Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box

About Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box

Bento boxes are the perfect solution for those seeking a balanced and organized lunch that’s easy to pack and fun to eat. This Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box features tender, marinated chicken coated in a savory homemade teriyaki sauce, served alongside fluffy steamed rice and a colorful assortment of vegetables. The beauty of bento is its versatility—you can mix and match ingredients to suit your taste, but this recipe provides the perfect base with a focus on Japanese-inspired flavors. It's an excellent option for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, portion-controlled meal that can be made ahead of time.

Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box Ingredients

• For the Teriyaki Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
  • 2 tbsp mirin
  • 2 tbsp sake
  • 1 tbsp honey or sugar
  • 1 garlic clove: minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger: grated

• For the Bento Sides:

  • 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
  • ½ cup broccoli florets: steamed
  • ½ cup carrot sticks
  • ½ cup cucumber slices
  • 4-5 cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup fruit: such as grapes or sliced apple
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional for garnish)

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box

• Prepare the teriyaki sauce:
  In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, honey, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.

• Cook the chicken:
  Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken thighs until browned on both sides and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before slicing.

• Prepare the sides:
  While the chicken is cooking, steam the broccoli and cook the rice according to package instructions. Slice the cucumber, carrots, and fruit for the bento.

• Assemble the bento box:
  In a bento box or container, add a portion of rice, then place the sliced teriyaki chicken on top. Add the steamed broccoli, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes to the other sections of the bento. Place the fruit in a separate compartment or a small container.

• Garnish and store:
  Sprinkle sesame seeds over the teriyaki chicken for extra flavor if desired. Seal the bento box tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Enjoy cold or reheat the chicken and rice before serving.

Cooking Tips

• Chicken Options: While thighs are juicy, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option. Adjust the cooking time as needed since breasts may cook faster.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or edamame for added color and nutrition.
• Rice Alternatives: Substitute the rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair the bento box with a side of miso soup or edamame for a complete Japanese-inspired meal.
• For an extra crunch, add some pickled ginger or a small container of wasabi to the bento box.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store the assembled bento box tightly sealed in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3 days.
• Separation of Components: If possible, store the chicken and rice separate from the vegetables and fruits to prevent sogginess. Use dividers or small containers within the bento box.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the cooked chicken and rice if you want to make it ahead of time. Just ensure they're cooled completely before freezing. They can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: When ready to eat, you can enjoy it cold or reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave until heated through.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Sodium: 800mg