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Easy Sesame Noodle Bento Box Recipe with Teriyaki Chicken Bites for Perfect Lunch

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A quick and easy bento box lunch featuring nutty sesame noodles paired with juicy teriyaki chicken bites and fresh steamed vegetables. Perfect for meal prep or packed lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp mirin (optional)
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 8 oz spaghetti or ramen noodles
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sugar or honey
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 small carrot, julienned or shredded (optional)
  • Steamed broccoli florets or snap peas
  • Pickled ginger or sliced cucumbers

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, preferably 30 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package instructions (7-9 minutes for spaghetti, 3-4 minutes for ramen). Drain and rinse under cold water. Toss with a drizzle of sesame oil to keep separate.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, and 1 tsp sugar or honey until dissolved. Pour over noodles with sliced green onions and optional carrots. Toss gently to coat.
  4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces (discard leftover marinade). Sear chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Add a splash of water if pan dries out to keep chicken moist.
  5. Steam broccoli florets or snap peas until bright green and tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, blanch in boiling water then plunge into ice water. Drain well.
  6. Assemble bento box: place sesame noodles in one compartment, teriyaki chicken bites in another, and steamed vegetables in a third. Garnish noodles with toasted sesame seeds and add pickled ginger or cucumber slices on the side.

Notes

Marinate chicken at least 15 minutes for best flavor. Rinse noodles under cold water after cooking to prevent sticking. Toast sesame seeds before garnishing for enhanced flavor. Medium-high heat is ideal for cooking chicken to avoid burning honey glaze. Can substitute tamari for gluten-free soy sauce and almond butter for sesame oil in noodles. Add chili oil or flakes for spice.

Nutrition

Keywords: sesame noodles, teriyaki chicken, bento box, lunch recipe, easy meal prep, quick lunch, Japanese lunch, healthy lunch

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