There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl that hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, creamy, and fresh. My Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowls with Broccoli and Avocado Recipe does exactly that, combining tender chicken glazed in homemade teriyaki sauce with crisp broccoli and buttery avocado. It’s a quick weeknight winner that always feels a little special.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I adore this recipe because it’s as comforting as takeout but so much more fresh and wholesome. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the combo of broccoli and avocado adds that perfect textural contrast and nutrition boost.
- Quick and straightforward: You’ll have dinner ready in about 25 minutes without fuss.
- Made-from-scratch teriyaki sauce: No mystery ingredients here, just simple pantry staples blended beautifully.
- Balanced nutrition: Protein, veggies, healthy fats, and carbs all in one tasty bowl.
- Customizable and adaptable: Easily swapped veggies or proteins to suit your preferences.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient here plays a crucial role in building those layers of flavor and texture. I always grab fresh ginger and garlic because their aroma wakes up the dish, while the avocado oil lends a mild, buttery note without overpowering the chicken.
- Less sodium soy sauce: Controls the saltiness so the sauce stays balanced and not too salty.
- Brown sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to mimic that classic teriyaki glaze.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a mild tang that brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness.
- Fresh ginger and garlic: Essential aromatics that give the sauce depth and warmth.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce into that perfect glossy coating you want.
- Broccoli: Steamed until crisp-tender for texture and vibrant color.
- Avocado oil: High smoke point and neutral taste keep the chicken juicy and nicely browned.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Keeps the bowl light yet protein-packed.
- Avocados: Creamy contrast that smooths out each bite beautifully.
- Sesame seeds: A little nutty crunch to finish things off with style.
Make It Your Way
I love mixing things up with this dish depending on the mood and what’s in my fridge. You can totally make this recipe your own and still get that signature teriyaki vibe.
- Variation: I sometimes swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein hit, and the sauce works just as well.
- Spice it up: Adding a dash of chili flakes or sriracha mayo can transform it if you like a little kick.
- Veggie swaps: Try snow peas, snap peas, or bell peppers in place of broccoli for extra color and crunch.
- Grain choices: Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice all work beautifully if you want to adjust carbs.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowls with Broccoli and Avocado Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together That Perfect Teriyaki Sauce
Start with the sauce — it’s quick and makes a big difference. Combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced ginger and garlic, water, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Whisk it well until smooth. This homemade sauce is more flavorful than store-bought and you can taste every little ingredient working together.
Step 2: Steam Your Broccoli to Crisp-Tender Perfection
Add water to a wide skillet and bring to a boil with your chopped broccoli. Cover and steam for 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Don’t overdo it — you want broccoli that still has a little crunch. Then drain and keep it warm while you cook the chicken.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken Just Right
Heat your oil in that same skillet over medium-high heat. Spread the cubed chicken evenly, season it with salt and pepper, and let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring. Keep cooking for 5 to 6 minutes until golden and cooked through. This way, you get a nice sear and juicy chicken pieces.
Step 4: Bring It All Together in the Sauce
Whisk the sauce once more and pour it over the chicken. Let it bubble away on low heat until thick and glossy, stirring occasionally. If it gets too thick, just add a splash of water to loosen it up. This coating is what brings the whole bowl to life.
Step 5: Plate and Enjoy
Divide your cooked rice among bowls, layer on the chicken, broccoli, and beautiful sliced avocado. Season the avocado with a pinch of salt and pepper — it really elevates the creaminess. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Dinner is served!
Top Tip
Getting the sauce just right can make or break your Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowls with Broccoli and Avocado Recipe. Here are a few tricks I've learned that help create that silky, balanced glaze every time.
- Fresh Aromatics Are Key: Whenever possible, use fresh minced ginger and garlic instead of bottled. They give the sauce that punch of brightness and warmth that's hard to beat.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Steaming for 2 to 3 minutes keeps the broccoli vibrant and crisp. Overdoing it will leave you with soggy greens that lose their charm.
- Patience with the Sauce: Let it bubble on low heat and thicken slowly; rushing often results in a gluey texture instead of a glossy, perfect coat.
- Season the Avocado: A sprinkle of salt and pepper on the avocado slices wakes up their creamy flavor and prevents a bland bite.
How to Serve Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowls with Broccoli and Avocado Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish these bowls with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sometimes a few thinly sliced green onions for that extra pop of flavor and color. If I’m feeling adventurous, a drizzle of chili oil adds some delightful heat.
Side Dishes
While this bowl is pretty complete on its own, I like to pair it with a light cucumber salad or some pickled ginger on the side to brighten up the meal. A simple miso soup also makes a lovely warming starter.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to put these bowls in bamboo steamers lined with banana leaves for an exotic touch, or serve the chicken and broccoli over sushi rice topped with edible flowers and microgreens for a restaurant-style presentation that impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, I store leftover chicken, broccoli, and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days. Keep the avocado separated until ready to serve, since it browns quickly.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the cooked chicken and sauce mixture without issues. Just cool completely, pack it airtight, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I usually avoid freezing broccoli and avocado because their textures suffer.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. For broccoli, a quick steam or microwave reheat helps keep it fresh. Add fresh avocado slices just before eating to keep the creaminess intact.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, which keeps the dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To keep the avocado fresh, add it only when ready to eat.
Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and add richness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly until they’re cooked through.
You can substitute with arrowroot powder or flour, but start with less as they vary in thickening power. Alternatively, simmer the sauce longer to reduce it naturally.
Final Thoughts
I’ve made these Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowls with Broccoli and Avocado Recipe countless times, and what keeps me coming back is how they’re simple, full of flavor, and so satisfying. They’re also a reminder that great food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. I hope you enjoy making (and eating) this as much as I do — it’s like a warm hug in a bowl you can reach for anytime you want something cozy yet fresh.
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Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowls 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: Asian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Delicious Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowls featuring tender boneless chicken breast simmered in a homemade teriyaki sauce, served with crisp-tender steamed broccoli, creamy avocado slices, and sprinkled with sesame seeds. This easy and satisfying dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
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 with 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
Vegetables and Chicken
- 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)
To Serve
- Cooked white or brown rice (microwaveable frozen or shelf-stable)
- 2 avocados (sliced)
- Sesame seeds (as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced ginger, minced garlic, water, and cornstarch until fully combined. Set aside.
- Steam the broccoli: Add ¾ cup water to a 12-inch nonstick skillet and bring to a boil over HIGH heat. Add chopped broccoli florets, cover, reduce heat to MEDIUM-LOW, and steam until 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: Heat avocado oil in the same dry skillet over MEDIUM-HIGH heat. When hot, add cubed chicken breast evenly across the pan. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes until chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add and thicken the sauce: Reduce heat to MEDIUM. Whisk the prepared sauce once more and pour it over the cooked chicken. Stir occasionally as the sauce bubbles. Lower heat to LOW and simmer until the sauce thickens to desired consistency, adding a small amount of water if it becomes too thick. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide cooked rice, teriyaki chicken, steamed broccoli, and sliced avocado between 5 bowls. Season avocado slices with a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle chicken with remaining sauce from the pan and sprinkle sesame seeds over each bowl before serving.
Notes
- Cubing the chicken into bite-size pieces helps it cook quickly and absorb the sauce better.
- Steaming broccoli keeps it crisp-tender, preserving its bright color and nutrients.
- You can substitute tamari for soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it.
- Use ripe avocados for a creamy contrast to the savory chicken and broccoli.
- This meal is great for meal prep—store components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
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
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