The Recipe · No.982 · Chicken Teriyaki Bowl

Chicken Teriyaki Bowl, and where to source it

Chicken Teriyaki Bowl — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Chicken Teriyaki Bowl Japanese 5best2buy.com

Real teriyaki sauce is soy, mirin, sake and sugar reduced until glossy, not a bottled goo. Add it near the end and let it tighten around the chicken so it lacquers rather than boiling away or scorching the sugar.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep15 min
Cook15 min
Makesserves 4
CuisineJapanese
Cost$$
Dairy-free
Contains  gluten · soy
Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Chicken thighs
Boneless with skin if you can; they stay juicy and take a glaze well.
1.5 lb
Source it →
Soy sauce
The savory base of the glaze; Japanese soy is less harsh than some.
1/4 cup
Source it →
Mirin
Sweet rice wine — the gloss and gentle sweetness of true teriyaki.
1/4 cup
Source it →
Sake
Adds depth and helps the sauce reduce clean; dry sherry can sub.
2 tbsp
Local / market
Sugar
A spoon to balance the soy and build the lacquer.
2 tbsp
Local / market
Short-grain rice
Steamed sticky rice is the proper bed for the bowl.
2 cups uncooked
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
One-pot
The Method
  1. Make the sauceSimmer soy, mirin, sake and sugar until slightly syrupy; set aside.
  2. Sear the chickenSear thighs skin-side down until crisp, then flip and cook through.
  3. GlazePour off fat, add the sauce, and turn the chicken until it lacquers and tightens.
  4. Rest and sliceRest briefly, then slice into strips.
  5. Bowl itSpoon over rice, drizzle with pan glaze, and top with scallion and sesame.
The Toolkit

Rice cooker · Skillet · Small saucepan

Straight Answers
Can you make Chicken Teriyaki Bowl in an air fryer? — Sometimes

Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.

Can you freeze Chicken Teriyaki Bowl? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Chicken Teriyaki Bowl ahead of time? — Partly

The components hold — prep the parts ahead and finish it close to serving for the best texture.

Is Chicken Teriyaki Bowl gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in tamari instead of soy sauce (check the other labels too).

Is Chicken Teriyaki Bowl vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.982