Skinny Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Freezer Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
The beauty of this Skinny Teriyaki Bowl is that you can prep it raw ahead of time and stash it in your freezer, then cook it fresh when you need something fast, easy, and delicious.
Gluten Free

If you’re on the lookout for a delicious and convenient way to help out busy parents, look no further than our Skinny Teriyaki Bowl Freezer Meal. This freezer-friendly delight combines the irresistible flavors of teriyaki with a healthier twist, making it a perfect make-ahead meal option.

Imagine tender, marinated chicken or tofu, vibrant stir-fried veggies, and a mouthwatering teriyaki sauce all in one bowl. It’s a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will adore.

Life as a parent can be a whirlwind, and we all have those days when cooking from scratch just isn’t in the cards. That’s where our Skinny Teriyaki Bowl steps in to make life a little easier. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone who prefers takeout, this freezer meal is a game-changer.

The beauty of this Skinny Teriyaki Bowl is that you can prep a batch ahead of time and stash it in your freezer. That means when your friend, neighbor, or even you are in need of a quick, wholesome meal, all you have to do is pull it out, throw it in the slow cooker, and enjoy. It’s perfect for those evenings when cooking feels like a Herculean task.

So, whether you’re planning to surprise a friend with a thoughtful gesture or simply want to stock up your own freezer for those hectic days, our Skinny Teriyaki Bowl is the way to go!

Why you’ll love this Freezer Friendly Chicken Teriyaki Bowl Recipe

  • Easily Portioned Control
  • Make Ahead Freezer Meal 
  • No Cooking Skills Required
  • Kid-Friendly
  • Healthy Option
  • Quick and Convenient
Skinny Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Freezer Meal Recipe
Hannah Stewart
The beauty of this Skinny Teriyaki Bowl is that you can prep it raw ahead of time and stash it in your freezer, then cook it fresh when you need something fast, easy, and delicious.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Japanese
Servings 4
Calories 503 kcal
Equipment
  • 1 Slow Cooker
  • 1 High speed blender
  • 1 gallon freezer bag
Ingredients
 
 
  • 2-3 lb chicken thighs boneless/skinless
  • 1 small yellow onion sliced
Teriyaki Sauce (Blend Together):
  • 3/4 cup coconut aminos
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup raw honey
  • 2 tsp fresh ginger (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
  • 3 cloves garlic (or 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1/8 tsp crushed chili flakes
  • 2 tsp tapioca flour
  • 1/4 cup water
Instructions
 
Freezer prep directions:
  • Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
  • Add sauce ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. (You may have to scrap sides once or twice).
  • Add all ingredients to labeled gallon freezer bag.
  • Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months. 
Slow Cooker Directions:
  • Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
  • Add freezer bag contents into slow cooker.
  • Cook on low 5-6 hours.
  • Shred the chicken directly in the pot with two forks and stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
  • Serve over rice and enjoy.
  • Optional: Garnish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds
Instant Pot Directions
  1. Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, add 1/2 cup water.
  2. Set to High Pressure for 20 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release. 
  3. Shred the chicken directly in the pot with two forks and stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
  4. Serve over rice and enjoy. Optional: Garnish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds
Dietary Adjustments
Make it Gluten-Free:
  • Be sure to use coconut aminos or tamari sauce, not soy sauce.
 
 
Make it Dairy-Free:
  • This recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Notes

  • Substitute fresh ginger or garlic cloves with dried if needed.
  • If you do not have coconut aminos and are not concerned about being 100% gluten free you can use soy sauce.
  • May substitute corn flour for tapioca flour.
  • Use any cut of chicken you prefer, If using chicken breast cook for 4-5 hours as 6 hours will overcook the chicken. 

Nutrition

Calories: 503kcalCarbohydrates: 93gProtein: 19gFat: 5.7gSaturated Fat: 1.7gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 82mgPotassium: 936mgFiber: 7gSugar: 7.1gCalcium: 169mgIron: 6mg
Keyword freezer meals, Healthy Teriyaki Chicken, Skinny Teriyaki Chicken, Slow cooker Teriyaki Chicken
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Equipment Needed to make Homemade Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Recipe

  • 1 Slow Cooker
  • 1 High speed blender
  • 1 gallon freezer bag

Ingredients for your Skinny Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

  • 2 lb chicken thighs or chicken breast
  • 1 small yellow onion sliced

Teriyaki Sauce (Blend Together):

  • 3/4 cup coconut aminos
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup raw honey
  • 2 tsp fresh ginger (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
  • 3 cloves garlic (or 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1/8 tsp crushed chili flakes
  • 2 tsp tapioca flour
  • 1/4 cup water

How to make a Skinny Teriyaki Bowl Recipe!

Prep/freezer directions:

  1. Label Freezer bag with recipe name, cooking from frozen directions and expiration date (today’s date plus three months).
  2. Add sauce ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. (You may have to scrape sides once or twice).
  3. Add all ingredients to a labeled gallon freezer bag.
  4. Store in the freezer for three to four months.

