Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
Highlighted under: Rapid Recipes
I love whipping up a Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowl for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special yet effortless. It's a delightful combination of ground chicken, vibrant vegetables, and that unmistakable teriyaki sauce that brings everything together. Within just 30 minutes, I can have a colorful and nutritious meal served, making it perfect for busy nights when I crave something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The flavors meld beautifully, and every bite takes me back to my favorite Asian-inspired restaurants!
When I first tried making Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowl at home, I wasn't sure how the flavors would come together. I started by experimenting with homemade teriyaki sauce, blending soy sauce, honey, and ginger for an authentic taste. The fusion of the ground chicken and fresh veggies in the teriyaki sauce created a dish that was not only easy to make but bursting with umami!
One tip I discovered along the way is to use high-quality ground chicken and fresh vegetables. This makes a significant difference in flavor and texture. Pairing it with fluffy rice or quinoa elevates the meal, creating a deliciously balanced bowl that I can't resist sharing with family and friends!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, perfect for busy evenings
- Packed with flavors from a homemade teriyaki sauce
- Versatile—easily customizable with your favorite veggies
- Healthy yet comforting, satisfying without being heavy
Selecting the Right Ingredients
Choosing fresh vegetables for your Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowl is crucial for maximizing flavor and nutrition. Look for vibrant broccoli florets, crisp bell peppers, and firm snap peas. The freshness will enhance the overall texture and taste, making every bite satisfying. If you're out of these specific vegetables, feel free to substitute others like carrots or zucchini, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary slightly. For instance, thinly sliced carrots will require slightly longer cooking to become tender.
When selecting ground chicken, seek out lean options, ideally with about 10% fat content. This will ensure the chicken remains juicy without being overly greasy. If desired, you can also use ground turkey as a lighter alternative. Just be cautious, as turkey can dry out more quickly; adjust cooking time and keep an eye on moisture to maintain a tender result.
Making the Teriyaki Sauce
The teriyaki sauce is the heart of this dish, infusing everything with its sweet and savory profile. For a deeper flavor, consider letting the garlic and ginger sauté in the oil for a minute before adding the other ingredients. This allows their essential oils to bloom, enhancing the sauce's overall taste. Additionally, if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can adjust the cornstarch amount, adding more gradually until reaching your desired consistency.
For those wanting to explore variations, consider incorporating alternate sweeteners to the sauce. Maple syrup or brown sugar can replace honey to introduce new flavors while still achieving that sweet base. If you like a bit of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes or some sriracha can elevate the sauce to your taste preferences while maintaining its classic profile.
Serving and Storing Your Bowl
When serving your Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowl, present it in shallow, wide bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables. Layering the rice or quinoa first, topped with the chicken and veggies, not only looks appealing but also allows the sauce to seep into the grains below, enhancing every bite. For an added crunch, consider topping with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions just before serving.
If you're preparing this dish ahead of time, you can store the components separately. The cooked chicken and vegetables will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the mixture on medium heat on the stove until it's warmed through, adding a splash of water or additional soy sauce to retain moisture. If freezing, keep the sauce and protein separate for best results, as frozen rice or quinoa doesn't reheat as well.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowl:
For the Teriyaki Bowl
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Chopped green onions for garnish
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
With all your ingredients prepared, you're ready to start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to make a delicious Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowl:
Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Add Vegetables
Once the chicken is cooked through, add the broccoli florets, bell pepper slices, and snap peas. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Thicken the Sauce
Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet with the chicken and veggies. Stir well, then add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Serve
Divide the cooked rice or quinoa into bowls, top with the chicken and vegetable mixture, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Enjoy your delicious and homemade Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowl!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to customize this bowl with your favorite vegetables or add some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Cooking Techniques to Perfect Your Bowl
A key technique to master in this recipe is achieving the right texture with the ground chicken. It’s essential to break it apart adequately with your spatula during cooking. Aim for even browning, which usually takes about 7-10 minutes over medium heat. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this can trap steam and result in uneven cooking; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
Stir-frying the vegetables for just about 5 minutes helps to maintain their crunch while allowing them to absorb the flavors of the teriyaki sauce. You’ll know they are ready when they are bright in color but still firm to the bite. Overcooking can lead to mushy vegetables, so pay close attention to the timing and stir frequently.
Creative Variations to Try
Experimenting with this Bowls' ingredients can be a fun way to keep the meal fresh. Try swapping the ground chicken for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option that yields a similarly delicious outcome. Just be sure to press the tofu beforehand to remove excess moisture, ensuring it crisps up nicely in the skillet.
You can also switch up the base from rice or quinoa to cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option, making the dish lighter while still providing volume. This swap is especially beneficial if you're meal prepping, as it adds flexibility in serving sizes and can be prepped in a similar manner to rice, maintaining ease of preparation.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
Yes, you can finely chop chicken breast or use a food processor to grind it before cooking.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
→ What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers as well! Just ensure they are cut evenly for consistent cooking.
Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
I love whipping up a Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowl for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special yet effortless. It's a delightful combination of ground chicken, vibrant vegetables, and that unmistakable teriyaki sauce that brings everything together. Within just 30 minutes, I can have a colorful and nutritious meal served, making it perfect for busy nights when I crave something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The flavors meld beautifully, and every bite takes me back to my favorite Asian-inspired restaurants!
What You'll Need
For the Teriyaki Bowl
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Chopped green onions for garnish
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
How-To Steps
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Once the chicken is cooked through, add the broccoli florets, bell pepper slices, and snap peas. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet with the chicken and veggies. Stir well, then add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Divide the cooked rice or quinoa into bowls, top with the chicken and vegetable mixture, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to customize this bowl with your favorite vegetables or add some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 11g
- Protein: 28g