There's something about the sweet and savory flavors of this Quick Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with Broccoli and Avocado Recipe that just hits the spot anytime you want a wholesome yet speedy dinner. It balances juicy chicken, crisp broccoli, and creamy avocado in a bowl that tastes like a little celebration!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with Broccoli and Avocado Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Quick Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with Broccoli and Avocado Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Quick Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with Broccoli and Avocado Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I honestly keep coming back to this recipe because it’s fast, flavorful, and just feels right when you need a filling meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen. The flavors blend beautifully, and it’s easy to make work on busy weeknights.
- Speedy Prep: You can have this entire meal ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Simple Ingredients: The sauce is made from pantry staples, which means you don’t need special trips to the store.
- Balanced Nutrition: Protein, fiber, healthy fats, and veggies all in one bowl to keep you satisfied.
- Customizable: You can easily swap veggies, add spice, or switch up the rice to suit your preferences.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Quick Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with Broccoli and Avocado Recipe come together to create a beautiful harmony between savory, sweet, and fresh flavors. Plus, these components give you a variety of textures so every bite is interesting. A quick tip from me: always go for fresh garlic and ginger if you can. It really brightens the sauce.
- Soy Sauce (or Tamari): Provides that classic umami base for the teriyaki glaze without too much salt.
- Brown Sugar: Adds natural sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize on the chicken.
- Rice Vinegar: Brings a gentle tang that balances the sweet and salty elements.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds warmth and a slight peppery zing essential for authentic teriyaki flavor.
- Garlic: Gives depth and aroma, making the flavors pop.
- Cornstarch: The secret to a smooth, thick sauce that clings to every piece of chicken.
- Broccoli: Steamed until crisp-tender to keep its vibrant color and fresh crunch.
- Avocado: Creamy richness that rounds out the dish and adds healthy fats.
- Chicken Breast: Lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Avocado Oil: Neutral oil perfect for searing chicken without overpowering flavor.
- Rice: Your base — I love using microwaveable rice for convenience, but brown rice works great too.
- Sesame Seeds: Adds a fun crunch and nutty note when sprinkled on top.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Quick Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with Broccoli and Avocado Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to what you have or what you’re craving. Feel free to play around with different veggies or protein swaps!
- Vegetable Swap: I've tried adding snap peas or bell peppers instead of broccoli for extra color and crunch – both are winners.
- Protein Variation: Chicken thighs work beautifully here if you want more juice and richness, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Spice It Up: Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle some sriracha on top for a little heat boost.
- Grain Alternatives: For a low-carb option, swap the rice for cauliflower rice—you still get that satisfying base without extra carbs.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with Broccoli and Avocado Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Up That Flavor-Packed Teriyaki Sauce
Start by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, water, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Give it a good whisk until the sugar dissolves and the cornstarch is fully mixed in. This little sauce is going to turn simple chicken into something seriously tasty, so don’t rush this step!
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli Until Tender-Crisp
Next, pour ¾ cup of water into a large 12-inch nonstick skillet and bring it to a boil over high heat. Toss in the broccoli florets, cover the pan, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Steam the broccoli until it’s just tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. You want it vibrant green and still with a bit of snap, so don’t overdo it. Drain off the water, transfer the broccoli to a bowl, cover with foil, and keep warm while you cook the chicken.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken and Thicken the Sauce
Wipe the skillet dry, then add avocado oil and heat over medium-high. Once hot, add the cubed chicken breast in one layer, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and let it cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through.
Dip the sauce you whisked earlier once more, then pour it over the chicken. Lower the heat to medium, stirring gently as the sauce starts bubbling. To get the perfect glaze, reduce heat to low and let it thicken, stirring now and then. If it gets too thick, a splash of water can loosen it up — I learned this trick the hard way!
Step 4: Assemble Your Bowl and Add the Finishing Touches
Divide warm cooked rice between bowls, add the teriyaki chicken, steamed broccoli, and sliced avocado seasoned with a little salt and pepper. A drizzle of the pan sauce over the top and a sprinkle of sesame seeds complete the look—and the taste.
Top Tip
After making this Quick Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with Broccoli and Avocado Recipe a bunch of times, I’ve realized a few tricks help the whole process shine. These tips make sure you get restaurant-worthy results from your own kitchen.
- Properly Mix the Sauce: Whisk the sauce ingredients thoroughly before cooking to avoid lumps and ensure even thickening.
- Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Steaming just until crisp-tender keeps it bright and full of nutrients—overcooked broccoli is a real bummer.
