Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box Recipe

Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless, these provide a tender and juicy base for the dish.

Soy sauce: A salty, umami-rich sauce that forms the base of the teriyaki marinade.

Mirin: A sweet rice wine that adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the salty and savory flavors.

Sake: A type of rice wine used to enhance the marinade's flavor.

Garlic: Minced to add a pungent, aromatic element to the marinade.

Ginger: Grated to provide a fresh, zesty kick.

Rice: Cooked and served as a staple side in the bento box.

Vegetables: Steamed, such as broccoli and carrots, to add color and nutrition to the meal.

When marinating the chicken thighs, make sure to massage the marinade into the meat thoroughly. This helps the flavors penetrate deeper, resulting in a more flavorful teriyaki chicken. Additionally, when cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and a nice caramelized exterior.

• boneless, skinless chicken thighs - Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are leaner and will provide a similar texture and flavor when cooked.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and has a similar umami flavor.

• mirin - Substitute with dry sherry: Dry sherry can mimic the sweetness and acidity of mirin in recipes.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a similar sweetness and a slight floral note to the dish.

• sake - Substitute with dry white wine: Dry white wine can replicate the acidity and complexity of sake.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar garlic flavor when fresh garlic is not available.

• grated ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used in smaller quantities to provide a similar spicy and aromatic flavor.

• cooked rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa is a high-protein alternative that can provide a similar texture and absorb the flavors of the dish.

• broccoli - Substitute with green beans: Green beans can provide a similar crunch and nutritional profile as broccoli.

• carrots - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes can offer a similar sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.

• Allow the teriyaki chicken to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the food soggy.
• Divide the cooked rice and steamed vegetables into individual portions. This makes it easier to reheat and ensures even distribution of flavors.
• Use airtight containers or bento boxes to store the portions. This helps maintain freshness and prevents cross-contamination of flavors.
• Label each container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of how long the food has been stored.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. This keeps the chicken and vegetables fresh and safe to eat.
• For longer storage, place the portions in the freezer. This can extend the shelf life up to 1-2 months.
• When freezing, use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. This prevents freezer burn and maintains the quality of the teriyaki chicken.
• To reheat, thaw the frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and preserves the texture of the chicken and vegetables.
• Reheat the portions in the microwave or on the stovetop until they are piping hot. This ensures that the food is safe to eat and retains its delicious flavors.
• Add a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce when reheating to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the teriyaki chicken and rice in a microwave-safe container.
  2. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the rice to keep it moist.
  3. Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
  4. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 30 seconds if needed.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or sesame oil to the pan.
  3. Place the teriyaki chicken in the pan and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for 3-4 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through.
  5. In a separate pan, reheat the rice with a splash of water or chicken broth for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Reheat the steamed vegetables in the same pan or microwave them for 1-2 minutes.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the teriyaki chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
  3. Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through.
  4. Reheat the rice by placing it in a separate oven-safe dish, covered with foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Reheat the steamed vegetables by placing them in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil, and heat for 5-10 minutes.

• Steamer Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
  2. Place the teriyaki chicken and rice in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
  4. Add the steamed vegetables to the basket for the last 2-3 minutes of reheating.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, sake, garlic, and ginger for the marinade.

• Measuring cups: These are essential for accurately measuring the soy sauce, mirin, and sake.

• Measuring spoons: Use these to measure out the sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.

• Knife: A sharp knife is needed to mince the garlic and trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs.

• Cutting board: This provides a safe surface for mincing garlic and preparing the chicken thighs.

• Pan: A medium-sized pan is required to cook the marinated chicken and reduce the marinade into a thick sauce.

• Tongs: These are useful for turning the chicken thighs while they cook in the pan.

• Rice cooker: This is the most efficient way to cook the rice to serve with the teriyaki chicken.

• Steamer basket: Use this to steam the vegetables like broccoli and carrots.

• Bento box: This is used to neatly arrange and serve the teriyaki chicken, rice, and steamed vegetables.

Marinate in advance: Prepare the marinade and chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-cooked rice: Opt for pre-cooked rice or microwaveable rice packets to cut down on cooking time.

Steam vegetables together: Steam broccoli and carrots simultaneously to save time and reduce the number of dishes.

Double the sauce: Make extra teriyaki sauce and store it in the fridge for future quick meals.