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Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: dinner
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Stir Fry
  • 1 –1.25 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tbsp oil vegetable, avocado, or sesame
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup water
  • 3 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water for slurry
  • 1 tbsp mirin optional, but adds great flavor
For Serving
  • Cooked rice or noodles
  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small bowl (for teriyaki sauce)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Tongs

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden on the edges and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Professional Tip: Let the pan get hot before adding the chicken. This helps create a light sear and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.
Sauté Broccoli and Aromatics
  1. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the broccoli and cook for 3–4 minutes until it turns bright green and slightly tender.
  2. Add garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Aromatics like garlic and ginger elevate the entire dish—they bring the warmth and depth that teriyaki dishes are known for.
Make the Teriyaki Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, water, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir the cornstarch with water separately to form a slurry.
  2. Pour the soy mixture into the skillet over the broccoli, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. The sauce will thicken within 1–2 minutes.
  3. Insight: Using a slurry keeps the sauce glossy, smooth, and the perfect consistency to cling to the chicken and vegetables.
Combine Everything
  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat each piece in the teriyaki sauce.
  2. Let the stir fry simmer for 2 minutes so the flavors come together and everything heats through.
Serve and Garnish
  1. Serve hot over rice or noodles. Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for freshness and crunch.
  2. This dish is ready to enjoy immediately and tastes just as good the next day.