Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
Highlighted under: World Plates
I love making this Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowl for a quick yet delightful dinner. The combination of savory chicken, colorful veggies, and a sweet-tangy sauce always hits the spot. Not only is it simple to prepare, but the flavors come together beautifully in just a few minutes. Plus, it's a versatile dish that you can customize with your favorite vegetables or toppings. Whenever I’m short on time but still want something delicious, this recipe is my go-to!
When I first tried making teriyaki at home, I was surprised at how easy it was to create the perfect balance of sweet and savory. I opted for ground chicken because it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. The addition of fresh ginger and garlic gives a lovely aroma, making the kitchen feel vibrant!
What I discovered is that adding a splash of rice vinegar at the end brightens up the entire dish, making flavors pop. With an assortment of colorful veggies on top, it’s not just a meal; it’s a feast for the eyes and taste buds!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Quick and satisfying weeknight meal
- Savory-sweet teriyaki sauce brings it all together
- Packed with colorful veggies for added nutrition
Understanding Teriyaki Sauce
The teriyaki sauce is the heart of this dish, balancing sweet and savory flavors. The combination of soy sauce and honey creates a rich umami base, while rice vinegar adds the necessary acidity to keep the dish from feeling too heavy. I recommend using high-quality soy sauce as it will significantly enhance the overall flavor. Be cautious about the honey amount; adjusting it allows you to customize the sweetness level to your liking.
Adding grated ginger and minced garlic infuses aromatic notes into the sauce. These ingredients not only contribute flavor but also bring warmth and depth. While traditional teriyaki relies on cornstarch as a thickening agent, you can use arrowroot powder as a gluten-free alternative, producing a similarly glossy finish without clumping.
Customizing Your Bowl
One of the best aspects of this Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowl is its adaptability. You can easily swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. For instance, snap peas, bell pepper, or even bok choy are excellent substitutes for broccoli. Just remember to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. If you prefer a bit of crunch, consider adding raw shredded cabbage right before serving.
You can also customize the protein in this dish. Ground turkey or beef work wonderfully and provide different taste profiles. If you want a vegetarian option, try using tempeh or firm tofu. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before crumbling it into the skillet.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
For the Bowl
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon oil for cooking
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Veggies
Stir in the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender.
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
Thicken the Sauce
Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet, stirring well. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve over rice or noodles.
Pro Tips
- For an extra crunch, top with sesame seeds and serve with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Make-Ahead Tips
This dish is not only rapid to prepare but also suitable for meal prep. You can cook the ground chicken and vegetables together and store them in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. The teriyaki sauce can also be made ahead and stored separately. Reheat everything on the stovetop for a quick lunch or dinner, ensuring that the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
For long-term storage, consider freezing the cooked chicken and vegetables. Use freezer-safe containers and keep them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly on the stove. Add fresh green onions just before serving to keep that crisp texture.
Serving Suggestions
To make your Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowl even more exciting, serve it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or whole grain options like brown rice or quinoa for added fiber. Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce over the top for those who love a saucier dish. You may even consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nutty crunch and a garnish of pickled ginger for an extra zing.
For a contrast in flavors, a side of avocado slices or a small salad with a sesame dressing pairs well with this dish. This not only enhances texture but also provides a refreshing balance to the savory elements of the bowl.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or tofu would work well as substitutes.
→ How can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the chicken while it cooks.
→ Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and cook them when you're ready to serve.
→ What should I serve it with?
This dish is great over rice, noodles, or even served in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
I love making this Ground Chicken Teriyaki Bowl for a quick yet delightful dinner. The combination of savory chicken, colorful veggies, and a sweet-tangy sauce always hits the spot. Not only is it simple to prepare, but the flavors come together beautifully in just a few minutes. Plus, it's a versatile dish that you can customize with your favorite vegetables or toppings. Whenever I’m short on time but still want something delicious, this recipe is my go-to!
What You'll Need
For the Bowl
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon oil for cooking
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender.
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
Add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet, stirring well. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve over rice or noodles.
Extra Tips
- For an extra crunch, top with sesame seeds and serve with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 25g