How to Make Ginger-Grilled Chicken Bento

Tender and juicy chicken breast turned into a delicious main dish!

Ginger-Grilled Chicken Bento, featuring chicken breast coated in a fragrant ginger–soy sauce, makes for a hearty, satisfying main dish that pairs perfectly with rice. For the sides, fill the bento with three colorful dishes in green, orange, and white for a bright and well-balanced presentation.

chicken breast (skinless) – 100 g (3.5 oz.)
flour – 1/2 Tbsp
sake (cooking sake) – 1 Tbsp
Kikkoman Soy Sauce – 2/3 Tbsp
sugar – 1/2 Tbsp
ginger – 20 g (0.7 oz.)
cooking oil – 1/2 Tbsp

carrot – 30 g (1.1 oz.)
walnut – 1 piece (3 g / 0.1 oz.)
olive oil– 1 tsp
vinegar – 1 tsp
salt – a pinch
pepper – a pinch

broccoli – 4 florets (30 g / 1.1 oz.)
whole grain mustard – 1 tsp
mayonnaise – 1 tsp
Kikkoman Soy Sauce – 1/2 tsp

chickpeas – 1 Tbsp (15 g / 0.5 oz.)
grated parmesan cheese –  1/2 Tbsp (2.5 g / 0.1 oz.)
salt and pepper – a pinch of each

cooked rice – 150 g (5.3 oz.)
curly lettuce – 2 leaves
furikake (rice seasoning) – 2 g (0.1 oz.)

Calories and Cooking Time

Prepare the Bento Dishes

1. 1Julienne the carrot using a mandolin slicer and put it in a bowl. Crush the walnuts and add them to the bowl, then mix in 1 tsp vinegar, a pinch of salt, a little pepper, and 1 tsp olive oil.

1. 2Bring water to a boil in a fry pan, add the broccoli, and cook until tender. Transfer to paper towels to drain and let it cool.
   
   • Tips Avoid shocking the broccoli in cold water, as it will become watery.

1. 3Grate the ginger.

1. 4Slice the chicken breast diagonally and coat the pieces evenly with flour.

1. 5Heat oil in a fry pan over low-medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 2 minutes, then flip and cook for 1 more minute.

1. 6Turn off the heat, then add 1 Tbsp sake, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, the grated ginger, and 2/3 Tbsp Kikkoman Soy Sauce. Return the pan to low-medium heat and coat the chicken well with the sauce. Transfer to a dish and let cool.

1. 7In a bowl, combine chickpeas with 1/2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese and a little salt and pepper.

1. 8In a separate bowl, mix 1 tsp whole-grain mustard, 1 tsp mayonnaise, and 1/2 tsp Kikkoman Soy Sauce.

Pack the Bento

1. 1Fill half of the bento box with rice and let it cool.

1. 2Lay a curly lettuce leaf along the border between the rice and the rest of the box.

1. 3Fill half of the remaining space with the ginger-grilled chicken breast.

1. 4Use half of the remaining space to pack the carrot salad.

1. 5Fill the broccoli florets with the mayonnaise sauce made in step 8 of “Prepare the Bento Dishes,” and put them in the box.

1. 6Fill any small gaps with the chickpea and cheese salad.

1. 7Sprinkle furikake over the rice.

*　The steps are arranged to prepare multiple dishes at once for efficiency.

Let's Make Your Own Frikake!

If you can’t find store-bought furikake, you can easily make your own at home.

Fried Onion and Cheese Furikake

This homemade furikake is delicious over rice. The saltiness of the fried onions and cheese is complemented by a blend of herbs and spices, creating a deep and layered flavor. The crunchy texture of the nuts adds extra enjoyment, and it's also wonderful as a topping for salads.

• Try the recipe now! Click on the link below:
• Fried Onion and Cheese Furikake

Tips for Packing a Beautiful Bento

With just a few easy tips, packing a bento can be fun, stress-free, and beautifully organized!

A Beginner’s Guide to Delicious Bento Recipes

“Bento” refers to Japan’s traditional lunch box. It typically includes rice, a protein, and vegetables, all neatly arranged in one container. Nutritious, colorful, and exciting to open—bento is something you can truly enjoy. Let’s get started!

• Related Information:
• What is Bento? A Beginner’s Guide to Delicious Bento Recipes

Recommended Bento Recipes

Chicken Karaage Bento

Teriyaki Salmon Bento

Chicken and Egg Soboro Rice Bento

Vegan Tsukune (Meatballs) Bento

Pork Piccata Bento

About the Recipe Author

Yuko Ihara

Having lived in England and the U.S., Yuko Ihara is well-versed in a wide range of culinary genres. As a culinary researcher, she creates dishes for magazines and books, develops corporate menus, and also engages in product development and food consulting. She introduces easy-to-follow tips on how to make delicious food at home, emphasizing the importance of seasonality and healthful eating. When travelling, she loves to search for delicious vegetables and ingredients.

Instagram: @iharayukoo

Published on Mar 24, 2026   Written by Yuki Asanomi