Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli

Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli has become a staple in our household, and for good reason! It’s one of those weeknight dinners that everyone genuinely looks forward to. Even my pickiest eater, who usually turns up their nose at anything green, devours the broccoli when it’s glazed in that savory-sweet teriyaki sauce alongside tender chicken. It’s a dish that strikes the perfect balance – quick enough for a busy evening, satisfying and flavorful enough to feel like a treat, and surprisingly healthy too. I’ve tweaked and perfected this recipe over time, and it’s now a reliable go-to when I need a meal that’s both easy and impressive. The aroma alone, as the teriyaki sauce simmers and coats the chicken and broccoli, is enough to make your mouth water. If you’re looking for a dinner that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, look no further than this Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli recipe.

Ingredients for Delicious Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli

To create this flavorful Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli dish, you’ll need just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breast: 2 pounds, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. Chicken breast provides a lean protein base that absorbs the teriyaki flavors beautifully.
• Broccoli Florets: 4 cups, fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces. Fresh broccoli offers a crisp-tender texture and a boost of nutrients.
• Soy Sauce: 1/2 cup, low sodium soy sauce. Low sodium soy sauce is the base of our teriyaki sauce, providing umami and saltiness without being overpowering.
• Mirin: 1/4 cup, Japanese sweet rice wine. Mirin adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the teriyaki sauce, contributing to its characteristic glaze.
• Sake (Optional): 2 tablespoons, dry sake or rice wine. Sake enhances the complexity of the sauce, adding a nuanced flavor profile. If unavailable, you can substitute with water or omit it.
• Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup, light brown sugar, packed. Brown sugar provides sweetness and helps to thicken the teriyaki sauce, creating a glossy glaze.
• Honey: 2 tablespoons, honey. Honey adds another layer of sweetness and contributes to the sticky, glazed texture of the sauce.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for adding a pungent and aromatic flavor to the teriyaki sauce.
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated ginger. Fresh ginger provides a warm, spicy, and slightly citrusy note that complements the other flavors perfectly.
• Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon, toasted sesame oil. Toasted sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor to the sauce and the finished dish.
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon, cornstarch. Cornstarch is used to thicken the teriyaki sauce, creating a luscious glaze that coats the chicken and broccoli.
• Water: 2 tablespoons, cold water. Cold water is mixed with cornstarch to create a slurry, ensuring a smooth sauce without lumps.
• Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon, toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional). Toasted sesame seeds add a visual appeal and a nutty crunch to the finished dish.
• Green Onions: 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish (optional). Green onions provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons, vegetable oil, or other neutral cooking oil. Vegetable oil is used for stir-frying the chicken and broccoli, preventing sticking and promoting even cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli

Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli in your own kitchen. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This mixture forms the base of your delicious teriyaki sauce. The combination of these ingredients creates the signature sweet, savory, and umami flavors that make teriyaki so irresistible.

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce starts to slightly thicken. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and deepen, creating a richer and more complex sauce.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a smooth slurry. This cornstarch slurry is the key to thickening your teriyaki sauce to the perfect glaze-like consistency. Make sure the water is cold to prevent the cornstarch from clumping.

Step 4: Add Cornstarch Slurry to Sauce

Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to simmer and stir for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil. Set the teriyaki sauce aside.

Step 5: Prepare the Chicken

While the sauce is simmering, prepare the chicken. If you haven’t already, cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken helps it to brown better when stir-frying.

Step 6: Stir-fry the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the cubed chicken to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even browning.

Step 7: Cook the Chicken

Stir-fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Make sure to stir the chicken frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 8: Add Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir-fry the broccoli for about 3-5 minutes, or until it is bright green and crisp-tender. You want the broccoli to be cooked through but still have a slight bite.

Step 9: Pour in Teriyaki Sauce

Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken and broccoli in the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure that the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated in the luscious teriyaki sauce.

Step 10: Simmer and Glaze

Continue to simmer and stir for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and glazed the chicken and broccoli beautifully. The sauce should be sticky and glossy, clinging to the chicken and broccoli.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions, if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Enjoy your homemade Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli!

Nutrition Facts for Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli

This Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli recipe is not only delicious but also offers a balanced nutritional profile. Here’s a general overview of the nutritional information per serving (estimated, based on a recipe with 4 servings):

• Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
• Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal per serving (Calories can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes)
• Protein: 40-50g (Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, essential for muscle building and satiety)

Note: These values are estimates and can vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time for Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli

This recipe is designed to be quick and efficient, perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s a breakdown of the preparation and cooking time:

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (This includes chopping the chicken and broccoli, mincing garlic, grating ginger, and measuring out the sauce ingredients.)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (This includes simmering the teriyaki sauce, stir-frying the chicken and broccoli, and glazing them in the sauce.)
• Total Time: 35-45 minutes (From start to finish, you can have a delicious and healthy Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli meal on the table in under 45 minutes.)

