why make this recipe
This Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli & Cucumber is quick, tasty, and balanced. It gives sweet and savory chicken, bright steamed broccoli, fresh cucumber, and soft rice in one bowl. If you like simple weeknight meals, this dish is a good pick. You can also try a creamy pasta version for a different weeknight dinner: creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta.
introduction
This bowl pairs sticky teriyaki chicken with steamed broccoli, sliced cucumber, and plain rice. The sauce is made from soy, garlic, honey, and a little vinegar. It cooks fast and uses simple ingredients. If you want another easy chicken-and-rice idea, see this cheesy chicken and rice recipe.
how to make Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli & Cucumber
- Rinse the rice and cook it as the package says.
- Lightly steam broccoli for 4–5 minutes until it is tender but still bright green.
- In a small pan, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, and rice vinegar. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce and cook until thick.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a pan. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through (about 6–7 minutes per side).
- Slice the chicken into chunks. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the pan and toss to coat.
- Divide rice into bowls. Add glazed chicken, steamed broccoli, and sliced cucumber. Serve right away.
Ingredients :
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, Salt and pepper to taste, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 2 cups broccoli florets, 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced, 1 cup uncooked short-grain white rice, 1 garlic clove, minced, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey (or brown sugar), 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
Directions :
Rinse rice and cook according to package instructions. Lightly steam broccoli for 4–5 minutes until tender but bright green. In a small pan, simmer soy sauce, garlic, honey, and rice vinegar for 2 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a pan and sear chicken until golden and cooked through (6–7 min per side). Slice into chunks. Pour teriyaki sauce over chicken in the pan, tossing to coat evenly. Divide rice into bowls, add glazed chicken, steamed broccoli, and sliced cucumber. Serve immediately.
how to serve Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli & Cucumber
Serve the rice warm in a bowl. Place the glazed chicken on top. Add steamed broccoli to one side and cucumber slices to the other. Drizzle any extra sauce over rice. Add sesame seeds or chopped green onions if you like. For a different side idea, see this creamy pasta dish: creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta.
how to store Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli & Cucumber
Cool the chicken and rice to room temperature within two hours. Store in airtight containers. Keep chicken and rice together or separate for best texture. Use within 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat in a pan or microwave until hot. Do not refreeze after thawing.
tips to make Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli & Cucumber
- Pat chicken dry before cooking to get a better sear.
- Taste the sauce and adjust honey or soy to your liking.
- Make the cornstarch slurry slowly and stir well so the sauce does not get lumps.
- Cut cucumber thin to add a fresh crunch without overpowering the bowl.
variation (if any)
- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.
- Add sliced bell peppers or shredded carrots for more color.
- Swap chicken for tofu or salmon for a different protein.
- Make it spicier by adding a little sriracha to the sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Thaw or steam frozen broccoli until heated and tender. Do not overcook.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Make the sauce and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and pour over cooked chicken.
Q: Is honey necessary?
A: Honey adds sweetness and shine, but you can use brown sugar or maple syrup instead.
Q: How can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
If you want a similar take with extra peppers and a spicy cucumber side, check this variation: Sticky Teriyaki Chicken with Red Peppers & Spicy Cucumbers.
Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli & Cucumber
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse the rice and cook it according to package instructions.
- Lightly steam broccoli for 4-5 minutes until tender but still bright green.
- In a small pan, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, and rice vinegar. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce and cook until thick.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a pan. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side).
- Slice the chicken into chunks. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken in the pan and toss to coat.
- Divide rice into bowls. Add glazed chicken, steamed broccoli, and sliced cucumber. Serve right away.