🍽️ Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli
📝 Description:
This Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli is a classic Asian-inspired stir-fry featuring tender chunks of chicken and vibrant broccoli florets tossed in a rich, glossy, sweet-savory homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and healthier than takeout—perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
🧂 Ingredients:
For the Chicken & Broccoli:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), diced
- 3–4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional for extra flavor)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
🔪 Instructions:
- Prep the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Set aside. Mix cornstarch with 2 tbsp water in a small bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli:
- In the same pan, add a splash of water and steam the broccoli for 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender.
- Combine Everything:
- Return chicken to the pan. Pour in the teriyaki sauce. Simmer 2 minutes.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli.
- Serve:
- Serve hot over rice, noodles, or quinoa.
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, green onions, red pepper flakes.
🍚 Servings:
- Serves: 4 people
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
🧠 Recipe Notes:
- Chicken thighs can be used for more flavor and tenderness.
- Use frozen broccoli if needed—just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey/sugar to taste.
- Make it spicy by adding sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.
💡 Tips:
- Don’t overcook the broccoli—keep it slightly crisp for the best texture.
- Double the sauce if you like your meals extra saucy.
- Marinate the chicken in a bit of the teriyaki sauce (before adding cornstarch) for extra depth of flavor.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350–400 kcal |
| Protein | 30–35g |
| Carbs | 20–25g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 3–4g |
| Sugar | 8–10g (from sauce) |
| Sodium | ~600mg (use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce) |
Note: Values will vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
🌿 Health Benefits:
- Lean Protein: Chicken provides high-quality protein for muscle maintenance and repair.
- Vitamins & Minerals: Broccoli is rich in vitamin C, K, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Heart-Friendly: Low in saturated fat and sugar when made at home.
- Gut Health: Fiber from broccoli supports digestion.
- Low-Glycemic Option: Serve with brown rice or quinoa for a balanced blood sugar response.
❓ FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
A: Yes! But homemade is healthier and lets you control the sugar and salt content.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
A: Absolutely! Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
Q: How do I make it gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari or coconut aminos) and ensure your cornstarch is GF-certified.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
A: Totally! This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: Try jasmine rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, soba noodles, or stir-fried veggies on the side.
Would you like a printable version, meal prep guide, or a low-carb/keto adaptation too?