Print

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box Lunch Recipe for Perfect Meal Prep

easy teriyaki chicken bento box lunch - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick, delicious, and balanced teriyaki chicken bento box lunch that’s perfect for meal prep and busy days. Features tender chicken glazed in a sticky, sweet-savory sauce paired with fluffy rice and crisp veggies.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp mirin
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • 1 hard-boiled egg, halved
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
  • Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Teriyaki Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil until sugar dissolves (about 5 minutes).
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and add to the marinade. Toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, up to 1 hour.
  3. Cook the Rice: Prepare 2 cups of rice according to package instructions. Set aside and let cool slightly.
  4. Steam the Broccoli: Steam broccoli florets until bright green and just tender, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces (reserve leftover marinade). Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through and browned.
  6. Thicken the Sauce: Pour reserved marinade into the pan and bring to a simmer. Slowly whisk in cornstarch mixture and cook 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats chicken.
  7. Assemble the Bento Box: Place cooked rice in one compartment, sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Add glazed teriyaki chicken next to rice. Fill remaining sections with steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and halved hard-boiled egg.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions over chicken and broccoli. Pack tightly if prepping for later.

Notes

Use day-old rice for better texture. Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to ensure proper searing. Adjust sweetness or saltiness of sauce with water or rice vinegar as needed. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Can swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup. For vegan version, replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegan soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: teriyaki chicken, bento box, meal prep, quick lunch, easy recipe, Japanese lunch, chicken thighs, healthy lunch

Find it online: https://avabake.com/easy-teriyaki-chicken-bento-box-lunch-recipe-for-perfect-meal-prep/