- Use a Hot Pan for Chicken: Searing the chicken on a hot skillet creates a nice golden crust and locks in juices.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce thickens too much, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water – it’s easier to fix than an overly thick sauce.
How to Serve Quick Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with Broccoli and Avocado Recipe
Garnishes
I love to sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch when I serve this teriyaki bowl. Sometimes, I add thinly sliced green onions or a few cilantro leaves for some fresh aroma and a pop of color. A tiny drizzle of extra sauce on top never hurts either!
Side Dishes
This dish stands strong on its own, but if I’m serving company or want a little extra, I’ll whip up a simple cucumber salad or serve some edamame on the side for green goodness. Miso soup pairs beautifully for a cozy touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I've arranged this bowl layered beautifully in glass jars for a “teriyaki parfait” style or served it family-style on a big platter so everyone can help themselves. It’s a great way to turn a quick recipe into something a little more festive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and try to keep the avocado separate until serving, as it can brown. The chicken and broccoli reheat wonderfully the next day for a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the chicken and sauce mixture successfully, but the avocado and steamed broccoli don’t freeze well—avocado turns mushy and broccoli loses its texture. Just freeze the protein portion and add fresh veggies when thawing and reheating.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, I gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. I like to microwave the rice briefly and then assemble everything fresh, adding sliced avocado right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just adjust cooking time slightly and ensure they are cooked through.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check that your other ingredients like rice vinegar and cornstarch are gluten-free. This simple swap keeps the flavors authentic and safe for gluten-free diets.
Yes! The teriyaki sauce can be mixed ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good whisk before using since the cornstarch might settle.
If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a little warm water to loosen it. If it's too thin, let it simmer gently a bit longer to reduce and thicken. The key is to watch and adjust as you go for the perfect glaze consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with Broccoli and Avocado Recipe has become one of my go-to dinners when I want something nourishing without fuss. The fresh avocado paired with saucy chicken and crisp broccoli is comfort food that feels light and wholesome. I hope you try it soon — it’s a brilliant way to get dinner on the table fast while feeling like you really made something special.
Print
Quick Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with Broccoli and Avocado Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowls recipe features tender bite-size pieces of chicken breast simmered in a homemade teriyaki sauce. Served with crisp-tender steamed broccoli and creamy avocado slices, this dish offers a vibrant, satisfying, and easy weeknight meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Teriyaki Sauce
- ½ cup less sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark, lightly packed)
- 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar (can substitute apple cider vinegar)
- 1 heaping teaspoon minced fresh ginger (fresh or bottled)
- 1 heaping teaspoon minced garlic (fresh or bottled)
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Main Ingredients
- 1 small broccoli crown (chopped into small florets)
- ¾ cup water
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or your favorite neutral oil)
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (cubed)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Cooked white or brown rice (microwaveable frozen or shelf-stable)
- 2 avocados (sliced)
- Sesame seeds (as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: Place all teriyaki sauce ingredients including soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, water, and cornstarch into a small bowl and whisk well until combined. Set aside.
- Steam the broccoli: Add ¾ cup water to a 12-inch nonstick skillet and heat over HIGH. Add chopped broccoli florets and bring the water to a boil. Cover the pan, reduce heat to MEDIUM-LOW, and steam until broccoli is crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain the broccoli, transfer to a bowl, and cover with foil to keep warm. Wipe the skillet clean.
- Cook the chicken: Add avocado oil to the skillet and heat over MEDIUM-HIGH until hot. Add cubed chicken breast in an even layer. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes until chicken is browned and cooked through. Reduce heat to MEDIUM.
- Add and thicken the sauce: Whisk the teriyaki sauce again and pour it over the chicken in the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce bubbles. Then reduce heat to LOW and continue cooking until the sauce thickens to your liking. Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick. Remove from heat.
- Assemble bowls: Divide the cooked rice, chicken with teriyaki sauce, steamed broccoli, and sliced avocado evenly between 5 bowls. Season the avocado slices lightly with salt and pepper. Drizzle additional sauce over the chicken if desired and sprinkle each bowl with sesame seeds.
Notes
- Use less sodium soy sauce or tamari to control salt levels.
- Broccoli can be steamed in the microwave as a quicker alternative.
- Avocado adds creaminess and balances the savory teriyaki flavors.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Brown rice can be substituted for white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
- Adjust sweetness of the sauce by varying the amount of brown sugar to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 479 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 668 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.02 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 87 mg
Leave a Reply