Chicken Teriyaki with Broccoli and Rice Recipe

Chicken Teriyaki with Broccoli and Rice has become a staple in our home, and for good reason! It’s that perfect combination of sweet, savory, and healthy that manages to please even the pickiest eaters in my family. Weeknights can be hectic, and finding a meal that’s both quick to prepare and genuinely enjoyable is a constant quest. This recipe has become our go-to solution. The tender chicken glazed in a homemade teriyaki sauce, paired with vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli and fluffy rice, is a symphony of textures and flavors. What I love most is how easily customizable it is – you can adjust the sweetness of the sauce, add more veggies, or even swap out the rice for quinoa. But no matter how we tweak it, this Chicken Teriyaki with Broccoli and Rice recipe is always a hit. It’s satisfying, wholesome, and honestly, just plain delicious. If you’re searching for a dinner that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to your table and requires minimal fuss, look no further. This is it!

Ingredients

To create this flavorful and satisfying Chicken Teriyaki with Broccoli and Rice, you’ll need a handful of fresh and pantry-friendly ingredients. We’ve broken it down into categories for ease of shopping and preparation:

For the Chicken and Broccoli:

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose breasts that are uniform in thickness for even cooking. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, though breasts are leaner and quicker to cook.
• 1 large Head of Broccoli: Look for a head of broccoli that is firm and bright green, with tightly closed florets. Fresh broccoli is key for that perfect crisp-tender texture.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Sesame Oil: Olive oil is a versatile and healthy option, while sesame oil adds a wonderful nutty aroma that complements Asian flavors.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: For a quick and even garlic flavor throughout the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger: Adds a warm and slightly spicy note that enhances the teriyaki flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To season the chicken and broccoli to taste.

For the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (Low Sodium Preferred): Low sodium soy sauce allows you to control the saltiness of the dish and is a healthier option. Regular soy sauce can be used, but you may want to reduce the amount of salt added later.
• 1/4 cup Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine): Mirin adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that is characteristic of authentic teriyaki sauce. If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with rice vinegar mixed with a teaspoon of sugar or honey.
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (Packed): Brown sugar provides sweetness and a molasses-like richness to the sauce, contributing to its characteristic teriyaki flavor. Light or dark brown sugar can be used.
• 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness and umami, balancing the flavors of the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons Honey: Honey adds another layer of sweetness and helps to create a glossy, slightly sticky texture to the teriyaki sauce.
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch: Cornstarch is the key ingredient for thickening the teriyaki sauce to that perfect glaze-like consistency.
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger, minced: Fresh ginger provides a vibrant, aromatic warmth that is essential for a flavorful teriyaki sauce. Minced ginger releases its flavors more effectively.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a pungent, savory depth to the sauce that complements the ginger and other ingredients. Minced garlic is ideal for even flavor distribution.
• 1/2 cup Water: Water helps to thin out the sauce initially and allows the flavors to meld together as it simmers and thickens.
• 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (Optional, for Sauce): A touch of sesame oil added to the sauce at the end enhances its aroma and nutty flavor.

For the Rice:

• 1 cup Long Grain Rice (Jasmine or Basmati Recommended): Long grain rice like Jasmine or Basmati cooks up fluffy and separate, providing a perfect base for the chicken and broccoli.
• 2 cups Water or Chicken Broth: Water is sufficient for cooking rice, but chicken broth adds a subtle richness and flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt: To season the rice as it cooks.

Optional Garnishes:

• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a mild oniony flavor and a pop of color.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat, red pepper flakes can be sprinkled on top.
• Lemon or Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh citrus brightens the flavors of the dish.

Instructions

Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create your delicious Chicken Teriyaki with Broccoli and Rice:

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

1. Rinse the Rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
2. Combine Rice and Liquid: In a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, combine the rinsed rice, water or chicken broth, and salt.
3. Bring to a Boil, then Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or according to package directions, until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during simmering to ensure proper steaming.
4. Fluff and Rest: Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Then, fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

1. Whisk Sauce Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, minced ginger, minced garlic, and water. Ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps.
2. Simmer and Thicken: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a glaze-like consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon easily.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the teriyaki sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey or brown sugar. For a tangier sauce, add a touch more rice vinegar. If it’s too salty, you can add a splash of water to dilute it slightly.
4. Set Aside: Remove the teriyaki sauce from the heat and set aside while you prepare the chicken and broccoli. It will thicken slightly further as it cools.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli

1. Cut Chicken into Bite-Sized Pieces: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes or strips. Smaller pieces cook quickly and evenly and are perfect for stir-frying.
2. Prepare Broccoli Florets: Cut the broccoli head into small, bite-sized florets. Ensure they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking. You can also use the broccoli stems by peeling the tough outer layer and chopping them into smaller pieces.
3. Season Chicken: In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken with garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the chicken’s flavor and complements the teriyaki sauce.
4. Heat Oil in a Large Skillet or Wok: Heat olive oil or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot before adding the chicken to ensure proper searing.
5. Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Add Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is crisp-tender and bright green. You want the broccoli to be cooked through but still have a slight bite. Avoid overcooking it, as it can become mushy.
7. Pour Teriyaki Sauce Over Chicken and Broccoli: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken and broccoli in the skillet.
8. Toss to Coat: Toss everything together to ensure the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated in the teriyaki sauce.
9. Simmer Briefly (Optional): If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can simmer the mixture for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has further thickened and nicely glazed the chicken and broccoli. Be careful not to overcook the broccoli at this stage.
10. Remove from Heat: Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 4: Serve

1. Serve Over Rice: Spoon the cooked rice into bowls.
2. Top with Chicken and Broccoli: Top the rice with generous portions of the Chicken Teriyaki with Broccoli.
3. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately with lemon or lime wedges on the side, if you like.
4. Enjoy! Serve hot and savor the delicious flavors of your homemade Chicken Teriyaki with Broccoli and Rice.

