Chicken Teriyaki Bento Recipe

Ever stumbled upon a recipe that makes you feel like a culinary ninja with minimal effort? Get ready to channel your inner chef with this easy Chicken Teriyaki Bento, guaranteed to make you look super impressive when you bring it for lunch.

I adore assembling the ideal Chicken Teriyaki Bento, where juicy chicken in a delectable soy-mirin glaze meets the vibrant and crunchy broccoli and julienned carrots. Served alongside a generous portion of fluffy white rice and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, it’s a meal that balances protein, carbs, and flavor.

Chicken Teriyaki Bento Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Lean protein rich, helps muscle growth and repair.
• Soy sauce: Adds umami and depth, low in calories, contains sodium.
• Mirin: Sweet rice wine, adds sweetness and depth, slightly tangy.
• Sake: Fermented rice wine, enhances flavor, tenderizes meat.
• Ginger: Aromatic spice, aids digestion, anti-inflammatory properties.
• White rice: Carbohydrate source, energy provider, gluten-free.
• Broccoli: High in fiber and vitamins, aids digestion, boosts immunity.
• Carrot: Rich in beta-carotene, good for vision, slightly sweet crunch.

Chicken Teriyaki Bento Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 tablespoon sake
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)

How to Make this Chicken Teriyaki Bento Recipe

1. Start by making the teriyaki sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and freshly grated ginger. Stir until the components are well integrated and the sugar is dissolved.

2. Cut the chicken breasts into pieces that are the size of a bite, and let them soak in the teriyaki sauce for a minimum of 15 minutes.

3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. From the marinade, remove the chicken and place it in the reserved sauce.

4. Place the chicken in the skillet and sauté for approximately 6-7 minutes until it is golden and completely cooked.

5. Reserved marinade, pour it over.
Simmer.
Make sauce.
Thick sauce.
Coat sauce.
Chicken.
Then, enjoy.

6. As the chicken cooks, prepare the broccoli florets and julienned carrot by steaming them in a basket or a microwave until they’re just tender, about 3-4 minutes.

7. To serve, place the cooked white rice into bento boxes or individual serving plates.

8. Place the teriyaki chicken on top of the rice, then the steamed broccoli and carrots beside it.

9. If using, garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

10. Enjoy your Chicken Teriyaki Bento! Serve it up immediately, and savor the flavors.

Chicken Teriyaki Bento Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Small bowl
2. Whisk or spoon (for stirring)
3. Cutting board
4. Knife
5. Large skillet
6. Measuring spoons
7. Steamer basket or microwave-safe container
8. Spatula
9. Serving plates or bento boxes

FAQ

• Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?A: Indeed, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts to provide a juicier option.
• Q: Is the sake necessary, or can it be substituted?Authenticity is what sake brings to your dish. But if you want to switch it out, simply replace it with the same amount of water or mirin.
• Q: How do I ensure my teriyaki sauce thickens?A: Reduce the sauce to your desired consistency by simmering it and stirring it occasionally.
• Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?A: Yes, the chicken teriyaki and vegetables can be made ahead then reheated for serving. Add garnishes right before eating.
• Q: Are there gluten-free options for soy sauce?A: Yes, you can use tamari or a soy sauce alternative that is gluten-free.
• Q: How can I add more vegetables to this bento?A: Additional vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms may be included. If you use them, sauté them lightly so they stay crisp. You will need: 1 cup cooked shrimp, thawed if frozen; about 1/2 pound shrimp per person.
• Q: Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?A: By all means, replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, or both, and change the times you cook anything with chicken in the recipe. Note that this substitution tips the recipe toward the lower end of the protein spectrum.

Chicken Teriyaki Bento Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substituting boneless, skinless chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts can yield juicier meat.
You can replace mirin with a mix of white wine or sake and a little bit of sugar to replicate its sweetness.
In an emergency, dry sherry or any white wine can be used as a sake stand-in.
Honey can be used instead of sugar to provide sweetness, but with a different flavor profile.
A healthier, whole-grain alternative to white rice is brown rice.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Marinade Time Marinating the chicken for longer—ideally at least 30 minutes to 1 hour—can infuse more flavor. If you have extra time, consider marinating it in the fridge for several hours or overnight.

2. Caramelize for Depth When cooking the chicken, let it brown slightly to achieve a caramelized crust before adding the marinade. This adds depth to the flavor of the teriyaki chicken.

3. Thicken the Sauce After removing the chicken from the skillet, reduce the sauce by simmering it until it reaches your desired thickness. This thickened sauce will better coat the chicken for richer flavor.

4. Rice Texture and Flavor For a more flavorful rice component, consider cooking your rice with a little chicken broth or adding a dash of soy sauce during cooking for added flavor.

5. Vegetable Crunch Be careful not to overcook the broccoli and carrots. Steam them until just tender-crisp to retain a pleasant crunch and bright color, enhancing both the texture and visual appeal of the dish.