Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli

In the whirlwind of weeknight dinners and the constant quest for meals that are both healthy and utterly delicious, Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli has become a true champion in our household. It’s one of those recipes that manages to tick all the boxes – quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and surprisingly nutritious. Even my pickiest eaters, who often approach vegetables with a healthy dose of suspicion, devour this dish with gusto. There’s something undeniably comforting and satisfying about the tender, glazed chicken paired with perfectly crisp-tender broccoli, all bathed in a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. It’s a meal that brings smiles to faces and empty plates to the sink, and honestly, what more could you ask for from a weeknight dinner? This recipe isn’t just about sustenance; it’s about creating a moment of deliciousness and togetherness amidst the everyday hustle. Let me share with you my go-to recipe, along with all the tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way to make this Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli an absolute home run every single time.

Ingredients: Your Pantry Staples Meet Fresh Goodness

To bring this flavorful Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli to life, you’ll need a handful of readily available ingredients. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each component is essential:

• Chicken Breast: (1.5 lbs, boneless, skinless) – The lean protein powerhouse of our dish, providing a satisfying and healthy base. Chicken breast is versatile and absorbs the teriyaki marinade beautifully.
• Broccoli Florets: (1 large head, or about 6 cups) – Our vibrant green vegetable, adding crucial fiber, vitamins, and a delightful crunch. Fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
• Soy Sauce: (½ cup, low sodium preferred) – The umami-rich foundation of our teriyaki sauce. Low sodium helps control the saltiness and allows other flavors to shine.
• Mirin: (¼ cup) – Japanese sweet rice wine, adding a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce. Mirin is key to achieving that authentic teriyaki taste.
• Sake (or Dry Sherry): (¼ cup) – Another Japanese rice wine (or a good substitute), contributing complexity and aroma to the sauce. Dry sherry can be used if sake is unavailable.
• Brown Sugar: (¼ cup, packed) – Adding sweetness and caramelization to the teriyaki sauce, balancing the savory soy sauce and creating a glossy glaze.
• Garlic: (2 cloves, minced) – Aromatic and pungent, garlic infuses the dish with warmth and savory notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Ginger: (1 tablespoon, grated fresh) – Zesty and fragrant, fresh ginger adds a characteristic Asian flavor, complementing the garlic and other sauce components.
• Cornstarch: (1 tablespoon) – Our thickening agent, ensuring the teriyaki sauce coats the chicken and broccoli beautifully, creating that signature glossy glaze.
• Water: (2 tablespoons) – Used to create a cornstarch slurry, preventing lumps and ensuring smooth sauce thickening.
• Sesame Oil: (1 tablespoon) – Nutty and aromatic, sesame oil adds a final layer of flavor and richness, especially when used for cooking and drizzling at the end.
• Vegetable Oil: (2 tablespoons) – Neutral cooking oil for searing the chicken and stir-frying the broccoli, providing a clean base for cooking without overpowering flavors.
• Sesame Seeds (optional): (For garnish) – Adding a visual appeal and a subtle nutty crunch, sesame seeds are a perfect finishing touch.
• Green Onions (optional): (For garnish, thinly sliced) – Fresh and vibrant, green onions provide a pop of color and a mild oniony flavor, enhancing the dish’s presentation and freshness.

Instructions: Step-by-Step to Teriyaki Perfection

Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli right in your own kitchen:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and faster marinating. Place the chicken pieces in a medium-sized bowl.
2. Marinate the Chicken: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake (or dry sherry), brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Pour this flavorful teriyaki marinade over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for even deeper flavor penetration. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become.
3. Prep the Broccoli: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the broccoli. Wash the broccoli head thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. Ensure the florets are roughly the same size for even cooking. You can also blanch the broccoli briefly in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately plunge it into ice water to stop the cooking process and retain its vibrant green color and crispness. This step is optional but highly recommended for perfectly tender-crisp broccoli.
4. Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth and there are no lumps. This cornstarch slurry will be used to thicken the teriyaki sauce later. Set aside.
5. Sear the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the marinated chicken pieces (remove them from the marinade and let excess marinade drip off slightly). Sear the chicken in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
6. Stir-Fry the Broccoli: In the same skillet or wok, add a little more vegetable oil if needed. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp and bright green. If you blanched the broccoli beforehand, you’ll only need to stir-fry it for a shorter time, about 2-3 minutes, just to heat it through and give it a slight char.
7. Make the Teriyaki Sauce: Pour the remaining teriyaki marinade from the chicken bowl into the skillet with the broccoli. Bring the marinade to a simmer over medium heat, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these browned bits add extra flavor! Pour in the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously. Cook the sauce for 1-2 minutes, or until it thickens into a glossy glaze.
8. Combine Chicken and Broccoli: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the thickened teriyaki sauce and broccoli. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated in the luscious teriyaki glaze. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
9. Finish and Serve: Remove the Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli from the heat and stir in the sesame oil. This final touch of sesame oil adds a wonderful aroma and richness. Garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions, if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice, quinoa, noodles, or your favorite grain.

Nutrition Facts: A Healthy and Flavorful Choice

This Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli is not only delicious but also packs a nutritional punch! Here’s a glimpse into the nutritional profile per serving (approximate, based on a recipe divided into 4 servings):

• Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
• Calories: Around 450-550 calories per serving – A moderate calorie count for a satisfying and complete meal, providing energy without being overly heavy.
• Protein: Approximately 40-50 grams per serving – Chicken breast is a lean protein source, crucial for muscle building, repair, and overall satiety.
• Fiber: Approximately 5-7 grams per serving – Broccoli contributes dietary fiber, promoting digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Potassium – Broccoli is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that support immune function, bone health, and overall well-being.
• Healthy Fats: Moderate amount of healthy fats from sesame oil and chicken – Provides essential fatty acids and contributes to flavor and satiety.

