30 Minute Teriyaki Chicken with Sesame Ginger Broccoli.
This 30 Minute Teriyaki Chicken with Sesame Ginger Broccoli is your new weeknight hero! It combines tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, all topped off with vibrant, crunchy broccoli. In just half an hour, you can whip up a meal that feels like a special occasion but is easy enough for a regular Tuesday night. The addition of fresh ginger and a hint of spice from Fresno chile peppers elevates the dish, while sesame oil brings a nutty finish that ties everything together. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this quick and delicious dish!
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is not only quick and easy, but it’s also incredibly versatile. The flavors are vibrant and comforting, making it a perfect meal for busy nights when you want something that feels special without taking hours in the kitchen. The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce pairs perfectly with the sesame ginger broccoli, creating a balance of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
Ingredient Rundown
To create this delicious 30 Minute Teriyaki Chicken with Sesame Ginger Broccoli, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce: The base of your teriyaki sauce, providing umami flavor without being overly salty.
- 1/3 cup honey: Adds sweetness to balance the savory soy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger: Brings a warm, spicy aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated: Infuses the dish with a savory depth.
- 1 Fresno chile pepper, seeded and diced: Offers a mild heat that brightens the dish without overwhelming it.
- 1/4 cup sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor.
- 1 pound chicken breast or thighs: The protein that will soak up all those delicious teriyaki flavors.
- 1/2 pineapple, cut into half moons: A sweet addition that complements the savory chicken perfectly.
- 2 bunches broccoli or broccolini, cut into florets: Provides a crunchy contrast and a pop of color.
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds: For garnish and a little extra crunch.
- Kosher salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors.
- Lime wedges, cilantro, and rice for serving: Fresh garnishes that add brightness and balance to the meal.
Equipment at a Glance
- Large skillet or wok: Perfect for sautéing the chicken and broccoli.
- Cutting board and knife: Essential for prepping your ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure you get the right amounts for your sauce and other ingredients.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring and flipping the chicken.
- Serving platter: To present your dish beautifully.
30 Minute Teriyaki Chicken with Sesame Ginger Broccoli. — Do This Next
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and diced Fresno chile pepper. This mixture will be the star of your dish, so make sure it’s well combined!
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken, seasoned with a pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly and allow it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
While the chicken is simmering, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir to combine, and let them cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
Step 5: Add Pineapple
In the last minute of cooking, add the pineapple half moons to the skillet. Toss gently to heat through and allow the pineapple to caramelize slightly.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds. Serve your teriyaki chicken and broccoli over a bed of rice, garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Make It Year-Round
No matter the season, this dish remains a winner. Here are some ideas to keep it fresh throughout the year:
- Seasonal Vegetables: Swap out broccoli for green beans in the summer or Brussels sprouts in the fall.
- Fruit Variations: In the winter, try adding sliced oranges or mandarin segments for a citrusy twist.
- Protein Swaps: Use shrimp, tofu, or beef for variety, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.
- Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with different spices or sauces, like adding a splash of rice vinegar or hoisin sauce for depth.
Missteps & Fixes
Even the best cooks have their off days! Here are some common missteps and how to fix them:
- Too Salty: If the dish turns out too salty, add a splash of water or more honey to balance it out.
- Chicken Not Cooked Through: Ensure the chicken is cut into even pieces to cook uniformly, and always check the internal temperature.
- Broccoli Overcooked: Keep a close eye on the broccoli and remove it from the heat as soon as it turns bright green to maintain its crunch.
- Sauce Too Thin: If the sauce isn’t thickening, let it simmer for a few extra minutes or mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to thicken it up.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
To ensure your delicious 30 Minute Teriyaki Chicken with Sesame Ginger Broccoli lasts, follow these tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken and broccoli in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Your Top Questions
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked chicken can save you some steps. Just add it to the sauce to heat through, reducing the cooking time accordingly.
What can I serve with this dish besides rice?
While rice is a classic pairing, you can also serve this dish over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even as a filling in lettuce wraps for a fresh twist.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! If you love heat, keep the seeds in the Fresno chile pepper or add some red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for an extra kick.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can also cut into a piece to ensure it’s no longer pink in the center.
Serve & Enjoy
Now that you have mastered this 30 Minute Teriyaki Chicken with Sesame Ginger Broccoli, it’s time to dig in! Serve it up warm with your favorite sides, and don’t forget the lime wedges and fresh cilantro for that extra pop of flavor. This dish is sure to become a staple in your household, bringing smiles and satisfied bellies around the dinner table. Enjoy every bite of this delightful meal and savor the flavors you created in just 30 minutes!
30 Minute Teriyaki Chicken with Sesame Ginger Broccoli.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and diced Fresno chile pepper. This mixture will be the star of your dish, so make sure it’s well combined!
- Step 2: Heat the Skillet. In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken, seasoned with a pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 3: Add the Sauce. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly and allow it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
- Step 4: Cook the Broccoli. While the chicken is simmering, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir to combine, and let them cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Add Pineapple. In the last minute of cooking, add the pineapple half moons to the skillet. Toss gently to heat through and allow the pineapple to caramelize slightly.
- Step 6: Serve It Up. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds. Serve your teriyaki chicken and broccoli over a bed of rice, garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze chicken and broccoli for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water.
