Name: Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-483539H41M27S
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 6 oz each); 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce); 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 1/2 cups jasmine or white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option); 2 cups water (for cooking the rice); 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 small cucumber, sliced thinly; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish); 2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Looking for a dinner that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and totally satisfying? Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber has everything you need: juicy, tender chicken glazed in a savory-sweet homemade teriyaki sauce, served alongside fluffy steamed rice, perfectly steamed broccoli, and crisp cucumber. This dish is light yet filling, vibrant, and just the right balance of sweet and savory. You’ll love how simple it is, but how it tastes like a restaurant-quality meal. Trust me, your taste buds will be dancing!

Why You’ll Love Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber

This dish is like a little taste of Japan right in your kitchen, and here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite:

Quick & Easy

The recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You get a complete meal with minimal effort—and who doesn’t love that?

Flavor Explosion

The teriyaki sauce is the star here—sweet, salty, and slightly tangy with just the right amount of depth. It’s the perfect complement to the tender chicken and the fresh vegetables.

Healthy & Light

Packed with lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the broccoli, and refreshing crunch from the cucumber, this meal is light but filling. It’s a wholesome dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Customizable

Want to switch things up? You can easily adjust the vegetables to your liking—add bell peppers, snap peas, or even carrots. You can also make it spicy by adding a little chili sauce to the teriyaki glaze.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create this delicious meal:

For the Teriyaki Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Chicken is a lean, versatile protein that soaks up the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
Soy sauce: The foundation of the teriyaki sauce, giving it that savory, umami-rich flavor.

Honey or brown sugar: For a touch of sweetness that balances out the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Rice vinegar: Adds a bit of tang to the sauce, cutting through the sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the teriyaki sauce a deep, aromatic kick.

Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and a hint of spice to the sauce.
Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce and give it that glossy, syrupy texture.

For the Steamed Rice:

Jasmine rice or white rice: These rice varieties are fluffy and fragrant, the perfect pairing for teriyaki chicken.

Water: To cook the rice to tender perfection.

For the Vegetables:

Broccoli florets: Steamed broccoli adds a fresh, crunchy element to the dish. It’s lightly cooked to retain its vibrant color and crispness.
Cucumber: Sliced cucumber adds a refreshing crunch, balancing the richness of the teriyaki chicken.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice

Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, then add 1 cup of rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.

2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Once it starts simmering, mix in a slurry made with cornstarch and water (about 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water). Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts (or thighs) and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

4. Steam the Broccoli

While the chicken is cooking, steam the broccoli florets in a steaming basket over boiling water for about 4-5 minutes, or until tender but still bright green. If you don’t have a steamer, you can simply blanch the broccoli in boiling water for a couple of minutes.

5. Assemble the Dish

Now that everything is cooked, it’s time to bring it all together! Start with a serving of steamed rice on each plate. Top with sliced teriyaki chicken, a generous drizzle of the teriyaki sauce, and a side of steamed broccoli. Add the cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your delicious Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber immediately. If you like, sprinkle a little sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for a little extra flavor and garnish.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 380
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 920mg
Total Carbohydrates: 39g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 32g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber

This dish is hearty enough on its own but pairs well with other sides for an even more rounded meal:

Miso Soup

Start your meal with a small bowl of warm miso soup for an authentic touch.

Pickled Vegetables

Serve with a side of pickled vegetables to add some tangy contrast to the rich, savory teriyaki chicken.

Seaweed Salad

A fresh seaweed salad with a light sesame dressing complements the flavors of the teriyaki chicken and adds a satisfying texture.

Steamed Dumplings

A few steamed dumplings or potstickers on the side would be a great addition for a little extra bite and flavor.

Additional Tips

Make It Spicy

If you love spice, add some red pepper flakes or chili paste to the teriyaki sauce. It’ll add a nice kick without overpowering the sweetness.

Marinate the Chicken

For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This will allow the flavors to soak in deeply.

Use Brown Rice

For a healthier twist, swap the white rice for brown rice. It adds extra fiber and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the teriyaki chicken.

Double the Sauce

If you love extra sauce, feel free to double the ingredients for the teriyaki sauce. You can drizzle it over the rice, chicken, and veggies for an even more flavorful meal.

Customize Your Vegetables

Feel free to swap out the broccoli or cucumber for your favorite veggies. Bell peppers, snap peas, or even spinach would be great additions.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative, and they stay extra juicy. Just cook them the same way as the breasts.

Q2: Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
A2: Sure! While homemade teriyaki sauce is fantastic, store-bought works just as well if you’re short on time.

Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the chicken, rice, and veggies ahead of time. Just reheat everything and drizzle with sauce when you’re ready to serve.

Q4: How can I make the teriyaki sauce thicker?
A4: If you want a thicker sauce, simply add a little more cornstarch to your slurry mixture or let it simmer longer to reduce.

Q5: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A5: Yes! You can swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture.

Q6: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A6: Yes, frozen broccoli works too. Just steam it according to the package directions, but fresh broccoli tends to hold up better in texture.

Q7: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A7: Definitely! Brown rice will add a bit more texture and a nutty flavor, and it’s a healthier option.

Q8: How long will leftovers keep?
A8: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little extra sauce.

Q9: Can I freeze this dish?
A9: Yes, you can freeze the chicken and rice separately, but it’s best to keep the vegetables and cucumbers fresh. Just freeze the chicken and rice for up to 3 months.

Q10: How can I make the dish spicier?
A10: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick. You can also add some sliced jalapeños as a garnish.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber is the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again. It’s easy, healthy, flavorful, and satisfying. With the sweet, savory teriyaki glaze, tender chicken, and crisp veggies, it’s a dish that’ll have your whole family asking for seconds. Enjoy this flavorful and comforting meal!

Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber