Quick Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy dinner option, this Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is an absolute winner. Bursting with flavor and packed with nutritious ingredients, it’s a weeknight meal you can whip up in no time. The tender chicken pairs perfectly with crisp broccoli, all coated in a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, this easy and flavorful stir fry recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Lightning-fast preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Healthy ingredients: Loaded with lean protein and crisp broccoli, offering a well-balanced meal.
• Simple pantry staples: Uses common ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
• Deliciously versatile: Perfect for customizing with extra veggies or different proteins.
• Kid-friendly flavors: Sweet and savory teriyaki sauce appeals to all ages.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple but essential to ensure each component shines just right. Each ingredient enhances the flavor, texture, or color, creating a perfectly harmonious dish.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, perfect for quick cooking.
• Fresh broccoli florets: Adds a satisfying crunch and vibrant green color.
• Soy sauce: Provides the salty, umami base of the teriyaki sauce.
• Honey or brown sugar: Brings the subtle sweetness essential for classic teriyaki.
• Garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics that make the flavor pop.
• Rice vinegar: Gives a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
• Sesame oil: Adds a toasted, nutty depth to the stir fry.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the teriyaki sauce perfectly.
• Green onions and sesame seeds: For garnish and added texture.

Variations for Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to get creative with what you have on hand or to cater to your dietary needs or flavor preferences.

• Swap proteins: Use tofu, shrimp, or beef strips for a different twist.
• Add extra veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots work beautifully for added crunch and color.
• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha for a little heat.
• Low-sugar option: Replace honey or sugar with a sugar substitute like monk fruit.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chopping broccoli into florets. Mince the garlic and ginger to have them ready for quick tossing into the pan.

Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a bit of cornstarch for thickening. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a splash of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli

In the same pan, add a little more sesame oil if needed, then toss in the broccoli. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until broccoli becomes bright green and tender-crisp.

Step 5: Combine and Coat with Sauce

Return the chicken to the pan with the broccoli. Pour in the teriyaki sauce and stir everything until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli beautifully, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, then serve immediately, ideally over steamed rice or noodles.

Pro Tips for Making Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

• Prep in advance: Chop veggies and sauces ahead to speed up the cooking process.
• High heat is key: Stir frying over high heat locks in that satisfying crunch on your broccoli.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
• Balance the sauce: Adjust sweetness or saltiness to your taste by tweaking honey or soy sauce amounts.
• Use fresh aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger make a noticeable flavor difference.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Garnishes

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions to add a fresh crunch and visual appeal. A light drizzle of sesame oil before serving can elevate the aroma too.

Side Dishes

This stir fry shines alongside steamed white or brown rice, but cauliflower rice or soba noodles also make excellent bases. Simple miso soup or an Asian cucumber salad round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in a vibrant bowl with a lemon wedge on the side for a fresh burst of acidity. For a fun twist, wrap leftovers in lettuce leaves for handheld bites or serve over quinoa to boost protein.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover stir fry in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken juicy and broccoli crisp enough for a quick reheat.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, avoid freezing broccoli-heavy portions if possible.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent broccoli from becoming mushy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, but frozen broccoli can be softer when cooked, so reduce cooking time slightly and avoid overcooking to maintain texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which are naturally gluten-free alternatives.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week for effortless cooking later.

What can I use instead of chicken?

Firm tofu, shrimp, or thinly sliced beef are fantastic alternatives that work well with the teriyaki sauce and broccoli.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mild by default but can easily be spiced up with crushed red pepper flakes, chili paste, or sriracha according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

This quick Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry is the perfect blend of speedy and satisfying, making it a go-to weeknight meal worth trying again and again. With minimal ingredients and fuss, it delivers maximum flavor and nutrition that will delight your taste buds and keep dinner simple.

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