Tender pieces of chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce come together in this easy Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli recipe. It’s packed with sweet, savory, garlicky flavor and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Instead of ordering takeout, you can make this delicious meal at home in about 30 minutes. Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, cauliflower rice, or enjoy it on its own for a lighter meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in about 30 minutes
Uses simple ingredients
Homemade teriyaki sauce
Tender, juicy chicken
Crisp-tender broccoli
Great for meal prep
Easy to customize
Perfect for a quick family dinner

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon sesame oil, optional

For the Broccoli

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vegetable oil

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup honey or brown sugar
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

For Garnishing

1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 green onions, thinly sliced
A little freshly grated ginger, optional

Equipment

You’ll need:

Large skillet or wok
Small mixing bowl
Whisk
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

Cut it into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch cubes.

Place the chicken in a bowl and season with salt and black pepper.

Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and toss until each piece is lightly coated.

The cornstarch helps create a lightly crisp exterior while also helping the teriyaki sauce cling to the chicken.

Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

Soy sauce
Honey or brown sugar
Water
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Garlic
Ginger
Cornstarch
Red pepper flakes, if using

Whisk thoroughly until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.

Set the sauce aside.

Tip: Always stir the sauce again immediately before adding it to the pan because cornstarch can settle at the bottom.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the vegetable oil.

Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer.

Don’t overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in two batches.

Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.

Step 4: Cook the Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the same skillet.

Pour in approximately 2 tablespoons of water.

Cover the skillet and steam the broccoli for 2–3 minutes.

Remove the lid and continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes.

The broccoli should be bright green and tender-crisp rather than mushy.

Remove the broccoli from the pan and set aside with the chicken.

Step 5: Cook the Teriyaki Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium.

Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce into the skillet.

Stir continuously.

Within approximately 1–3 minutes, the sauce should begin to simmer and thicken.

It should become glossy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Be careful not to boil it aggressively because the sauce can become too thick.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet.

Toss everything together until the chicken and broccoli are completely coated in the teriyaki sauce.

Cook for another 1–2 minutes so the flavors can come together.

Remove from the heat.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the finished dish with:

Sesame seeds
Sliced green onions
Optional red pepper flakes

Serve immediately.

What to Serve With Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli

Classic Option

Serve over freshly steamed white rice or jasmine rice.

Healthier Option

Serve with:

Brown rice
Cauliflower rice
Quinoa
Steamed vegetables

Low-Carb Option

For a lower-carbohydrate meal, serve the chicken and broccoli over cauliflower rice.

You can also enjoy it by itself.

Noodle Option

Toss the finished chicken and broccoli with cooked ramen, udon, soba, or rice noodles.

Recipe Tips

Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Chicken breast can become dry if cooked for too long.

Cutting the chicken into evenly sized pieces helps everything cook at the same rate.

Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are more forgiving than chicken breast and remain juicy even when cooked slightly longer.

Don’t Overcook the Broccoli

The best broccoli should still have a little bite.

Overcooked broccoli becomes soft and watery and won’t provide the contrast you want in this dish.

Make the Sauce Ahead

The teriyaki sauce can be prepared several days ahead and kept refrigerated in an airtight container.

Whisk it again before using.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Too much chicken in the skillet causes it to steam rather than brown.

Cook in batches if necessary.

Easy Variations

Spicy Teriyaki Chicken

Add:

½–1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon sriracha
A small amount of chili garlic sauce

Adjust the heat to your preference.

Teriyaki Chicken With Vegetables

Add other vegetables such as:

Bell peppers
Carrots
Mushrooms
Snow peas
Zucchini
Baby corn
Onions

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

Add chunks of fresh or canned pineapple during the final few minutes of cooking.

The sweet pineapple pairs beautifully with the savory sauce.

Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Skip the rice and spoon the chicken and broccoli into crisp lettuce leaves.

Top with sesame seeds and green onions for an easy lighter meal.

Storage

Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a small splash of water.

You can also microwave individual portions until heated through.

Freezing Instructions

For best texture, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from freshly cooked broccoli if possible.

Place the cooled chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container.

Freeze for up to approximately 2–3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.

Fresh broccoli can then be steamed and added during reheating.

Meal Prep Instructions

This recipe works particularly well for meal prep.

Divide the cooked chicken and broccoli among four containers.

Add your choice of:

Rice
Cauliflower rice
Quinoa
Mixed vegetables

Keep refrigerated and reheat individual portions when needed.

For the best texture, slightly undercook the broccoli during the initial preparation so it doesn’t become too soft when reheated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes. Chicken thighs are excellent in this recipe and tend to be especially juicy.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely. Frozen broccoli works well. Add it directly to the skillet and cook until heated through and tender.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Also check that your other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I make this without honey?

Yes. Brown sugar, maple syrup, or another preferred sweetener can be used. The flavor will vary slightly depending on the substitute.

Why is my teriyaki sauce too thick?

The cornstarch may have thickened the sauce more than expected. Add a tablespoon or two of water and stir over low heat until you reach the desired consistency.

Why is my sauce too thin?

Let it simmer gently for another minute or two. If it still isn’t thick enough, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and add it gradually.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving, without rice:

Calories: 400–450
Protein: 40–45 g
Carbohydrates: 25–30 g
Fat: 15–18 g
Fiber: 4–5 g

Nutrition will vary depending on the chicken cut, sweetener, sauce quantities, and serving size.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Course: Dinner

Final Thoughts

This homemade Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli is an easy way to bring takeout-style flavor to your kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a glossy sweet-and-savory sauce makes it satisfying enough for a family dinner while remaining simple enough for a busy weeknight.