Sweet Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls with Sesame Garlic Sauce

Lora Lopez

Posted on August 15, 2025

Sweet Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls with Sesame Garlic Sauce

Welcome to a culinary adventure that brings the flavors of the East right to your dinner table! Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of Sweet Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls with Sesame Garlic Sauce. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that combines tender marinated chicken with perfectly seasoned jasmine rice and a rich, flavorful sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your friends and family, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Imagine the succulent chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, grilled to perfection, and served over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. But that’s not all! We take it up a notch with a homemade sesame garlic sauce that adds a delightful zing to every bite. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition, making it a wholesome choice for any meal. Plus, it’s customizable feel free to add your favorite veggies or serve it in a wrap for a fun twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love Sweet Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls with Sesame Garlic Sauce, but here are just a few that stand out:

Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet teriyaki chicken and the rich, garlicky sesame sauce is nothing short of amazing. Each bite is a burst of flavor that you won’t forget!
Easy to Make: This recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for special occasions. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can have a fantastic meal ready in no time.
Healthy and Wholesome: With lean protein from the chicken, wholesome jasmine rice, and fresh veggies as toppings, you’re serving up a balanced meal that’s full of nutrients.
Customizable: Feel free to add or swap out vegetables according to your preference. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas would all be excellent additions!
Meal Prep Friendly: These bowls store well in the fridge, making them a great option for meal prep. Just reheat and enjoy throughout the week!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine or just looking to spice up your dinner routine, Sweet Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls with Sesame Garlic Sauce is a must-try. Here’s why:

Authentic Taste: This recipe brings the authentic flavors of Japanese teriyaki dishes to your home kitchen. The marinated chicken not only delivers a sweet and savory flavor but also has a tender texture that melts in your mouth.
Quick Cooking Time: With minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this dish! The sweetness of the teriyaki sauce makes it appealing to younger palates while offering a complex flavor profile for adults.
Visual Appeal: The colorful toppings not only enhance the flavor but also make your rice bowls visually appealing. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the palate!
Great Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, these bowls taste just as good the next day. The flavors meld together beautifully, making your next meal effortless.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients:

Gather the following ingredients to create your Sweet Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls with Sesame Garlic Sauce:

For the Chicken:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
½ cup teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice:

2 cups cooked jasmine rice
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Sesame Garlic Sauce:

¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame seeds

For Toppings:

2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 small cucumber, sliced
1 carrot, shredded
Sesame seeds for garnish
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Recommended Utensils:

To make this recipe a success, here are some helpful tools you might need:

Mixing bowls for marinating and mixing ingredients
Grill or skillet for cooking the chicken
Measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient measurements
A sharp knife for slicing the chicken and veggies
Serving bowls for presenting the rice bowls

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow these detailed steps to create your Sweet Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls with Sesame Garlic Sauce:

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, honey, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well in the marinade. For maximum flavor, let this sit for at least 30 minutes, or better yet, overnight in the refrigerator.
Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade) and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Rice: In a large bowl, mix the cooked jasmine rice with rice vinegar and sesame oil. Stir gently to combine without mashing the rice, and set aside.
Make the Sesame Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame seeds until well combined. This sauce is the star of your rice bowls!
Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, add a generous portion of the seasoned jasmine rice. Top with the sliced teriyaki chicken, cucumber slices, shredded carrot, and green onions for a pop of color and crunch.
Drizzle with Sauce: Drizzle the homemade sesame garlic sauce over the top of each bowl. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for garnish.
Serve: Serve your Sweet Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls with Sesame Garlic Sauce immediately, and enjoy the delightful medley of flavors!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just be aware that chicken breasts can dry out more easily, so adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, marinating and cooking it in the same way as the chicken for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

What other toppings can I add to my rice bowls?

Feel free to get creative! You can add avocado slices, bell peppers, or even pickled vegetables for extra flavor and texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.

Can I make the sesame garlic sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sesame garlic sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.

Conclusion

In summary, Sweet Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls with Sesame Garlic Sauce is a delicious and versatile dish that everyone will love. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s a fantastic addition to your meal rotation. Don’t forget to share your experience with this recipe in the comments below! If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with friends and family, and check out more delicious recipes like Sweet Soy Beef Bites and Spicy Honey Glazed Shrimp Skewers on our blog!

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