If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on your plate, the Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber Recipe is absolutely your go-to. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken coated in a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce paired with perfectly steamed fluffy rice, crisp green broccoli, and refreshing cucumber slices that add a delightful crunch. The harmonious balance between sweet, savory, and fresh elements makes every bite truly unforgettable, whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s enhancing flavor, adding texture, or providing a pop of color to make your plate as inviting as it tastes.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Opt for boneless and skinless for easy slicing and consistent cooking.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The foundation of the teriyaki sauce, bringing that classic umami flavor without overpowering saltiness.
- Honey or brown sugar: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the tangy and salty notes perfectly.
- Rice vinegar: Delivers a subtle acidity that brightens the sauce’s complexity.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash imparts a toasty, nutty aroma that takes the sauce over the top.
- Minced garlic and grated fresh ginger: Fresh aromatics that infuse the sauce with bold depth and zing.
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce to a luscious, glossy finish.
- Vegetable oil: For searing the chicken to a golden-brown perfection.
- Cooked rice: Either white or brown, providing the soft base to soak up the glorious sauce.
- Broccoli florets: Steamed just right to maintain a vibrant green color and satisfying crunch.
- Thinly sliced cucumber: Offers a cool, refreshing contrast that brightens each bite.
- Sesame seeds and green onions (optional): Finishing touches that add irresistible texture and visual appeal.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
Begin by whisking together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. This easy teriyaki sauce blend is where all the savory-sweet magic starts, so giving it a good mix is key to balanced flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken thighs or breasts and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautifully golden-brown crust and cooked-through interior. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and slice it into bite-sized strips—this makes it perfect for draping over the rice later.
Step 3: Thicken the Teriyaki Sauce
Pour the previously prepared teriyaki sauce mixture into the same skillet to catch those delicious browned bits left from cooking the chicken. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Keep simmering for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a silky glaze. Return the sliced chicken to the pan and toss generously to coat all pieces in that luscious sauce.
Step 4: Steam the Broccoli
While the sauce thickens, steam broccoli florets for 4 to 5 minutes until they turn a vibrant green and achieve a tender-crisp texture. Steaming just right is crucial because you want broccoli that brightens the dish visually and adds a satisfying bite without becoming mushy.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Arrange bowls by dividing the cooked rice evenly. Top generously with the teriyaki-glazed chicken, steamed broccoli, and thin cucumber slices for a fresh crunch. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top for an extra flavor boost, and sprinkle on sesame seeds and green onions if you like for a beautiful finish.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions elevate this dish both visually and texturally. The sesame seeds add a subtle crunch while the green onions contribute a pop of mild, fresh flavor that complements the rich teriyaki sauce wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This meal is a complete plate on its own, but you can add sides such as pickled ginger, edamame, or sliced avocado to introduce more texture and brighten flavors. These additions create exciting contrasts and make your meal feel even more special without complicating the preparation.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve your Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber Recipe in pretty bowls with compartments or bento-style boxes. Layer the ingredients so colors contrast vividly—emerald broccoli, glossy chicken, and crisp cucumber all neatly arranged. This presentation makes the dish as delightful to the eyes as to the palate, perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Keeping the sauce separate from the rice and vegetables can help maintain the freshness and prevent sogginess, but it’s perfectly fine to toss it all together too if you plan to eat within a day or two.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions for future meals, place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Keep rice and steamed vegetables separate as they freeze and reheat better when divided. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the frozen or refrigerated teriyaki chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid drying it out, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. For the rice and broccoli, a quick microwave warm-up or gentle steaming works best to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well in this Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber Recipe. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, but breasts are leaner and cook a bit faster. Just be careful not to overcook to keep the chicken tender.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply swap the low-sodium soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative. This keeps all the great flavor without any gluten, making the dish accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
While the classic recipe centers on chicken, you can substitute firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option. Just marinate and cook them similarly, and follow the same steps for the sauce and sides for a delicious vegan-friendly twist.
How do I keep the broccoli bright green and crisp?
Steaming broccoli for only 4 to 5 minutes is ideal. Be sure to stop cooking once it turns vibrant green and tender-crisp by immediately rinsing it under cold water or removing it from heat. Overcooking can make it mushy and dull in color.
What’s the best way to get sticky teriyaki sauce consistency?
The cornstarch slurry is your secret weapon. Stir it in after the sauce starts simmering and let it thicken gently for 2 to 3 minutes. This ensures a glossy, clingy sauce that beautifully coats the chicken without being runny.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about sitting down to a bowl of homemade Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber Recipe. It’s dependable, comforting, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re new to making teriyaki at home or a seasoned fan, this recipe is a surefire way to brighten your dinner table and nourish your soul. I hope you enjoy making it as much as eating it!
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Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
A delicious and healthy Teriyaki Chicken bowl served with steamed rice, tender-crisp broccoli, and fresh cucumber slices. This Asian-inspired recipe features juicy chicken thighs cooked in a homemade teriyaki sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the chicken and teriyaki sauce:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the sides:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the teriyaki sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set this mixture aside while you cook the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs or breasts and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, until fully cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice into strips.
- Make the teriyaki glaze: In the same skillet, pour in the prepared teriyaki sauce mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue simmering for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glaze.
- Coat the chicken with sauce: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the thickened teriyaki sauce.
- Steam broccoli: While the sauce thickens, steam the broccoli florets for 4–5 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Top each bowl with the teriyaki chicken slices, steamed broccoli, and fresh cucumber slices. Drizzle extra teriyaki sauce over the top and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Add sliced avocado, pickled ginger, or edamame for extra texture and flavor.
- This dish reheats well and is great for meal prepping ahead of time.
