Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli

Imagine the savory-sweet aroma of Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli filling your kitchen as tender chicken pieces glisten with that signature glossy sauce. This classic Asian-inspired dish combines juicy chicken, crisp broccoli florets, and a homemade teriyaki sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli has become a beloved staple in homes across America because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to create this delicious one-pan meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli recipe will quickly become a family favorite for so many reasons. First, the contrasting textures create an incredibly satisfying eating experience – juicy, tender chicken pieces alongside perfectly crisp-tender broccoli that still has a pleasant bite. The homemade teriyaki sauce coats everything in a glossy, flavorful blanket that’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami.

Beyond the amazing taste, this dish is incredibly practical. It’s a complete meal in one pan, combining protein, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with rice. The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it faster than takeout. Plus, you’ll have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to adjust sweetness, sodium, and spice levels to your preference.

For health-conscious cooks, this chicken and broccoli stir fry provides a balanced meal with lean protein and nutrient-rich vegetables. It’s also meal-prep friendly, tasting just as delicious reheated the next day for lunch.

Ingredients

For the Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli:

• 1½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 cups (340g) broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish

For the teriyaki sauce:

• ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup (60ml) mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
• 3 tbsp brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water (slurry)

The soy sauce forms the savory base of your teriyaki sauce, while mirin, brown sugar, and honey create that signature sweetness. Fresh ginger and garlic are essential for authentic flavor, infusing the dish with aromatic warmth that elevates this simple chicken broccoli recipe to restaurant quality.

Pro Tips

Master the Chicken Cooking Technique: For the most tender, juicy chicken in your Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, giving each piece enough space to properly sear rather than steam. This creates caramelization that adds depth of flavor. Remove the chicken when it’s just cooked through (165°F/74°C) as it will continue cooking slightly when returned to the sauce.

Perfect Broccoli Texture: The key to ideal broccoli is blanching it briefly before adding it to the stir-fry. Boil for just 1-2 minutes until bright green, then immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. This pre-cooking ensures your broccoli will be crisp-tender in the final dish without requiring excessive time in the pan, which would cause the chicken to overcook.

Sauce Consistency Secrets: For that authentic, glossy teriyaki sauce that perfectly coats your chicken and broccoli, be patient when adding your cornstarch slurry. Add it gradually, stirring constantly, and allow the sauce to come to a full simmer to activate the thickening properties. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow smoothly – if it becomes too thick, thin with a splash of water or chicken broth.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until the sugar is dissolved. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Set both mixtures aside.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook for 1-2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding (work in batches if needed). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a clean plate.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and white parts of green onions. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture into the pan and bring to a simmer. Gradually stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. Return the chicken to the pan along with the blanched broccoli, tossing everything to coat evenly in the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce coats the chicken and broccoli with a glossy finish.

Step 6: Serve
Transfer your Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli to a serving dish. Garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice for a complete meal.

Variations

Spicy Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli: Add a kick to your Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli by incorporating 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce. The heat complements the sweet-savory teriyaki flavors beautifully, creating a more complex taste profile that spice lovers will appreciate.

Vegetable-Packed Teriyaki: Transform this dish into a rainbow of nutrients by adding more vegetables. In addition to broccoli, include sliced bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, and mushrooms. This creates a more substantial teriyaki stir fry with varied textures and flavors while stretching the chicken further for budget-conscious meals.

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: For a tropical twist, add 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks when returning the chicken to the pan. The sweet-tart pineapple introduces another dimension to the classic teriyaki broccoli chicken combo and brings a refreshing brightness that pairs perfectly with the savory elements. This variation works wonderfully for those who enjoy slightly sweeter flavor profiles.

Storage and Serving

Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerated portions will maintain their quality for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water and cover while microwaving to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or the chicken from drying out. Alternatively, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat.

For serving, traditional steamed white rice makes the perfect base to soak up the delicious teriyaki sauce. For a healthier option, serve over brown rice or cauliflower rice. For a complete meal presentation, arrange your Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli over rice, sprinkle with additional sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and add a side of quick-pickled cucumbers for a refreshing contrast to the rich teriyaki flavors.

To elevate this dish for guests, serve family-style on a large platter surrounded by small bowls of optional toppings like crushed peanuts, sliced chilis, or extra teriyaki sauce on the side.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breast works well in this Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli recipe. However, be careful not to overcook it as breast meat can dry out more easily than thighs. Reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes per side.

How can I make this teriyaki sauce less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, cut the brown sugar and honey amounts in half. You can also increase the rice vinegar slightly (an extra teaspoon) to balance the flavor profile with more acidity.

Is there a substitute for mirin?
If you don’t have mirin, use 3 tablespoons of dry sherry or rice vinegar mixed with 1 tablespoon of sugar as a substitute in your teriyaki sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli reheats beautifully and can be made 1-2 days in advance. The flavors actually develop more complexity overnight.

How do I prevent my broccoli from getting soggy?
The key is proper blanching and not overcooking. Blanch until just bright green, then immediately cool in ice water. Add the broccoli to the stir-fry at the very end, just long enough to warm through and coat with sauce.

Conclusion

This Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli is comfort food at its finest — a perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and that irresistible sweet-savory sauce that keeps you coming back for more. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special dinner, bringing restaurant-quality flavors to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick meals, a meal-prepper seeking delicious lunches, or simply someone who appreciates the harmony of well-balanced flavors, this recipe delivers satisfaction in every bite.

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