Nutrition Facts

(Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 550-650 calories (This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, portion sizes, and cooking methods. Using lean chicken breast and low-sodium soy sauce will help to keep the calorie and sodium content lower.)

Approximate Breakdown per Serving:

• Protein: 40-50g (Chicken is a great source of lean protein)
• Carbohydrates: 70-80g (Primarily from rice and teriyaki sauce, including sugars)
• Fat: 15-25g (Varies depending on the amount of oil used and the fat content of the chicken)

Important Notes:

• These are estimated values and can vary.
• For more accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator app and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.
• This recipe is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and some vitamins and minerals from the broccoli.
• To make it healthier, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar and honey in the teriyaki sauce, use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice, and increase the amount of broccoli.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (This includes chopping vegetables, cutting chicken, and measuring ingredients)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (This includes cooking rice, making sauce, and stir-frying chicken and broccoli)
• Total Time: 50 minutes

This Chicken Teriyaki with Broccoli and Rice is a relatively quick and easy meal to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The majority of the time is spent cooking the rice and simmering the sauce, while the chicken and broccoli cook up in just minutes.

How to Serve

Chicken Teriyaki with Broccoli and Rice is a complete meal in itself, but here are some delicious ways to serve it and enhance your dining experience:

• Classic Serving:
  • Serve hot over a bed of fluffy white rice (Jasmine or Basmati are excellent choices).
  • Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for added flavor and texture.
  • Offer lemon or lime wedges on the side for a squeeze of citrus to brighten the flavors.
• Side Dish Pairings:
  • Edamame: Steamed or pan-fried edamame sprinkled with sea salt provides a healthy and protein-rich side.
  • Miso Soup: A light and flavorful miso soup complements the teriyaki flavors beautifully.
  • Asian Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, shredded carrots, and a ginger-sesame dressing adds freshness and crunch.
  • Spring Rolls or Egg Rolls: Serve with vegetable spring rolls or egg rolls for a more substantial and varied meal.
  • Kimchi: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, a small serving of kimchi adds a fermented and tangy element.
• Variations and Additions:
  • Add More Vegetables: Stir-fry other vegetables along with the broccoli, such as bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms.
  • Spicy Teriyaki: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce or a drizzle of sriracha over the finished dish for extra heat.
  • Pineapple Teriyaki: Incorporate chunks of fresh pineapple when stir-frying the broccoli for a tropical twist.
  • Sesame Ginger Rice: Enhance the rice by adding a teaspoon of sesame oil and a pinch of grated ginger to the cooking water for extra flavor.
  • Noodle Bowls: Serve the Chicken Teriyaki and Broccoli over cooked soba noodles or ramen noodles instead of rice for a different texture and presentation.

Additional Tips for Perfect Chicken Teriyaki with Broccoli and Rice

Here are 5 helpful tips to ensure your Chicken Teriyaki with Broccoli and Rice turns out perfectly every time:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken and broccoli, work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet or wok. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and can result in steamed rather than seared chicken and soggy broccoli. Cook in smaller portions to ensure proper browning and crisp-tender vegetables.
2. Adjust Sauce Sweetness to Your Preference: Teriyaki sauce can range from subtly sweet to quite sugary. Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey to your liking. You can always add more sweetness, but it’s harder to take it away.
3. Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic for Best Flavor: While garlic powder and ground ginger are convenient, fresh minced ginger and garlic provide a much more vibrant and aromatic flavor to the teriyaki sauce. The difference in taste is significant and well worth the extra few minutes of prep.
4. Control the Broccoli Texture: For crisp-tender broccoli, don’t overcook it. Stir-fry it just until it turns bright green and is tender-crisp. If you prefer softer broccoli, you can steam it briefly before stir-frying or cook it a bit longer in the skillet. Be mindful of not letting it become mushy.
5. Marinate the Chicken for Deeper Flavor (Optional): For even more flavorful chicken, you can marinate it in a portion of the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and results in a more intensely flavored dish. Reserve some sauce for glazing later if you choose to marinate.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. However, fresh broccoli will generally have a better texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain the broccoli thoroughly before adding it to the skillet to prevent excess moisture and ensure it stir-fries properly. You may also need to cook frozen broccoli slightly longer than fresh broccoli to achieve the desired tenderness.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for vegetarian or vegan diets. To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken with firm or extra-firm tofu, cut into cubes and pressed to remove excess water. For a vegan version, ensure your honey is replaced with a vegan sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the rice if you want to ensure it’s vegan.

Q3: How long does Chicken Teriyaki with Broccoli and Rice last in the refrigerator?

A: Leftover Chicken Teriyaki with Broccoli and Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly in a skillet or microwave until heated through before serving. Keep in mind that the broccoli may soften slightly upon reheating.

Q4: Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! The teriyaki sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This is a great time-saving tip for busy weeknights. Simply reheat the sauce gently before using it to glaze the chicken and broccoli.

Q5: Can I use a different type of rice?

A: Yes, you can use different types of rice based on your preference. Brown rice is a healthier alternative to white rice and will add a nuttier flavor and chewier texture. Quinoa is another nutritious option that cooks similarly to rice. You can also use short-grain rice if you prefer a stickier texture, or even try cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Adjust cooking times according to the type of rice you choose.

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