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, portion sizes, and cooking methods. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific ingredients you use.*

Preparation Time: Quick and Efficient Cooking

This Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli is a fantastic option for busy weeknights because it’s relatively quick to prepare:

• Prep Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes – This includes chopping vegetables, preparing the marinade, and cutting the chicken.
• Marinating Time: Minimum 30 minutes (up to 2 hours optional) – While marinating time adds to the overall time, it’s mostly hands-off and significantly enhances the flavor of the chicken.
• Cook Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes – Cooking the chicken and broccoli, and making the sauce is quick and efficient.

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes (including marinating time) – A reasonable timeframe for a flavorful and healthy homemade meal, especially considering the hands-on cooking time is less than 30 minutes. If you’re short on time, even a shorter marinating time of 15-20 minutes will still yield delicious results.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli: Versatile Serving Suggestions

Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of delicious ways. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Classic Rice Bowls:
  • Steamed White Rice: The quintessential pairing, providing a simple and fluffy base to soak up the teriyaki sauce.
  • Brown Rice: For a healthier and nuttier option, brown rice adds fiber and a slightly chewier texture.
  • Jasmine Rice: Fragrant and slightly sticky, jasmine rice complements the Asian flavors of the dish beautifully.
  • Sushi Rice: For a more authentic Japanese experience, use sushi rice (vinegared rice) as a base.
• Noodle Bowls:
  • Udon Noodles: Thick and chewy wheat noodles that are perfect for soaking up the sauce.
  • Soba Noodles: Thin buckwheat noodles offering a slightly nutty and earthy flavor.
  • Egg Noodles: Classic and comforting, egg noodles provide a satisfying texture and flavor.
  • Ramen Noodles: For a fun and customizable bowl, use ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packet and use the teriyaki sauce).
• Grain Bowls:
  • Quinoa: A protein-rich and gluten-free option, quinoa adds a nutty flavor and fluffy texture.
  • Farro: Chewy and nutty, farro provides a hearty and wholesome base.
  • Couscous: Light and fluffy, couscous is a quick-cooking option that pairs well with the teriyaki flavors.
• Vegetable-Forward Servings:
  • Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb and keto-friendly option, serve over cauliflower rice.
  • Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Another low-carb choice, zucchini noodles offer a light and refreshing base.
  • Mixed Greens Salad: Top a bed of mixed greens with Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli for a lighter and more salad-focused meal.
• Side Dish Pairings:
  • Edamame: Steamed or pan-fried edamame pods make a great appetizer or side dish.
  • Miso Soup: A traditional Japanese soup that complements the teriyaki flavors.
  • Seaweed Salad: Refreshing and flavorful, seaweed salad adds a briny and slightly sweet element.
  • Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with vegetables and dipping sauce offer a light and refreshing contrast.

Additional Tips for Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli Perfection

Elevate your Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli game with these helpful tips and tricks:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken and stir-frying the broccoli, work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the food to steam instead of sear or stir-fry, resulting in less browning and less desirable texture.
2. Adjust Sweetness and Saltiness: Taste the teriyaki sauce before adding the cornstarch slurry and adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your preference. Add more brown sugar for a sweeter sauce or a splash of soy sauce for a saltier one. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
3. Fresh Ginger and Garlic are Key: Using fresh ginger and garlic makes a significant difference in the flavor of the teriyaki sauce. Avoid using powdered versions if possible, as fresh ingredients provide a much brighter and more vibrant flavor.
4. Blanch Broccoli for Perfect Texture: Blanching the broccoli briefly before stir-frying ensures it cooks quickly and retains its vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture. It also helps to prevent the broccoli from becoming mushy during stir-frying.
5. Marinate for Flavor Depth: While a 30-minute marinade is sufficient, marinating the chicken for up to 2 hours will result in a much more flavorful and tender chicken. The longer marinating time allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.
6. Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli. Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, and onions all work wonderfully. Add them to the skillet along with the broccoli for a more vegetable-packed meal.
7. Spice it Up!: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce. You can also add a small amount of freshly grated ginger for an extra spicy kick.
8. Garnish for Presentation and Flavor: Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes! Sesame seeds and green onions add visual appeal, a subtle nutty crunch, and a fresh oniony flavor to the finished dish, enhancing both the presentation and the overall taste.

FAQ: Your Burning Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli Questions Answered

Let’s address some common questions you might have about making Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli:

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will result in a richer, more flavorful, and juicier dish due to their higher fat content. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless, and cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe! For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cut into cubes. For a vegan version, ensure you use vegan-friendly brown sugar and mirin (some may use animal products in processing). Tofu and tempeh absorb the teriyaki marinade beautifully and offer a protein-rich alternative.

Q3: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: While fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen broccoli florets in a pinch. Thaw the frozen broccoli completely and pat it dry before stir-frying. Frozen broccoli tends to be softer than fresh, so be mindful not to overcook it.

Q4: Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the teriyaki sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the sauce in a skillet before adding the chicken and broccoli. This can save you time on busy weeknights.

Q5: How do I store leftovers and reheat them?
A: Store leftover Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it until heated through, or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Q6: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Not as written, because traditional soy sauce contains wheat. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and coconut aminos is a soy-free and gluten-free option with a slightly sweeter flavor.

Q7: Can I grill the chicken instead of searing it in a skillet?
A: Yes, grilling the marinated chicken is a delicious option, especially during warmer months. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the marinated chicken pieces until cooked through and slightly charred. Then, proceed with stir-frying the broccoli and making the sauce as directed.

Q8: Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, carrots, onions, mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini. Add them to the skillet along with the broccoli for a more vegetable-packed and nutritious meal. You might need to adjust the sauce quantity if you add significantly more vegetables.

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