy glaze that pairs beautifully with cool cucumber ribbons.
Ingredients
- 400g chicken thigh fillets, sliced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, honey, chilli flakes, and sesame oil in a bowl and set aside.
- Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat and add 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
- Stir-fry chicken slices for 4 minutes until golden and cooked through, then remove from the pan.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the hot pan, let it bubble for 30 seconds, then return chicken and toss to coat.
- Serve over rice with cucumber ribbons and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
Quick tip: Adjust the chilli flakes to your heat preference — start with ½ tsp if you prefer mild heat.
4. Teriyaki Chicken and Egg Fried Rice Bowl
Pin thisThis bowl combines teriyaki chicken with egg-fried rice in one satisfying dish. Scrambled eggs are folded into day-old rice with soy sauce, then topped with glazed chicken pieces and a drizzle of extra sauce.
Ingredients
- 300g cooked, cold jasmine rice
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 300g chicken breast, diced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (divided)
- 2 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Mix 2 tbsp soy sauce with honey to make the teriyaki glaze, then toss diced chicken in half of it.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over high heat, add chicken, and stir-fry for 4 minutes until cooked and caramelised; remove and set aside.
- Add another tbsp oil to the wok, pour in beaten eggs, and scramble for 30 seconds before adding cold rice.
- Stir-fry rice for 2 minutes, breaking up clumps, then add remaining 1 tbsp soy sauce and toss well.
- Return chicken to the wok, drizzle with remaining glaze, stir briefly, and serve immediately.
Quick tip: Use rice that has been chilled for at least 2 hours — fresh rice turns mushy in fried rice.
5. Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wrap Bowl
Skip the rice and use crisp butter lettuce cups as your base — the chicken is chopped finely and cooked in a rich teriyaki sauce with water chestnuts for crunch. It’s a low-carb bowl that feels fresh and light.
Ingredients
- 400g minced chicken thigh
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 100g water chestnuts, diced
- 8 large butter lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Heat a non-stick pan over high heat and add 1 tsp sesame oil.
- Add minced chicken and cook for 4 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in diced water chestnuts, soy sauce, and honey; cook for 2 minutes until the sauce reduces and clings to the meat.
- Wash and dry lettuce leaves, then arrange them on plates like cups.
- Spoon the chicken mixture into the lettuce cups and garnish with shredded carrot and fresh coriander.
Quick tip: Pat the lettuce leaves dry thoroughly so they don’t make the filling watery.
6. Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Bowl
Pin thisSweet, caramelised pineapple chunks are stir-fried with chicken and a tangy teriyaki sauce. The fruit’s natural acidity cuts through the richness, making this bowl taste bright and tropical with every bite.
Ingredients
- 350g chicken breast, diced
- 200g fresh pineapple chunks
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
Instructions
- Whisk soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar together in a small bowl to make the sauce.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over high heat and stir-fry chicken for 3 minutes until golden.
- Add pineapple chunks and stir-fry for 2 minutes until they start to caramelise at the edges.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and pineapple, toss well, and cook for 1 minute until glossy.
- Serve over steamed rice with a sprinkle of chopped mint and chilli flakes.
Quick tip: Use canned pineapple in juice (not syrup) if fresh is unavailable — drain well before cooking.
7. Teriyaki Chicken and Avocado Bowl
Pin thisCreamy avocado slices balance the sticky, salty-sweet chicken in this bowl. The cool avocado contrasts beautifully with the hot chicken and rice, and a squeeze of lime brightens the whole dish.
Ingredients
- 400g chicken thigh strips
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 ripe avocado
- Juice of ½ lime
Instructions
- Mix soy sauce and honey in a bowl, then toss chicken strips in half the mixture.
- Heat a griddle pan over medium-high heat and cook chicken strips for 3 minutes per side until charred and cooked.
- While chicken cooks, slice the avocado in half, remove the stone, and slice into thin wedges.
- Drizzle lime juice over avocado to prevent browning and add brightness.
- Serve chicken over rice with avocado wedges and a drizzle of remaining sauce.
Quick tip: Choose an avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure — too firm won’t be creamy.
8. Teriyaki Chicken and Edamame Bowl
Pin thisProtein-packed edamame beans join the chicken in this bowl, adding a pop of green and a buttery texture. The teriyaki sauce coats both the chicken and beans, making every forkful evenly flavoured.
Ingredients
- 350g chicken breast, diced
- 150g frozen edamame beans (shelled)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp grated ginger
Instructions
- Cook frozen edamame in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat and cook diced chicken for 5 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Add grated ginger and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in soy sauce and honey, add edamame, and toss everything together for 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
- Serve over steamed rice with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds.
Quick tip: Buy pre-shelled frozen edamame to save time — no need to pop them from the pods.
9. Quick Grilled Teriyaki Breast Bowl
Lean chicken breasts get a quick grill in a hot pan, then are sliced and drizzled with a sticky teriyaki glaze. This bowl is lighter but still packed with umami flavour, served with crunchy shredded cabbage.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (about 300g total)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 tbsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 200g finely shredded white cabbage
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of cling film and pound to an even 2cm thickness.
- Season chicken with salt and white pepper, then heat a griddle pan over high heat.
- Grill chicken for 4 minutes per side until charred and cooked through (internal temperature 74°C).
- While chicken rests, whisk soy sauce, honey, and garlic in a small saucepan and simmer for 2 minutes until syrupy.
- Slice chicken diagonally, arrange over steamed rice with shredded cabbage, and drizzle with the glaze.
Quick tip: Let the chicken rest for 2 minutes before slicing to keep the juices inside the meat.
10. Teriyaki Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowl
Pin thisRoasted sweet potato cubes add natural sweetness and a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the savoury chicken

