Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls

Name: Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups short grain sushi rice; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts; ½ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup light brown sugar; 1 cup diced fresh pineapple; Fresh vegetables (edamame, cucumber, carrots)

Published: July 11, 2025

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these poke bowls in no time.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of teriyaki chicken and fresh toppings creates a deliciously balanced meal.
Customizable Options: You can personalize each bowl with your favorite veggies and sauces, making it versatile for all tastes.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and nutrients, these bowls offer a satisfying meal without compromising on health.
Great for Meal Prep: Ideal for meal prepping, these bowls can be made ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the following essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Medium pot
Rice cooker (optional)
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Skillet

Importance of Each Tool

Medium pot: Perfect for cooking sushi rice evenly and efficiently.
Rice cooker (optional): Simplifies the rice cooking process, ensuring perfectly cooked sushi rice every time.
Mixing bowl: Great for combining sauces or marinades without making a mess.
Skillet: Essential for sautéing the chicken to achieve that golden-brown color.

Ingredients

These Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls feature sushi rice, teriyaki chicken, pineapple, and your choice of fresh toppings for an easy lunch or dinner that’s loaded with fresh flavor. The ability to customize the toppings makes these a hit with the whole family!

For the Rice

2 cups short grain sushi rice
2 cups water
2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Teriyaki Sauce

½ cup soy sauce
¼ cup water
¼ cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon grated garlic
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the Chicken

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon sriracha
⅓ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons water

For Toppings

Pickled red onions (see note below)
1 cup shelled edamame (steamed)
1 cup diced fresh pineapple
1 Persian cucumber (thinly sliced)
1 carrot (peeled into ribbons or thinly sliced)
Green onion (sliced + sesame seeds, for garnish)

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls

Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice

Rinse the sushi rice in cold water until it runs clear. In a medium pot, combine rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for about 18 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for another 10 minutes. Stir in rice vinegar, sugar, and salt.

Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, light brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth. Heat this mixture in a skillet over medium heat until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and slice into strips.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

In serving bowls, layer sushi rice as the base. Top with sliced teriyaki chicken followed by edamame, pineapple cubes, cucumber slices, carrot ribbons, pickled red onions if using, and any additional garnish like green onions or sesame seeds.

Enjoy your delicious Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls!

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls

Serving Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls can be a fun and creative experience. With various toppings and sides, you can customize each bowl to suit individual tastes. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Classic Asian Toppings

Pickled Red Onions: These add a tangy crunch that complements the sweet teriyaki sauce perfectly.
Shelled Edamame: A great source of protein, these add a pop of color and texture to your poke bowl.
Diced Fresh Pineapple: The sweetness of pineapple brightens the dish and balances the savory flavors.

Crunchy Fresh Vegetables

Persian Cucumber: Thinly sliced, they bring a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the warm chicken.
Carrot Ribbons: These add a lovely color and sweetness; simply peel them into ribbons for an elegant touch.
Sliced Green Onions: Their mild flavor enhances the overall taste while adding a splash of green.

Flavorful Sauces

Sriracha Mayo Drizzle: A spicy kick that adds creaminess to each bite. Mix mayonnaise with sriracha for an easy sauce.
Extra Teriyaki Sauce: Offer additional sauce on the side for those who love an extra burst of flavor.

How to Perfect Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls

Creating perfect Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls is all about balance and flavor. Keep these tips in mind for an unforgettable meal.

Bold Flavors: Use fresh ingredients like ginger and garlic in your teriyaki sauce to enhance its depth.
Quality Rice: Opt for short grain sushi rice as it provides the ideal texture for poké bowls.
Marinate Chicken Well: Allow your chicken to marinate in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor.
Fresh Toppings Only: Choose fresh vegetables and fruits as toppings to keep each bite vibrant and refreshing.
Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on garnishes like sesame seeds or sliced green onions; they elevate the presentation and taste.
Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to mix up toppings based on what you have; creativity leads to delicious discoveries!

Best Side Dishes for Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls

Pairing side dishes with your Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement the flavors beautifully.

Miso Soup: A warm, umami-rich soup that pairs well with the poke bowl’s flavors. Serve it hot alongside.
Seaweed Salad: Light and refreshing, this salad adds a nice contrast in texture and is packed with nutrients.
Japanese Pickles (Tsukemono): These provide a crunchy bite and tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the bowl.
Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli adds color and fiber without overpowering other flavors.
Cucumber Salad: A light salad made with rice vinegar and sesame oil brings freshness that complements teriyaki chicken well.
Fried Rice: For a heartier option, serve fried rice seasoned with soy sauce and vegetables as a filling side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Neglecting the rice: It’s essential to rinse sushi rice before cooking. This removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming gummy.
Overcooking chicken: Ensure your chicken is cooked just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough.
Ignoring balance in toppings: Use a mix of textures and flavors for your toppings. Fresh vegetables, sweet pineapple, and crunchy edamame create a well-rounded dish.
Skipping marinade time: Don’t rush the marinating process for the chicken. Letting it sit for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor significantly.
Forgetting about freshness: Always use fresh ingredients for toppings. Wilting lettuce or overripe fruit can ruin the overall appeal of the poke bowl.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Containers: Use airtight containers to keep ingredients fresh.

Freezing Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls

Duration: You can freeze the teriyaki chicken separately for up to 3 months.
Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm throughout.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to make these poke bowls gluten-free.

What can I use instead of chicken?

You can use tofu or shrimp if you’re looking for a vegetarian or seafood option for your Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls.

How do I customize my poke bowl?

Feel free to add different vegetables like radishes or bell peppers, swap out proteins, or include various sauces to suit your taste.

Can I prepare these bowls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep ingredients in advance and assemble them right before serving for maximum freshness.

What is the best way to serve Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls?

These bowls are best served chilled or at room temperature, allowing all the flavors to meld nicely while keeping the ingredients crisp.

Final Thoughts

Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite toppings, making them suitable for any palate. Whether you’re preparing them as a quick lunch or dinner, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Give this recipe a try and enjoy creating your unique version!

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