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.