Making delicious Teriyaki Chicken and Steamed Broccoli at home is easier than you might think! This recipe is broken down into simple steps to ensure perfect results every time. Follow these instructions carefully to create a flavorful and healthy meal that your whole family will love.

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Marinade

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, mirin, sake, and packed brown sugar. Ensure the brown sugar is fully dissolved into the liquid mixture. This combination of ingredients forms the foundation of our classic teriyaki flavor profile, balancing savory, sweet, and umami notes.

Next, add the freshly grated ginger and minced garlic to the bowl. The ginger should be finely grated to release its aromatic oils and ensure it incorporates smoothly into the marinade. Mince the garlic finely as well, to maximize its flavor infusion. Stir these aromatic ingredients into the sauce base until well combined. The ginger and garlic are key to adding depth and complexity to the teriyaki sauce, elevating it beyond simple sweetness and saltiness.

Finally, whisk in the toasted sesame oil. Just a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil goes a long way in adding a rich, nutty aroma and flavor to the marinade. This oil enhances the overall Asian-inspired flavor of the dish. Give the marinade one final whisk to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and ready to work their magic on the chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared teriyaki marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken to help it penetrate deeply and thoroughly. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor and tenderizing it.

Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for 1 to 4 hours for maximum flavor absorption. The longer marinating time allows the teriyaki flavors to fully penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product. While 30 minutes will impart flavor, a longer marinade time significantly enhances the taste. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will make a noticeable difference.

Step 3: Cook the Teriyaki Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the chicken from sticking. Parchment paper also helps in even cooking and prevents the chicken from browning too quickly on the bottom.

Remove the marinated chicken from the bag or dish, letting any excess marinade drip off. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can steam the chicken instead of roasting it. If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure the chicken has enough space.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of a chicken thigh to ensure it’s safely cooked. The chicken should be nicely browned and cooked through.

Step 4: Steam the Broccoli

While the chicken is baking, prepare the broccoli. There are several ways to steam broccoli, but a simple and effective method is using a steamer basket or a microwave.

• Steamer Basket Method: Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket and set it over the boiling water. Cover the pot and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and bright green. Steaming retains the nutrients and vibrant color of the broccoli while cooking it to a perfect tender-crisp texture. Avoid over-steaming, which can make the broccoli mushy.
• Microwave Method: Place the broccoli florets in a microwave-safe dish with about 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (venting a corner). Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Microwaving is a quick and convenient way to steam broccoli, especially for a fast weeknight meal. Check for doneness after 3 minutes and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals if needed.

Once the broccoli is steamed to your desired tenderness, remove it from the steamer or microwave and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Teriyaki Glaze

While the chicken is baking and broccoli is steaming, it’s time to transform the remaining marinade into a delicious teriyaki glaze. Pour the remaining teriyaki marinade from the chicken bag or dish into a small saucepan. Bring the marinade to a simmer over medium heat.

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Make sure there are no lumps in the cornstarch slurry. This slurry is the key to thickening the marinade into a glossy glaze.

Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering marinade, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to simmer and whisk for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a glaze consistency. The sauce should be glossy and able to coat the back of a spoon. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water at a time to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Glaze the Chicken and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven. Brush the cooked teriyaki glaze generously over the baked chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated with the glossy sauce. The glaze will add a beautiful shine and intensify the teriyaki flavor.

Return the glazed chicken to the oven and bake for another 2-3 minutes to allow the glaze to set and caramelize slightly. Keep a close eye on the chicken during this final baking step to prevent the glaze from burning.

Remove the Teriyaki Chicken from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful chicken.

To serve, arrange the steamed broccoli on plates and top with the glazed Teriyaki Chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for added flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Teriyaki Chicken and Steamed Broccoli!