Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Broccoli

Introduction

Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Broccoli is one of those classic Asian-inspired dishes that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and umami flavors. Tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce, paired with vibrant steamed broccoli, create a wholesome and comforting meal. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to impress guests.

What makes this dish so special is the harmony between the juicy chicken and the crisp broccoli, both enhanced by the rich sauce. Unlike store-bought versions, making teriyaki sauce at home allows you to control the sweetness, saltiness, and thickness, resulting in a fresher and healthier dish.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect example of how minimal ingredients can create maximum flavor. The teriyaki sauce clings to the chicken beautifully, while the steamed broccoli provides a fresh, slightly crunchy balance to the dish. It’s also a family favorite since it appeals to both kids and adults. Another reason I cherish this dish is its versatility—it pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or even a low-carb option like cauliflower rice.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because:

• It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• It’s healthier than takeout but just as satisfying.
• The balance of protein and vegetables makes it a complete meal.
• The homemade teriyaki sauce is far superior to bottled sauces—rich, glossy, and deeply flavorful.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~350–400 kcal (depending on portion size and rice accompaniment)
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired / Asian Fusion

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Broccoli:

• 1 ½ lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey (or brown sugar)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tbsp mirin (optional, for authentic flavor)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)
• 2 tbsp water (adjust to desired consistency)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, vinegar, mirin, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened. Set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through (6–8 minutes).
3. Add the Sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and toss until well coated. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors absorb.
4. Steam the Broccoli: While the chicken cooks, steam broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes until tender yet crisp.
5. Combine & Serve: Serve the chicken with steamed broccoli on the side or toss them together. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cut and Prep Chicken: Trim excess fat and dice into even pieces.
2. Make Teriyaki Sauce: Whisk together ingredients, cook, and thicken with slurry.
3. Cook Chicken: Stir-fry until browned and fully cooked.
4. Coat with Sauce: Let the chicken soak up the glossy sauce.
5. Steam Broccoli: Use a steamer basket or microwave with a splash of water.
6. Assemble the Dish: Serve chicken and broccoli with rice or noodles.

How to Serve

• Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles.
• For a low-carb option, pair with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for an authentic look.

Recipe Tips

• Use chicken thighs for juicier results.
• Don’t overcook broccoli—it should be bright green and slightly crisp.
• Make extra sauce—it’s great drizzled over rice or used as a dip.
• Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.

Variations

• Spicy Teriyaki Chicken: Add 1–2 tsp sriracha or red chili flakes to the sauce.
• Teriyaki Salmon or Tofu: Swap chicken for salmon fillets or cubed tofu for a pescatarian/vegetarian version.
• Vegetable-Packed Version: Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the stir-fry for extra nutrition.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Low-Sugar: Replace honey with monk fruit sweetener or stevia.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken (without broccoli) for up to 2 months. Broccoli tends to get mushy when frozen, so steam fresh broccoli when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave.

Special Equipment Needed

• Steamer basket or microwave-safe bowl for broccoli
• Large skillet or wok
• Small saucepan for sauce

Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Broccoli is the perfect blend of sweet-savory flavors, tender meat, and fresh vegetables. It’s quick, healthy, and versatile, making it a go-to recipe for families and anyone who loves Asian-inspired meals. Whether you’re meal-prepping, cooking for a weeknight dinner, or serving guests, this dish will never disappoint. Once you try it, it will surely earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

Print Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Broccoli

Author: Laura Bennett Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 35 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 400kcal

Description

Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Broccoli is one of those classic Asian-inspired dishes that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and umami flavors. Tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce, paired with vibrant steamed broccoli, create a wholesome and comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Chicken & Broccoli:

• 1 ½ lbs (700 g)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey (or brown sugar)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 tbsp mirin (optional, for authentic flavor)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp 1 cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)
• 2 tbsp water (adjust to desired consistency)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, vinegar, mirin, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened. Set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through (6–8 minutes).
3. Add the Sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and toss until well coated. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors absorb.
4. Steam the Broccoli: While the chicken cooks, steam broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes until tender yet crisp.
5. Combine & Serve: Serve the chicken with steamed broccoli on the side or toss them together. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Keywords: Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Broccoli