This quick preparation time makes it an excellent choice for a fast and satisfying weeknight dinner. You can even save time by prepping the vegetables and chicken in advance.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli

Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some popular serving suggestions:

• Over Steamed Rice:
  • Classic and comforting, steamed white rice or brown rice is the most traditional accompaniment. The rice soaks up the delicious teriyaki sauce perfectly.
  • Consider using jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma or basmati rice for its fluffy texture.
• With Quinoa:
  • For a healthier and higher-protein option, serve Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli over cooked quinoa.
  • Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and a boost of nutrients to the meal.
• On Noodles:
  • Serve over your favorite noodles, such as ramen, udon, or soba noodles.
  • Toss cooked noodles with a little sesame oil or drizzle of teriyaki sauce before adding the chicken and broccoli for extra flavor.
• In Lettuce Wraps:
  • For a lighter and low-carb option, serve the Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli in crisp lettuce wraps.
  • Use large lettuce leaves like butter lettuce or romaine lettuce to create wraps.
  • Add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or water chestnuts for extra texture.
• With Stir-fried Vegetables:
  • Enhance the vegetable content by serving alongside other stir-fried vegetables.
  • Consider adding bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms to a separate stir-fry and serve with the Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli.
• As a Bento Box Meal:
  • Pack Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli in a bento box for a balanced and portable lunch.
  • Include rice, a side salad, and perhaps a small piece of fruit to complete the bento box.
• With a Side Salad:
  • A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the teriyaki sauce.
  • Consider a cucumber salad, a seaweed salad, or a mixed green salad.

Additional Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli

To elevate your Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli from good to absolutely amazing, consider these helpful tips:

• Marinate the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): For extra tender and flavorful chicken, marinate the cubed chicken in a portion of the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours in the refrigerator. Marinating allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more succulent and intensely flavored dish.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When stir-frying the chicken and broccoli, avoid overcrowding the skillet or wok. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the pan, leading to steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Control the Heat: Maintain medium-high heat for stir-frying the chicken and broccoli. High heat helps to sear the chicken and keep the broccoli crisp-tender. However, be mindful not to burn the garlic and ginger in the sauce, so adjust the heat if needed.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker teriyaki sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a tablespoon or two of water to the sauce while simmering. You can adjust the consistency to your liking.
• Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey in the teriyaki sauce to suit your preference. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of sugar and honey. For a sweeter sauce, you can add a bit more.
• Spice it Up: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce or a dash of sriracha to the finished dish. You can also add a finely chopped chili pepper to the stir-fry.
• Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli. Bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, and onions all work well. Add them to the skillet along with the broccoli and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
• Fresh Ginger and Garlic are Key: Using fresh garlic and ginger is crucial for the best flavor in your teriyaki sauce. Pre-minced garlic and ginger paste can be used in a pinch, but fresh ingredients will provide a much brighter and more aromatic flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli

Here are some common questions people ask about making Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli:

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets if fresh broccoli is not available. However, keep in mind that frozen broccoli tends to be softer than fresh broccoli. Thaw the frozen broccoli completely and pat it dry before adding it to the skillet to prevent excess moisture and ensure it stir-fries properly. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly as frozen broccoli cooks faster.

Q2: Can I make Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli ahead of time?
A: While Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli is best served fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. You can make the teriyaki sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also chop the chicken and broccoli in advance. However, it’s recommended to cook the chicken and broccoli just before serving for the best texture and flavor. Reheating cooked Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli can make the broccoli softer and the sauce less glossy.

Q3: How do I store leftover Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli?
A: Store leftover Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Be aware that the broccoli may become softer upon reheating.

Q4: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will result in a richer and more flavorful dish due to their higher fat content. Chicken thighs may require slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are cooked through. Cut them into similar sized cubes as you would chicken breasts.

Q5: Is Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli healthy?
A: Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli can be part of a healthy diet. It’s a good source of lean protein from the chicken and fiber and vitamins from the broccoli. Using low-sodium soy sauce and controlling the amount of sugar helps to make it a healthier option. Serving it with brown rice or quinoa further enhances its nutritional value. Be mindful of portion sizes as the sauce does contain sugar and sodium.

Q6: Can I grill the chicken instead of stir-frying?
A: Yes, you can grill the chicken for Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli. Marinate the chicken cubes in teriyaki sauce, then thread them onto skewers. Grill over medium heat until cooked through and slightly charred. You can then toss the grilled chicken with stir-fried broccoli and teriyaki sauce. Grilling adds a smoky flavor.

Q7: Can I make a vegetarian version of this recipe?
A: Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm or extra-firm tofu, cut into cubes. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then stir-fry it until golden brown before adding the broccoli and teriyaki sauce. You can also use other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini to create a vegetarian teriyaki stir-fry.

Q8: What if my teriyaki sauce is too thick or too thin?
A: If your teriyaki sauce is too thick, whisk in a tablespoon or two of water until it reaches your desired consistency. If your sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can whisk in a tiny bit more cornstarch slurry (a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water) and simmer briefly to thicken it further, being careful not to add too much cornstarch at once.

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