There’s something truly delightful about a vibrant, homemade Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls Recipe that brings the best of fresh, savory, and slightly sweet flavors all together in one bowl. This dish combines tender, glossy teriyaki chicken with perfectly cooked sushi rice and crisp, colorful veggies, making every bite a joyful experience. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends at a casual get-together, this recipe is both satisfying and impressive without being complicated. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls Recipe your new favorite meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing the perfect balance in this Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls Recipe. Each staple item is simple but carefully chosen to add vibrant flavor, pleasing texture, and beautiful color to your dish.
- 2 cups short grain sushi rice: Provides the essential sticky, fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious sauces.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender protein that dresses beautifully with the teriyaki marinade.
- ½ cup soy sauce: Adds savory umami depth and saltiness to the teriyaki sauce.
- ¼ cup light brown sugar: Brings a warm sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce perfectly.
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple: Introduces juicy bursts of tropical sweetness and a punch of brightness.
- Fresh vegetables (edamame, cucumber, carrots): Offers crunchy texture and fresh color contrast for a balanced bowl.
- Rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, cornstarch, olive oil: These pantry staples elevate the sauce and cooking process, giving every bite a rich flavor and glossy finish.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Perfect Your Sushi Rice
Start by rinsing the sushi rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. This step is crucial to remove excess starch and ensure the rice cooks into the ideal sticky and fluffy texture. Cook the rice in a pot with water over low heat for about 18 minutes, then let it sit covered for another 10 minutes to steam. Once it’s cool enough to handle, stir in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt. This seasoning makes the rice sparkle with subtle tang and sweetness that perfectly supports the rest of the bowl.
Step 2: Whip Up the Teriyaki Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, light brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch. This blend is magic for your chicken—it thickens beautifully when heated and coats the meat in layers of sweet, tangy, and umami-rich flavor. Pour it into a skillet and warm until the sauce thickens up enough to cling to your chicken without becoming gluey.
Step 3: Cook and Slice the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add your seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The teriyaki sauce you made earlier is perfect for brushing on toward the end of the cooking or tossing the chicken in after slicing. Once cooked, slice the chicken into inviting strips that showcase the glossy sauce and make it easy to enjoy in every bite.
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls
The fun part is layering all your components. Start with a scoop of that perfectly seasoned sushi rice, then add the sliced teriyaki chicken. Top it off with fresh diced pineapple and your assorted veggies like edamame, crisp cucumber slices, and shredded carrots for crunch and eye-catching color. The result is a bowl bursting with flavor, texture, and freshness. This is truly a Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls Recipe that feels like a celebration in every mouthful.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls Recipe even further, consider topping with toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced scallions, or a sprinkle of crushed nori sheets. A drizzle of sriracha mayo or a splash of fresh lime juice can add extra zing and creaminess that balances the sweet-savory flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serving your poke bowls with light, complementary sides is a great way to round out the meal. Crisp seaweed salad, miso soup, or pickled ginger add delightful contrasts and traditional touches that highlight the bowl’s fresh ingredients. These sides keep the meal feeling balanced and thoughtfully composed.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting friends or want to make a family meal feel special, serve the Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls Recipe buffet-style with all ingredients separately arranged. Let everyone customize their own bowl, adding as much pineapple, veggies, or sauce as they prefer. Using vibrant bowls or bamboo serving dishes also adds a fun visual touch that enhances the overall dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover cooked teriyaki chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping ingredients separate preserves the texture and freshness of the vegetables and prevents the chicken from becoming too soggy.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best reserved for cooked chicken I rather than the entire assembled bowl. Freeze the teriyaki chicken in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Fresh rice and vegetables don’t freeze as well, so it’s better to prepare those fresh when you’re ready to eat again.
Reheating
Reheat the frozen or refrigerated chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain its tender texture, or microwave it in short bursts. Warm the rice separately to avoid drying out. Then, assemble your bowl fresh with raw or lightly steamed vegetables to revive that crisp, fresh contrast.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of sushi rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice makes a heartier, more nutrient-dense base, though the texture will be less sticky and slightly chewier. It still works wonderfully with the flavors of the teriyaki chicken.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls Recipe?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, marinated and cooked in the same teriyaki sauce. You can even add edamame or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and texture.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe itself isn’t spicy, but you can easily add a touch of heat by including sriracha, chili flakes, or spicy mayo on top. It’s a great way to customize the heat level to suit your taste buds.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just make sure to use gluten-free tamari or soy sauce, and check your other ingredients for any gluten content. This simple swap keeps the dish just as delicious and accessible.
What’s the best way to dice the pineapple for this dish?
Go for small, uniform cubes about half an inch in size. This size provides bursts of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors or making the bowl too chunky.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls Recipe is such a joy to make and even more fun to eat. From the glossy, flavorful chicken to the fresh, crisp vegetables and perfectly seasoned rice, every bite feels like a thoughtful, hearty meal. I highly encourage you to try it soon—once you do, it’ll likely become a go-to recipe for busy nights and casual entertaining. Enjoy the layers of flavor and the simple happiness that comes from creating something this delicious with your own hands!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese-Hawaiian Fusion
Description
Delicious and vibrant Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls featuring tender teriyaki-glazed chicken breasts served over a base of seasoned sushi rice, topped with fresh pineapple and crisp vegetables. Perfect for a wholesome, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Rice Base
- 2 cups short grain sushi rice
- Water (for cooking rice, approximately 2 ½ cups)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Teriyaki Sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Protein and Toppings
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
- 1 cup fresh vegetables (edamame, cucumber, carrots), sliced or diced
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for about 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes to fully steam. Stir in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt gently to season.
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, light brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour the mixture into a skillet and heat over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips. Toss the sliced chicken in the prepared teriyaki sauce to coat evenly.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the seasoned sushi rice among four bowls as the base. Top with the teriyaki chicken strips, diced fresh pineapple, and a selection of fresh vegetables such as edamame, cucumber, and carrots. Serve immediately and enjoy your colorful Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls.
Notes
- For best results, use short grain sushi rice for its sticky texture, which holds the bowl together well.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs if preferred for juicier meat.
- Add avocado slices or seaweed salad for extra authentic poke bowl flavors.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Store leftover components separately in airtight containers and reheat the chicken and rice before serving.
