Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box

This Chicken Teriyaki Bento is a quick and balanced Japanese lunchbox featuring tender teriyaki chicken, steamed rice with furikake, refreshing cucumber salad, fresh cherry tomatoes, and adorable apple bunnies for a touch of sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect way to use up leftover chicken teriyaki.

• Balanced meal with protein, vegetables, fruit, and rice.

• Easy to assemble in under 20 minutes.

• Fun and kid-friendly with cute apple bunnies.

• Great for work, school, or meal prep.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked Japanese short-grain rice (enough to fill half the bento box)

• Chicken teriyaki (leftover or freshly prepared)

• Lettuce leaves, for garnish

• Cherry tomatoes

• Sunomono (Japanese cucumber salad), pre-made

• 2 slices bunny-shaped apple (or regular apple slices)

• Furikake (Japanese rice seasoning)

directions

1. Prepare rice: Cook Japanese short-grain rice using a rice cooker, stovetop, or Instant Pot. Cool slightly before adding to the bento box to avoid warming other ingredients.

2. Fill half of the bento box with rice. Sprinkle furikake seasoning over the top.

3. Reheat leftover chicken teriyaki in a frying pan until warmed through. Let it cool slightly, then place on top of lettuce in the bento box.

4. Add cherry tomatoes and additional lettuce for garnish.

5. Place Sunomono (Japanese cucumber salad) in a silicone cup and add to the box, ensuring no excess liquid is included.

6. Add apple slices (bunny-shaped if desired) in an empty section of the bento box.

7. Allow everything to cool fully before closing the bento box to ensure freshness and safety.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 1 bento

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 5 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Different protein: Substitute chicken teriyaki with salmon, tofu, or beef teriyaki.

• Add variety: Include tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet) or pickled vegetables.

• Fruit swap: Replace apple bunnies with orange slices, grapes, or strawberries.

• Vegetable options: Use blanched broccoli, snap peas, or edamame.

• Rice alternatives: Try brown rice, multigrain rice, or even quinoa.

storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Store bento components separately and assemble the next morning. Consume within 24 hours for best quality.

• Reheating chicken: Reheat chicken teriyaki before packing, but allow it to cool before closing the box.

• Rice: Cooked rice can be refrigerated up to 2 days, but it’s best fresh for bento.

• Fruits/veggies: Pack them raw and fresh; avoid storing cut fruit too long as it may brown.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken teriyaki for this bento?

Yes! That’s the easiest way—just reheat and cool before packing.

Do I need to use Japanese short-grain rice?

It’s traditional and best for bento, but medium-grain rice or jasmine rice can work too.

What can I substitute for furikake?

Use sesame seeds, seaweed flakes, or a drizzle of soy sauce if you don’t have furikake.

How do I keep the apple bunnies from browning?

Soak the slices briefly in a mixture of water and lemon juice before packing.

Can I make this bento vegetarian?

Yes. Replace chicken with teriyaki tofu and use vegetable-based side dishes.

Can I prepare the bento the night before?

Yes, but cool all ingredients completely before sealing and refrigerate overnight.

Is Sunomono necessary?

Not at all—you can replace it with any light salad or fresh vegetables.

What sauce goes well with this bento?

Chicken teriyaki is already flavorful, but you can pack extra teriyaki sauce on the side if desired.

Can I add more sides to make it filling?

Yes, add tamagoyaki, edamame, or gyoza for extra protein and variety.

How do I keep my bento fresh until lunchtime?

Cool everything before closing, and if needed, store with an ice pack to keep at a safe temperature.

Conclusion

This Chicken Teriyaki Bento is a fast, fun, and balanced lunchbox that combines sweet-savory teriyaki chicken with rice, veggies, and fruit. It’s versatile, easy to assemble, and customizable with your favorite sides, making it perfect for kids, adults, or anyone who loves Japanese-inspired meals on the go.

Print