When I first tried making this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box Lunch, I was pressed for time yet craving something satisfying. The glossy chicken, steamed rice, and crisp veggies came together faster than I expected. That day it became a go-to recipe for my workweek. This article walks you through how to make it, offers packing tips, and answers common questions so your next bento lunch will turn out just right.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Teriyaki Bento Recipe
My First Bento Experience
My first attempt at packing this bento felt risky — would the chicken dry out? Would the rice become mushy? But by midday, everything held up: juicy chicken, intact veggies, and rice that tasted fresh. That moment made me believe a homemade Japanese lunch box could be practical, tasty, and fun to eat.
What Makes Teriyaki a Great Choice
Teriyaki sauce balances sweet and savory flavors, and it clings beautifully to protein. In this recipe, the sauce thickens just right to coat the chicken. Plus, it complements simple sides like rice and vegetables to deliver a cohesive meal without overthinking.
Ingredients and Instructions
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken thighs or breast | 500 g |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Mirin | 2 tbsp |
| Water or sake | 1 tbsp |
| Brown sugar or honey | 2 tbsp |
| Minced garlic | 1 clove |
| Minced ginger | 1/2 tbsp |
| Cooked white rice | 2 cups |
| Fresh vegetables (cucumber, tomato) | As needed |
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, mirin, water, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Add sliced chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken until browned, 4–5 minutes per side.
- Pour in remaining marinade. Simmer until it thickens and coats the chicken.
- Pack rice, glazed chicken, and veggies into your bento box compartments.
- Let cool slightly before sealing the box for lunch or storage.
Storage Tips and Variations
How to Keep Bento Fresh
Use separators for wet and dry items. Let hot food cool before sealing. Store in the fridge and eat within 24 hours for best taste and safety.
Flavor Swaps and Substitutions
Swap chicken for tofu for a vegetarian version. Add steamed edamame or pickled radish to boost variety and color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, though homemade offers better balance. Adjust sweetness or salt as needed to suit your taste.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
You can freeze the cooked chicken but not the fresh vegetables. Assemble fresh before eating for the best result.
Conclusion
This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box Lunch is simple, fast, and versatile. It combines balanced flavors with convenience, perfect for meal prep or a last-minute lunch idea.
Print
Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box Lunch
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 2 bento boxes
Description
Juicy teriyaki chicken glazed in homemade sauce, paired with fluffy rice and crisp veggies — a balanced, flavorful Japanese-style bento lunch ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Boneless chicken thighs or breast – 500g
Soy sauce – 1/4 cup
Mirin – 2 tbsp
Water or sake – 1 tbsp
Brown sugar or honey – 2 tbsp
Minced garlic – 1 clove
Minced ginger – 1/2 tbsp
Cooked white rice – 2 cups
Fresh vegetables (cucumber, tomato) – as needed
Sesame seeds – for garnish
Instructions
1. Combine soy sauce, mirin, water, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl and stir until sugar dissolves.
2. Add sliced chicken to the marinade. Let sit for 15 to 60 minutes.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until browned on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side.
4. Add remaining marinade to the pan. Simmer until thick and the chicken is glazed.
5. Fill bento box with rice, then add glazed chicken and fresh vegetables in compartments.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds. Let cool before sealing the box.
Notes
Let hot ingredients cool before sealing the lunch box to avoid condensation.
Use dividers or small silicone cups to separate juicy ingredients like cherry tomatoes.
Store in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 box
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: teriyaki chicken, bento box, Japanese lunch, easy lunch, chicken teriyaki