Craving a flavorful and healthy dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This teriyaki chicken with broccoli recipe is a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. It's packed with protein and nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for the whole family. Forget takeout – homemade is healthier and tastes so much better! This recipe is a delicious example of easy recipes and healthy meals that come together beautifully. It's one of those best recipes that's simple enough for beginner cooks but delicious enough to impress even experienced chefs.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, and garlic. If using, add the sesame oil now and stir well to combine. This homemade teriyaki sauce is the key to this dish's incredible flavor!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor. While this step is optional, marinating the chicken tenderizes it and helps infuse it with the delicious teriyaki flavors. For quick dinner ideas, you can skip the marinating step, though.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Broccoli
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Once the chicken is cooked, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender-crisp (about 3-5 minutes).
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
If the sauce isn't thick enough to your liking, you can briefly increase the heat and let it simmer for a minute or two to reduce. The cornstarch will help thicken it nicely.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the teriyaki chicken and broccoli immediately over rice, quinoa, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken and broccoli in batches ensures even browning and cooking.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet teriyaki sauce, reduce the amount of honey or brown sugar.
- Add some spice: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic significantly enhance the flavor of the dish.
Variations:
- Vegetable variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.
- Protein variations: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or steak.
- Sauce variations: Experiment with different types of soy sauce (like tamari for gluten-free) or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used. Consider using a nutrition calculator for a more precise estimate. However, generally expect a dish high in protein and relatively low in fat, making it a great healthy meal option.
This teriyaki chicken with broccoli recipe is a simple yet incredibly delicious and satisfying meal. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and it's versatile enough to customize to your liking. So why not give it a try tonight? Enjoy!