Cooking directions:

  1. Thaw overnight in the fridge or in the morning in some warm water (meal may not be 100% thawed but that is ok).
  2. Add freezer bag contents into the slow cooker.
  3. Cook for 5-6 hours. (May need an extra 30 minutes if completely frozen when placed in a slow cooker).
  4. Serve over rice and enjoy!
  5. Optional: Garnish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds.

What to pair with your Healthy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl

Sides:

  • Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing 
  • Garlic Ginger Edamame
  • Asian Slaw

Desserts:

Mocktails:

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

  • Protein Swap – Tofu: Replace the chicken thighs or chicken breast with firm tofu. Cut the tofu into cubes and press it to remove excess moisture before marinating it in the teriyaki sauce. Tofu is a great vegetarian or vegan alternative and absorbs flavors wonderfully.
  • Low-Carb Option – Cauliflower Rice: Substitute traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version of your Teriyaki Bowl. Simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains, then sauté them in a pan until tender. Serve the teriyaki chicken or tofu over the cauliflower rice.
  • Sweetener Variation – Maple Syrup: If you prefer an alternative to honey, use pure maple syrup in the teriyaki sauce. It provides a slightly different flavor profile while still delivering that desirable sweetness.

Additions:

  • Stir-Fried Broccoli: Add some extra veggies to your Teriyaki Bowl by including stir-fried broccoli florets. They’ll soak up the teriyaki sauce beautifully and provide a satisfying crunch. Simply blanch the broccoli briefly and then stir-fry it before combining with the teriyaki chicken or tofu.
  • Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over your finished Teriyaki Bowl just before serving. They add a delightful nutty flavor and a pleasant crunch, enhancing the overall texture and taste.
  • Pineapple Chunks: For a tropical twist, include pineapple chunks in your Teriyaki Bowl. Pineapple pairs wonderfully with the teriyaki sauce’s sweetness and provides a burst of juicy, tangy flavor. You can either stir them into the dish or serve them as a side.

These substitutions and additions offer versatility to your Skinny Teriyaki Bowl, allowing you to customize it to your dietary preferences and taste preferences while maintaining its freezer-friendly nature. Enjoy experimenting with these variations!

How to Reheat and Store Skinny Teriyaki Bowl after cooking?

Best way to store Easy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl leftovers?

To ensure the best storage and preservation of your Skinny Teriyaki Bowl leftovers, it’s essential to follow these recommendations. Allow the Skinny Teriyaki Bowl leftovers to cool down to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer.

If your intention is to enjoy the leftovers within a few days, opt for an airtight container in the fridge, making sure to seal it tightly to prevent moisture loss. Don’t forget to label the container with the date of preparation for easy tracking.

If you need longer storage, consider using a freezer bag, removing as much air from the bag as possible, and label the freezer bag so that you can track the freshness when you are ready to reheat your leftovers.

How long will Skinny Teriyaki Chicken Bowl last in the fridge?

If you are ready to store your skinny Teriyaki Leftovers, and you are going to store them in the fridge, follow the proper cooling procedures and storage requirements to maintain quality food conditions. Your food will stay fresh in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Can I freeze Quick Teriyaki Chicken Dinner after cooking?

Of course! Here are detailed instructions for freezing your leftover Skinny Teriyaki Bowl. First, ensure the dish has cooled completely to room temperature. Once cooled, take a resealable freezer bag and carefully place your leftovers inside. To make reheating more manageable later, consider dividing the leftovers into smaller serving sizes.

When sealing the bag, be thorough in removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Store the bag in the coldest section of your freezer to maintain a consistently low temperature, and be mindful not to stack heavy items on top to prevent any crushing.

If you intend to use this recipe as a raw freezer meal, you’ll only need a gallon-sized freezer bag. Start by placing all the sauce ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend until they form a smooth, creamy texture, scraping down the sides as necessary.

Next, add all the ingredients into the labeled gallon freezer bag. Ensure you expel any excess air from the bag before sealing it securely. Lastly, store it in the freezer for a convenient, ready-to-enjoy meal that will stay fresh for 3-6 months.

How to reheat Healthy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl recipe?

Here are various methods you can utilize to reheat your Teriyaki Bowl leftovers:

Microwave: Transfer your Teriyaki Bowl to a microwave-safe container with a lid or microwave-safe cover. Heat it on medium to prevent overcooking or overheating. Stir the Teriyaki Bowl intermittently to ensure uniform heating. Continue microwaving in 30-60 second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature.

Stovetop:  For larger portions, consider using the stovetop to reheat your Teriyaki Bowl. Employ a non-stick skillet or pan over medium-low heat. Add a small quantity of oil or broth to the pan to prevent sticking and maintain moisture. Place the Teriyaki Bowl in the pan, covering it with a lid. Stir occasionally to evenly distribute heat and prevent sticking. Reheat the Teriyaki Bowl until it reaches your preferred temperature.

Easy Teriyaki Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe FAQs

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Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Skinny Teriyaki Bowl turned out!

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  1. […] February 8, 2024 […]

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Hi! I'm Hannah

As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!

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