Mediterranean Teriyaki Chicken Bowl with Garlic Mushrooms, Pineapple, Rice & Cherry Tomatoes
This Mediterranean-inspired Teriyaki Chicken Bowl brings together the sweet and savory balance of Asian-style teriyaki with fresh Mediterranean touches. Juicy chicken coated in a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce is served with garlicky sautéed mushrooms, sweet pineapple, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fluffy rice. It’s a colorful, well-rounded bowl that feels both comforting and fresh—perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2–3
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Chicken:
2 chicken breasts, diced
2 tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
1 tbsp oil (for frying)
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Fresh parsley or scallions (optional garnish)
For the Garlic Mushrooms:
200 g mushrooms, sliced
1 tbsp butter or olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt & pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped
Other Sides:
1 cup cooked jasmine or basmati rice
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned in juice, drained)
A handful of cherry tomatoes
Instructions
Cook the Rice:
Prepare jasmine or basmati rice according to package directions. Fluff and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the diced chicken dry, then toss with cornstarch until lightly coated.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes).
Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil (if using).
Pour the sauce into the pan with the chicken. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
Cook the Garlic Mushrooms:
In a separate skillet, heat butter or olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Add mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and tender (5–7 minutes). Finish with fresh parsley.
Assemble the Bowl:
Start with a scoop of rice as the base.
Add teriyaki chicken, garlic mushrooms, pineapple chunks, and cherry tomatoes.
Garnish with sesame seeds, parsley, or scallions.
Serve:
Enjoy warm as a balanced, colorful meal-in-a-bowl.
Tips & Variations
Rice Swap: Instead of jasmine or basmati rice, try quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Protein Options: Substitute chicken with shrimp, beef strips, tofu, or tempeh for a vegetarian twist.
Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, or snap peas would make the bowl even more colorful and nutrient-rich.
Make it Spicy: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or a dash of hot sauce into the teriyaki sauce for a kick.
Fruity Twist: Swap pineapple with mango or peaches for a different sweet contrast.
Meal Prep Friendly: Store cooked chicken, mushrooms, rice, and sides separately in containers. Assemble bowls when ready to eat for fresher taste.
Sauce Shortcut: You can use a bottled teriyaki sauce if short on time, but homemade always gives more control over sweetness and saltiness.
Herb Upgrade: Instead of parsley, try fresh cilantro or basil for a Mediterranean-meets-Asian flair.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes. Cook the chicken, rice, and mushrooms in advance, then store them separately in airtight containers. Assemble with pineapple and tomatoes just before serving.
Q: Can I use bottled teriyaki sauce instead of making it from scratch?
A: Absolutely. Bottled sauce works fine if you’re in a hurry, though homemade lets you control sweetness and saltiness.
Q: How do I keep the chicken crispy after coating with cornstarch?
A: Make sure the pan is hot before adding chicken, don’t overcrowd, and avoid stirring too much while searing.
Q: Is there a vegetarian version?
A: Yes—replace the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a plant-based option.
Q: What’s the best rice for this bowl?
A: Jasmine or basmati rice gives a fragrant, fluffy base. For a Mediterranean lean, couscous or bulgur works well too.
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 3 servings)
Calories: ~480
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: ~820mg
(Values vary depending on sauce ingredients, rice choice, and oil used.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is a bright, balanced dish that combines sweet, savory, and fresh flavors in one meal. The juicy chicken glazed in teriyaki, paired with garlicky mushrooms, sweet pineapple, and crisp tomatoes over fluffy rice, makes it both satisfying and nourishing. It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners, easy meal prep, or a colorful lunch bowl.