Teriyaki Chicken Broccoli Bowl
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
I absolutely love making this Teriyaki Chicken Broccoli Bowl for its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a savory teriyaki sauce creates a delightful dish that feels both satisfying and nutritious. It's a quick meal that I can whip up in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or when I crave something homemade. Plus, the rice adds a comforting touch that brings everything together beautifully.
When I first tried making a teriyaki bowl at home, I was amazed at how simple it was to recreate the flavors I loved from my favorite restaurant. The key is to marinate the chicken in a great teriyaki sauce and stir-fry it quickly with fresh broccoli for that perfect crunch. I learned that using fresh ingredients truly makes a difference in the final flavor.
This recipe also allows for customization; sometimes I add bell peppers or substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian twist. The versatility of this dish keeps it exciting, and it’s something everyone in my family enjoys!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful teriyaki sauce that ties everything together
- Quick and easy to prepare, ready in 30 minutes
- Packed with protein and vegetables for a balanced meal
Mastering the Teriyaki Sauce
The teriyaki sauce is the heart of this dish, delivering depth and sweetness that perfectly coats the chicken and broccoli. Mixing the sauce ingredients in a small bowl before cooking ensures that it comes together quickly. Whisk until smooth and pay extra attention to the cornstarch; it helps thicken the sauce as it cooks, creating a glossy finish. A common mistake is to skip the cornstarch or not dissolve it fully, leading to a watery sauce. Always mix it well with the other liquids!
A fresh approach to teriyaki sauce is to adjust sweetness based on your preference. If you enjoy a bolder flavor, consider adding a bit more honey or even a splash of mirin—sweet rice wine—to enhance the profile without losing that classic balance. Alternatively, for a lower-sugar option, replace honey with a sugar substitute like agave or maple syrup, keeping in mind that it may change the flavor slightly.
Perfecting the Chicken and Broccoli
For optimal chicken texture, slice the breast against the grain into even pieces, about 1/2 inch thick. This technique helps the meat to stay tender during cooking. When sautéing, ensure your skillet is hot enough; a medium-high setting should allow the chicken to develop golden edges while cooking evenly. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If the chicken starts to stick to the pan, you might need to add a little more oil or reduce the heat slightly to avoid burning.
Incorporating broccoli is essential not only for nutrition but also for color and texture. To maintain its vibrant green and crispness, add the florets after the chicken is nearly cooked. Stir-fry them for only 3-4 minutes; this way, they not only remain tender-crisp but also enhance the overall visual appeal of the bowl. Be cautious not to overcook, as mushy broccoli can detract from the dish’s freshness.
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving the teriyaki chicken and broccoli over rice not only makes for a complete meal but adds comforting carbs. I recommend using freshly cooked rice for the best texture—if using leftovers, gently reheat them to avoid clumping. For a gourmet finish, drizzle a bit of extra teriyaki sauce over the top or add a side of pickled ginger for a zesty crunch that balances the meal beautifully.
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or additional teriyaki sauce to restore moisture. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish in individual portions. Just note that while the flavors will still be delightful, the texture of the broccoli may change slightly upon reheating, so fresh is always best!
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your Teriyaki Chicken Broccoli Bowl:
For the Bowl
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Make sure to have everything ready before starting to cook for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Teriyaki Chicken Broccoli Bowl:
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, water, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Broccoli
Once the chicken is cooked, add broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
Combine with Sauce
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and broccoli, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve
Serve the teriyaki chicken and broccoli over a bed of rice, garnished with sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious homemade Teriyaki Chicken Broccoli Bowl!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the taste and tenderness of the chicken.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables in this teriyaki bowl. Bell peppers, snap peas, or even bok choy can add their unique textures and flavors. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly as firmer vegetables may require a bit more time to become tender while keeping that crunch.
If you’re looking to make the dish gluten-free, swap out the soy sauce for tamari, which provides a similar umami punch. Additionally, coconut aminos is another excellent alternative if you prefer a lower sodium option, offering a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
Vegetarian Variation
To transform this dish into a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Both options can be marinated in the same teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes beforehand to absorb the flavor. When cooking, ensure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture, allowing it to achieve a crispy texture while frying.
For a plant-based protein boost, consider adding edamame or chickpeas to the skillet alongside the broccoli. This combination not only enhances the nutritional value but also contributes additional textures, making your Teriyaki Bowl satisfying and wholesome for everyone.
Scaling the Recipe
Scaling this recipe for larger gatherings is straightforward. Simply double the ingredients proportionally, ensuring you have a sufficiently large skillet or consider using a wok to handle the increased volume. Cooking in smaller batches may yield better results if your pan is not large enough to hold everything at once.
When hosting, preparing the teriyaki sauce ahead of time and storing it in the fridge allows for a stress-free cooking experience. A well-made sauce can last up to a week in the refrigerator, giving you the flexibility to whip up this delicious meal quickly whenever the craving strikes.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet.
→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute.
→ Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Tofu, shrimp, or beef all work well in this recipe.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Teriyaki Chicken Broccoli Bowl
I absolutely love making this Teriyaki Chicken Broccoli Bowl for its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a savory teriyaki sauce creates a delightful dish that feels both satisfying and nutritious. It's a quick meal that I can whip up in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or when I crave something homemade. Plus, the rice adds a comforting touch that brings everything together beautifully.
What You'll Need
For the Bowl
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
How-To Steps
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, water, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the chicken is cooked, add broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and broccoli, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve the teriyaki chicken and broccoli over a bed of rice, garnished with sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the taste and tenderness of the chicken.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 890mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 30g