Introduction
Craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that rivals your favorite takeout? Look no further than this Easy Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli. Often dubbed “crack chicken” for its irresistible taste, this dish combines tender chicken pieces with crisp broccoli florets, all coated in a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions.
This recipe not only delivers on taste but also offers a healthier alternative to restaurant versions. By using low-sodium soy and teriyaki sauces, and controlling the amount of added sugar, you can enjoy this delightful dish guilt-free. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Produce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 4 cups broccoli florets
Condiments
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium teriyaki sauce
Baking & Spices
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Oils & Vinegars
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the Chicken: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Season: In a bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Sauté: Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, honey, minced garlic, and sesame oil.
- Thicken: In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water. Add this slurry to the saucepan.
- Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
- Steam: In a separate pot, steam the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them with a splash of water for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Mix: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the steamed broccoli and pour the teriyaki sauce over the top.
- Toss: Gently toss everything together until the chicken and broccoli are well-coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or your preferred base.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh. Ensure you press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for heat.
- Extra Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added nutrition and color.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and flour alternatives like rice flour or cornstarch for dredging.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
10 FAQs
- Can I use frozen broccoli?
- Yes, just ensure it’s thawed and drained before adding to the dish.
- Is there a substitute for honey?
- Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Absolutely. Prepare and store as directed; reheat when ready to serve.
- What can I serve this with besides rice?
- Noodles, quinoa, or cauliflower rice are great options.
- Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
- Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- How can I make the sauce thicker?
- Increase the amount of cornstarch slurry added to the sauce.
- Is this dish spicy?
- No, but you can add spice with chili flakes or hot sauce if desired.
- Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
- Yes, but homemade sauce allows for better control over ingredients and taste.
- What’s the best way to cut the chicken?
- Slice against the grain into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy?
- Ensure the oil is hot before adding the chicken, and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Conclusion
This Easy Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, offering a healthier and more affordable alternative to takeout. Its quick preparation time and versatility make it a staple for busy households. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or simply satisfying a craving, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s both comforting and nourishing.
Easy Teriyaki Chicken (a.k.a. Crack Chicken) with Broccoli
Craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that rivals your favorite takeout? Look no further than this Easy Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli. Often dubbed “crack chicken” for its irresistible taste, this dish combines tender chicken pieces with crisp broccoli florets, all coated in a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions.
This recipe not only delivers on taste but also offers a healthier alternative to restaurant versions. By using low-sodium soy and teriyaki sauces, and controlling the amount of added sugar, you can enjoy this delightful dish guilt-free. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Produce
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 4 cups broccoli florets
Condiments
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium teriyaki sauce
Baking & Spices
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Oils & Vinegars
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for cooking
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the Chicken: Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Season: In a bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Sauté: Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, honey, minced garlic, and sesame oil.
- Thicken: In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water. Add this slurry to the saucepan.
- Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
- Steam: In a separate pot, steam the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave them with a splash of water for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Mix: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the steamed broccoli and pour the teriyaki sauce over the top.
- Toss: Gently toss everything together until the chicken and broccoli are well-coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or your preferred base.
Notes
Variations
Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh. Ensure you press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for heat. Extra Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added nutrition and color. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and flour alternatives like rice flour or cornstarch for dredging. Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. 10 FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, just ensure it’s thawed and drained before adding to the dish. Is there a substitute for honey? Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely. Prepare and store as directed; reheat when ready to serve. What can I serve this with besides rice? Noodles, quinoa, or cauliflower rice are great options. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying? Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. How can I make the sauce thicker? Increase the amount of cornstarch slurry added to the sauce. Is this dish spicy? No, but you can add spice with chili flakes or hot sauce if desired. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce? Yes, but homemade sauce allows for better control over ingredients and taste. What’s the best way to cut the chicken? Slice against the grain into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy? Ensure the oil is hot before adding the chicken, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Conclusion
This Easy Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, offering a healthier and more affordable alternative to takeout. Its quick preparation time and versatility make it a staple for busy households. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or simply satisfying a craving, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s both comforting and nourishing.
Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh. Ensure you press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for heat. Extra Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added nutrition and color. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and flour alternatives like rice flour or cornstarch for dredging. Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. 10 FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, just ensure it’s thawed and drained before adding to the dish. Is there a substitute for honey? Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely. Prepare and store as directed; reheat when ready to serve. What can I serve this with besides rice? Noodles, quinoa, or cauliflower rice are great options. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying? Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. How can I make the sauce thicker? Increase the amount of cornstarch slurry added to the sauce. Is this dish spicy? No, but you can add spice with chili flakes or hot sauce if desired. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce? Yes, but homemade sauce allows for better control over ingredients and taste. What’s the best way to cut the chicken? Slice against the grain into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy? Ensure the oil is hot before adding the chicken, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Conclusion
This Easy Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, offering a healthier and more affordable alternative to takeout. Its quick preparation time and versatility make it a staple for busy households. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or simply satisfying a craving, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s both comforting and nourishing.