Craving a tasty and easy meal? This Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli Sheet Pan Delight is your answer! With tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a savory sauce, it’s a one-pan wonder that makes dinner a breeze. Perfect for busy weekdays, this dish is loaded with flavor and takes only 30 minutes to prepare. Let’s dive into the ingredients and bring this mouthwatering meal to your table!
Ingredients
To make Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli Sheet Pan Delight, you need these simple ingredients:
- Chicken thighs: 1.5 lbs, boneless and skinless
- Vegetables: 4 cups broccoli florets, 1 cup sliced carrots, 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Marinade ingredients: 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- Garnish: 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Serving suggestion: Cooked rice or quinoa
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a tasty dish. The chicken thighs give you a juicy base. Broccoli and carrots add crunch and color. The red bell pepper brings a sweet touch.
The teriyaki sauce mixes well with olive oil, garlic, and ginger. It coats the chicken and veggies, giving them a rich flavor. Sesame seeds on top add a nice finish.
For a complete meal, serve this dish over rice or quinoa. Not only does the dish look good, but it also tastes great. You will love how easy it is to prepare.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Oven and Pan
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. This step helps with easy cleanup later.
Making the Marinade
- Combine 1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger in a bowl.
- Mix well until everything blends together. This marinade gives your chicken a tasty boost.
Marinating the Chicken
- Take 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs and coat them with half of the marinade.
- Make sure the chicken is well-covered for the best flavor.
- Reserve the rest of the marinade for later.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. This wait helps to deepen the flavor.
Assembling the Sheet Pan
- Prepare 4 cups of broccoli florets, 1 cup of sliced carrots, and 1 sliced red bell pepper.
- Toss the vegetables with the reserved marinade.
- Season them with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the veggies evenly on the lined sheet pan.
Baking the Dish
- Place the marinated chicken thighs on the sheet pan among the veggies.
- Make sure they are spaced out for even cooking.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The veggies should be tender and slightly charred.
Serving Instructions
- Remove the pan from the oven.
- Garnish with 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds for a lovely crunch.
- Serve this dish over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
Tips & Tricks
Best Marinating Practices
Marinating is key to great flavor. You should marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes. This gives the sauce time to sink in. For even coating, toss the chicken well in the marinade. Make sure every piece gets a nice layer. You can even let it marinate longer for more flavor. Just keep it in the fridge!
Optimal Cooking Time
To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C). This means it is safe to eat. For the veggies, look for a slight char and tenderness. If they are still crunchy, let them bake a bit longer. You want a nice balance, not mushy.
Cleaning Up
Cleanup can be easy! Use parchment paper on your sheet pan. It helps keep the pan clean and makes for quick work. After cooking, just lift the paper and throw it away. This saves time and effort. Enjoy your meal without the hassle of scrubbing!
Variations
Vegetable Substitutions
You can swap veggies in this dish for fun twists. Try using snow peas for a nice crunch. Bell peppers add color and sweetness. Zucchini is another great choice, especially in summer. Each vegetable brings its unique flavor, so feel free to mix and match based on what you like. Seasonal variations keep your meal exciting and fresh!
Protein Alternatives
If you want to change the protein, there are great options. Chicken breast works well if you prefer leaner meat. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a lovely taste. Tofu is perfect for a plant-based option; just press it to remove extra water. Each choice allows you to customize the dish to fit your diet or mood.
Sauce Variations
Making your own teriyaki sauce is simple and fun. Combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger for a fresh taste. You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your liking. If you want to try something different, use a sweet chili sauce or a spicy peanut sauce. Each sauce creates a new flavor profile, making this dish versatile and exciting.
Storage Info
How to Store
To keep your Teriyaki Chicken and Broccoli fresh, follow these steps:
- Let the dish cool to room temperature before storing.
- Place leftovers in an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This keeps the flavors intact and the chicken juicy.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, here’s how to reheat them:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the chicken and veggies on a baking sheet.
- Cover with foil to keep moisture in.
- Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
You can also use a microwave. Just cover the dish and heat for 2-3 minutes.
Freezing the Dish
Freezing is a great option if you want to save some for later. Here’s how:
- Cool the dish completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Label with the date and contents.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. This helps keep the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this dish. However, you need to thaw it first. The best way is to place the chicken in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave’s defrost setting. Make sure the chicken is fully thawed before marinating it.
How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to four days. Store the chicken and veggies in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. Just make sure to cool them down before sealing the container.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Marinate the chicken the night before and store it in the fridge. You can also chop the veggies ahead. When ready to cook, just assemble everything on the sheet pan and bake. This saves time on busy days.
This recipe brings together simple ingredients for a tasty dish. We used chicken thighs, fresh veggies, and a homemade teriyaki marinade. Baking it all on one pan makes cleanup easy. Remember, marinating enhances flavor, and you can switch up the veggies or proteins. Store any leftovers correctly for later enjoyment. Overall, this sheet pan meal is quick, healthy, and satisfying. You can enjoy it as a favorite weeknight dinner, keeping it fun and delicious.
