Delight your taste buds with the tantalizing flavors of Quick Chicken & Broccoli Teriyaki, a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines tender chicken breast, vibrant broccoli, and a savory teriyaki sauce to create a wholesome and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up this flavorful dish in no time. Join me as we embark on a culinary adventure and discover the joy of homemade teriyaki goodness.
Ingredients:
Meat:
- 2 1/2 lbs Chicken breast, organic
Produce:
- 14 oz Broccoli, fresh
- 1 tbsp Garlic
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp Ginger, fresh
Condiments:
- 1/2 cup Soy sauce
Baking & Spices:
- 1 tsp Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 Red pepper flakes
Oils & Vinegars:
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 tbsp Sesame oil
Liquids:
- 1/4 cup Water
Instructions:
- Prep Ingredients: Begin by thinly slicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger, and cut the broccoli into florets.
- Make Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, minced ginger, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and water. Set the sauce aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add Broccoli: Once the chicken is cooked, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Incorporate Sauce: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken and broccoli in the skillet. Stir well to ensure that the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Quick Chicken & Broccoli Teriyaki hot, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles if desired.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute the chicken breast with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish. Follow the same cooking instructions, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
- Extra Crunch: For added texture, toss in some sliced water chestnuts or bamboo shoots along with the broccoli.
- Sweet and Sour: For a tangier flavor profile, add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice to the teriyaki sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that the cornstarch is gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? A: Yes, frozen broccoli can be used as a convenient alternative. Simply thaw it before adding it to the skillet, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: Can I prepare the teriyaki sauce in advance? A: Absolutely! The teriyaki sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good stir before using it in the recipe.
Q: Is there a substitute for cornstarch? A: Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can be used as alternatives to cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make this dish keto-friendly, substitute the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Serve the chicken and broccoli over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to reduce the carb content.
- Low-Carb Version: To reduce the carb count, omit the brown sugar entirely from the teriyaki sauce. Serve the dish over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb alternative to rice or noodles.
Quick Chicken & Broccoli Teriyaki is a delicious and nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving a quick and flavorful dinner. With its tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and savory teriyaki sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences and needs. So why wait? Try this recipe today and treat yourself to a delightful culinary experience that’s as quick as it is delicious!
