Tasty Teriyaki Chicken with Sesame Rice and Broccoli

Teriyaki Chicken with Sesame Rice and Broccoli is a delicious and healthy Japanese-inspired dish that balances the savory and sweet flavors of teriyaki sauce with the nutty taste of sesame in perfectly steamed rice, accompanied by vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners and will satisfy all family members’ taste buds.

Ingredients:

For the Teriyaki Chicken:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine) or honey
– 1/4 cup sake or chicken broth
– 3 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
– 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
– 1 tbsp sesame oil
– 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
– 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

For the Sesame Rice:
– 2 cups jasmine rice or short-grain sushi rice
– 2 1/4 cups water
– 1 tbsp sesame oil
– 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

For the Steamed Broccoli:
– 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
– 1/2 cup water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– A squeeze of lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
1. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin (or honey), sake (or chicken broth), brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

2. Cook the Rice:
1. While the chicken is marinating, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice has absorbed all the water.
4. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in the sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds.

3. Cook the Chicken:
1. Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Reserve the marinade.
3. Cook the chicken in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened.

4. Steam the Broccoli:
1. In a steamer or a pot with a steaming basket, bring 1/2 cup water to a boil.
2. Add the broccoli florets, cover, and steam for about 5 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
3. Season with salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

5. Assemble the Dish:
1. Slice the cooked chicken breasts and drizzle with the thickened teriyaki sauce.
2. Serve the sliced chicken over the sesame rice alongside the steamed broccoli.
3. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Enjoy your Tasty Teriyaki Chicken with Sesame Rice and Broccoli, a fulfilling and flavorful meal that’s sure to be a hit!