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Easy Kid-Friendly Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box Meal Prep

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This Easy Kid-Friendly Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box Meal Prep is a quick, simple, and delicious solution for busy weekday lunches. Made with pantry staples, it features tender chicken in a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce, served with rice, steamed broccoli, edamame, and fresh orange wedges.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup shelled edamame
  • 1 large carrot, cut into matchsticks
  • 1 orange, sliced into wedges
  • Black sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the teriyaki sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.
  2. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until golden brown, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  4. Add the sauce: Pour teriyaki sauce over cooked chicken. Stir to coat. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes, then add cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously until sauce thickens and becomes glossy (about 30 seconds). Remove from heat.
  5. Steam the vegetables: While chicken cooks, steam broccoli and edamame in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water, covered, for 2-3 minutes. Drain well. Carrot matchsticks can be used raw.
  6. Assemble the bento boxes: Divide cooked rice among containers. Add teriyaki chicken to one compartment. Fill remaining spaces with broccoli, edamame, carrot matchsticks, and orange wedges. Sprinkle black sesame seeds over chicken if desired.
  7. Cool completely before sealing: Let bento boxes sit open on the counter until they reach room temperature (about 15 minutes). Then seal and refrigerate.

Notes

Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry for a glossy sauce. Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts for meal prep. Day-old rice works best. For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Make a double batch and freeze half for busy weeks.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken teriyaki, bento box, meal prep, kid-friendly, easy lunch, Asian, healthy

Find it online: https://bakebeam.com/easy-kid-friendly-chicken-teriyaki-bento-box-meal-prep/