Imagine digging into a bowl that’s bursting with color, savory aromas, and layers of fresh flavor—this is exactly what you get with Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy meal with friends, this dish is as nourishing as it is delicious. Tender chicken thighs glisten with a sweet and tangy homemade teriyaki glaze, nestled beside fluffy rice, crisp steamed broccoli, and refreshing cucumber slices. Every bite feels both comforting and exciting, making it a staple recipe you’ll return to whenever you’re after something truly special.

Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its straightforward, pantry-friendly lineup. Each ingredient has a key role, building layers of texture and taste that make Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber irresistibly satisfying.

Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, thighs soak up the teriyaki sauce beautifully—breasts can also work if you prefer a leaner option.
Vegetable oil: Perfect for searing the chicken for that golden, flavorful crust without smoking up your kitchen.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Forms the savory backbone of your homemade teriyaki, letting you control the saltiness.
Honey: Natural sweetness balances the salty and tangy flavors, giving the sauce a glossy finish.
Brown sugar: Adds depth and that classic rich caramel note to the sauce.
Rice vinegar: Lends a gentle tang, brightening up the sauce and cutting through the richness.
Sesame oil: Just a splash infuses the dish with warm, toasty undertones signature to Asian cuisine.
Garlic (minced): The fragrant foundation that brings lively aroma and subtle heat.
Fresh ginger (grated): Offers a refreshing zing—fresh is best, but ground will do in a pinch.
Cornstarch + water: This easy slurry gives the sauce a gorgeous, silky thickness that clings to every bite.
Jasmine or white rice (cooked): A tender, neutral base that soaks up the teriyaki flavors while keeping the bowl hearty.
Broccoli florets (steamed): Adds crunch, vibrant green color, and a healthy veggie boost.
Cucumber (thinly sliced): Cool, crisp, and the ultimate palate refresher alongside the rich chicken.
Sesame seeds & green onions (garnish): Classic toppings that add nutty crunch and a pop of color.

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

Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

Start by combining soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and fresh ginger in a small saucepan. Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to help the sugars dissolve. This magical mix forms the base of your Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Step 2: Thicken the Sauce

Once it’s simmering, whisk in the cornstarch-water slurry. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens to a glossy, spoon-coating texture—it usually only takes a minute or two. This step is where everything comes together, turning a fragrant liquid into that signature shiny glaze you’ll want to drizzle on everything.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay down your chicken thighs and let them sizzle, about 5–6 minutes per side, until they develop a gorgeous brown crust and are cooked through. The sizzling sound and savory aroma are your cues that something amazing is about to hit your bowl.

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken

Lower the heat and pour the teriyaki sauce all over the chicken. Simmer for a few minutes, turning the chicken so every piece gets beautifully coated. This step melds the flavors, making each bite wonderfully rich and caramelized. When done, remove from the heat and slice the chicken into strips.

Step 5: Steam the Rice and Broccoli

While the chicken works its magic, get your rice and broccoli ready. Fluffy jasmine or white rice serves as the cushion for all the tasty toppings, and steamed broccoli gives the bowl its gorgeous green vibrancy and crunch. Pro tip: steaming the broccoli just until bright green keeps it crisp and tasty.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowls

Get ready for the best part! Divide the rice among serving bowls, top with a generous handful of steamed broccoli and cucumber slices, then nestle in those glistening slices of teriyaki chicken. Finish with sesame seeds and a sprinkle of green onions—the little finishing touches that make your Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber look as good as it tastes.

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

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the impact of a simple garnish! A sprinkle of sesame seeds and a handful of chopped green onions will add color, crunch, and a subtle burst of fresh flavor, elevating your Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber from homey to restaurant-worthy in seconds.

Side Dishes

If you want to round out your meal, consider light and vibrant sides like a quick seaweed salad, miso soup, or even a little bowl of pickled veggies. These bright flavors balance the sweet and savory notes in your main dish, making each mouthful even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a modern twist, try serving Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber in wide, shallow bowls for a build-your-own approach. Or, layer everything in a bento box for a fun, portable lunch. You can even roll the components into sushi-inspired hand rolls for a playful party platter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber keeps beautifully in the fridge. Store everything in an airtight container, ideally keeping the cucumber separate so it stays crisp. Enjoy within 3 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

Chicken, rice, and broccoli can all be frozen (just avoid freezing the cucumber). Pack them into freezer-safe containers for meal prep magic—just let everything cool before freezing to preserve freshness. Thaw overnight in the fridge for an easy weeknight dinner.

Reheating

Microwave individual portions or gently reheat everything in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep things moist. Add fresh cucumber and garnishes just before serving for that crisp, just-made feel.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works perfectly in this recipe—just keep an eye on the cooking time so it stays juicy and doesn’t dry out. Thighs are a touch richer and more forgiving, but both are delicious with the teriyaki glaze.

What’s the best way to steam broccoli?

The simplest method is to use a steamer basket over boiling water for 3–4 minutes, just until the broccoli turns bright green and tender-crisp. You can also microwave florets with a splash of water, covered, for convenience.

Is Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber gluten-free?

It can be! Choose a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and make sure all packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally free from gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I add extra veggies or swap out the rice?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in shredded carrots, edamame, snap peas, or even swap rice for quinoa or brown rice. Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber is super flexible and easy to customize.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger or garlic?

No problem! You can use dried ginger and garlic powder if needed. Just use about half the amount called for in the recipe, as dried spices are more concentrated.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for new weeknight inspiration or want something crowd-pleasing yet healthy, give Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber a try. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable—one of those meals everyone is guaranteed to love. Grab your chopsticks, dig in, and savor every colorful, zesty bite!

Teriyaki Chicken with Steamed Rice, Broccoli & Cucumber Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal with this easy Teriyaki Chicken recipe served with steamed rice, broccoli, and cucumber. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For the Chicken and Assembly:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups cooked jasmine or white rice
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Simmer, then add cornstarch slurry. Cook until thickened.
Cook the Chicken: Brown chicken thighs in a skillet. Pour teriyaki sauce over the chicken and simmer. Slice the chicken.
Assemble: Divide rice, broccoli, and cucumber among bowls. Top with teriyaki chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.