When You Need a High Protein Chicken Teriyaki Bowl After a Long Day

Some evenings, I just want a meal that feels like a warm hug without too much fuss. This high protein chicken teriyaki bowl fits that need perfectly. The moment I start cooking, the air fills with the sweet and tangy aroma of homemade teriyaki sauce, mingling with the subtle zest of fresh ginger and garlic. While the chicken sizzles, I steam broccoli until it’s tender but still crisp—there’s something so comforting about that vibrant green against the soft brown rice waiting below.

I remember one night, I was halfway through dinner prep when my mind wandered off to a half-finished book on the counter. The sauce thickened just enough, the chicken glistening under its glossy coat, but I hesitated, fork in hand, distracted by the faint hum of the evening outside. It wasn’t perfect timing, but the flavors pulled me back quickly, and every bite felt like a small reward for a busy day.

Why You’ll Love It:

  • It’s packed with protein, making it a great choice when you want to feel full and energized.
  • The homemade teriyaki sauce brings a fresh, balanced flavor that’s not too sweet or salty.
  • Simple ingredients come together quickly—no fancy pantry required.
  • It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. Easy enough for weeknight dinners but tasty enough to look forward to.

Sometimes I worry about the broccoli getting mushy, but steaming it just right keeps that perfect crunch, making each bite more interesting. If you’re like me, a little texture variation goes a long way.

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High Protein Chicken Teriyaki Bowl

A delicious and nutritious high protein chicken teriyaki bowl featuring tender grilled chicken breast, steamed broccoli, and fluffy brown rice, all tossed in a homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect for a balanced meal packed with flavor and protein.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water
2 cups cooked brown rice
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic to make the teriyaki sauce.
In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the skillet and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
While the chicken cooks, steam the broccoli florets until tender but still crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked brown rice evenly among four serving bowls.
Top each bowl with steamed broccoli and the teriyaki chicken.
Garnish each bowl with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

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Kitchen Notes: You don’t need any special equipment here—just a skillet for the chicken and something to steam the broccoli. I usually use a simple metal colander over boiling water, but a steamer basket works just as well. Serving this bowl with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few sliced green onions adds just enough crunch and freshness. If you feel like switching things up, sometimes I swap the broccoli for snap peas or add a handful of shredded carrots for color. And, well, I haven’t tested it with quinoa instead of brown rice, but that might be a fun twist to try.

FAQ:

Can I make this ahead? Absolutely. It keeps well for a few days in the fridge; just reheat gently so the sauce doesn’t dry out.

Is the sauce gluten-free? If you swap the soy sauce for tamari, yes, it can be gluten-free.

Can I use chicken thighs instead? For sure. They’ll be a bit more tender and juicy, but the cooking time might vary slightly.

If you’re craving something wholesome yet straightforward tonight, this bowl is waiting for you.