Let’s talk about Chicken Teriyaki—a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. Now, imagine that tender, savory chicken paired with perfectly portioned sides in a Bento Box! Bento boxes are the epitome of balance. They give you a little bit of everything, creating a visually appealing and satisfying meal. Chicken Teriyaki is the star here, with its glossy, sweet-savory sauce coating juicy pieces of chicken that practically melt in your mouth.
The beauty of this Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box is in its simplicity. It’s all about balance—rich protein, fresh veggies, and a serving of rice to soak up all that teriyaki goodness. Whether you’re prepping it for a weeknight dinner or packing it up for a convenient meal at work or school, it’s the kind of meal that checks all the boxes. Plus, making it yourself means you control the ingredients, keeping it fresh and flavorful without the takeout price tag.
I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s become a staple in our household. My kids love the way each compartment offers something different, and the flavors are just unbeatable. Let’s dive in and make the perfect Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box!
Why You Need to Try This Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box is a meal-prepper’s dream. Not only does it store beautifully, but it stays fresh and delicious for days, making it an ideal grab-and-go lunch or dinner.
Balanced and Nutritious
With protein-packed chicken, fiber-rich veggies, and a healthy serving of rice, this Bento Box gives you a well-rounded meal that’s satisfying without being heavy.
Customizable and Fun to Make
The beauty of bento boxes is that you can mix and match. Feel free to switch out the vegetables, swap the rice for quinoa, or even add a little fruit to round it out!
A Family Story About Our Teriyaki Bento Love
I’ll never forget the first time I packed a Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box for my kids’ lunch. I was a bit nervous they wouldn’t appreciate the variety, but when they came home, their lunchboxes were completely empty! They were raving about how fun it was to have a little bit of everything, and the chicken was the first thing to disappear. My husband even started asking me to pack him a bento for work!
Now, every time I make this dish, I find myself doubling the recipe because, honestly, one batch just isn’t enough. Whether we’re eating it fresh for dinner or packing it away for the next day, this Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box is always a winner at our table.
Why This Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box is So Amazing
Delicious Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
The secret to this bento box lies in the homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s made with a blend of soy sauce, honey, and ginger, giving the chicken that perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Fresh and Colorful Sides
Each bento box includes a portion of steamed rice, a variety of fresh veggies (like steamed broccoli, carrots, and edamame), and sometimes even a little fruit like orange slices. It’s not just tasty—it’s healthy, too!
Versatile and Family-Friendly
This recipe is super versatile. You can adjust the portion sizes and side dishes based on your preferences, and it’s great for both kids and adults. Plus, who doesn’t love eating out of a bento box? It’s fun and interactive!
Tips for the Perfect Bento Box:
- Cut Everything to Bite-Size: Bento boxes are all about balance and ease, so make sure everything is cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Let Everything Cool Before Packing: To avoid soggy rice or wilted veggies, let everything cool to room temperature before packing.
- Sauce on the Side: If you’re packing this for later, keep extra teriyaki sauce in a small container and drizzle it over the chicken just before eating.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Use Chicken Breast: Swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
- Try Tofu: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu. Just press and pan-fry the tofu before adding the teriyaki sauce.
- Swap the Rice: Use brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
- Add a Sweet Touch: Add a small serving of fresh fruit like mandarin slices or apple wedges to balance the savory flavors.
Make a Healthier Version:
- Low-Carb Option: Replace the steamed rice with cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles for a lower-carb version of this bento.
- Sugar-Free Teriyaki Sauce: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in the sauce to cut down on sugars.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
And There You Have It!
This Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box is the perfect combination of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Whether you’re making it for a family meal or prepping it for the week, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Packed with protein, veggies, and that irresistibly sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, you’ll never look at meal prep the same way again. Don’t forget to check out some of our other delicious recipes too!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce? Yes, if you’re short on time, a high-quality store-bought sauce will work just fine.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! This bento box stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- What’s the best way to reheat the chicken? Reheat the chicken in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or warm it up in a skillet with a splash of water.
- Can I freeze this bento box? You can freeze the chicken and rice, but the veggies are best fresh. Freeze the components separately, if possible.
- What other proteins can I use? You can easily swap the chicken for beef, pork, or even salmon to keep things interesting.
- Can I use other vegetables? Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, and zucchini are all great options to include in your bento box.
Irresistible Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box
Description
Let’s talk about Chicken Teriyaki—a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. Now, imagine that tender, savory chicken paired with perfectly portioned sides in a Bento Box!
Ingredients
- 1 chicken thigh – or chicken breast – boneless
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
Teriyaki sauce:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce – or 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon raw brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
Toppings:
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup spicy edamame
- ¾ cup cooked brown rice – around ¼ cup (50 g) uncooked rice per bento box
Salad
- 2 cup mixed salad leaves
- 2–3 finely sliced radish
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon raw brown sugar
Instructions
Chicken Teriyaki
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Heat the oil in a large frying pan over high heat.
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Add the chicken and let it brown for 3 minutes on each side, then remove from the pan and set aside.
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Combine the sauce ingredients and pour into the pan.
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Let the sauce come to a boil and cook for 1-2 minutes until it starts to thicken. Then add the chicken and its resting juices back into the pan.
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Cook for 2-4 minutes, turning it quite often until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is nice and sticky.
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Remove from the heat, let it rest for a few minutes, and cut into slices.
Salad
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In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and water and set it aside.
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In another bowl, toss the mixed salad leaves, radish, and sesame seeds together with the dressing (see note 1).
Bento Box Assembly
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Assemble all ingredients into your bento box.
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Let everything cool down at room temperature before sealing.
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Enjoy your bento box at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Calories: 586
- Sugar: 11g
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 40g