Is there anything better than a meal that comes together quickly, dirties just one pan, and makes everyone at the table happy? Thatโs the magic of this Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli Sheet Pan Dinner. Itโs a complete, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal that takes all the stress out of a busy weeknight. Weโre talking tender, juicy chicken and crisp-tender broccoli all glazed in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce thatโs so much better than anything from a bottle. Let’s get cooking!
Why Youโll Love This
You’re going to love this recipe for so many reasons. First, it’s the ultimate easy weeknight dinnerโeverything cooks together on a single sheet pan, which means minimal cleanup and more time to actually relax. Second, that homemade teriyaki sauce is a total game-changer; itโs perfectly balanced and clings to every bite. And third, itโs a healthy dinner recipe that doesnโt skimp on flavor. Itโs a complete meal that feels like a treat, making it one of my go-to dinner ideas when I need something reliable, delicious, and fuss-free.
Ingredients Youโll Need
- 1 ยฝ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces: Thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work great too.
- 4 cups broccoli florets (from about 1 large head): The perfect veggie for soaking up all that glorious sauce.
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil: Helps everything get beautifully browned and crispy.
- Salt and black pepper: The essential flavor starters.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: The secret to a glossy, thick sauce that coats everything perfectly.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari: Provides the savory, salty base of our sauce.
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup: Adds the signature sweet note to balance the soy.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For that essential aromatic punch.
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger: Brings a bright, zesty warmth to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water: Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: A splash of acidity to balance the sweetness.
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for serving: For a pretty finish and a bit of crunch.
Letโs Get Cooking Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for the easiest cleanup.
- In a large bowl, toss the chopped chicken and broccoli florets with the avocado oil, a good pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper until everything is lightly coated.
- Spread the chicken and broccoli out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. This is key for getting that caramelization instead of steaming! Roast for 15 minutes.
- While thatโs in the oven, whisk together the sauce. In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk the cornstarch with the soy sauce until itโs totally smooth. Then, whisk in the honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, broth, and rice vinegar.
- After the first 15 minutes, carefully remove the hot pan from the oven. Pour the teriyaki sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli. Give everything a good stir with a spatula to coat.
- Pop the pan back into the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling, thickened, and glazy, and the chicken is cooked through. You can check the chicken with a thermometerโit should read 165ยฐF.
- Let it rest for a couple of minutes right on the pan. Then, sprinkle generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Itโs fantastic over a bed of fluffy rice or even noodles to soak up the extra sauce.
Easy Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Donโt have broccoli? Swap it for chopped bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots cut into thin sticks. For a protein change-up, try this with shrimp (add them for the last 10 minutes of cooking) or firm tofu cubes. To make it gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce. If youโre out of fresh garlic and ginger, about ยพ teaspoon each of the powdered versions will work in a pinch. And honestly, if you love a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes over the top before serving is fantastic.
Quick Dinner Ideas for Busy Nights
This Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli Sheet Pan Dinner is already one of the best quick dinner ideas, but a little prep can make it even faster. On the weekend, you can whisk the sauce together and store it in a jar in the fridge. You can also pre-chop your chicken and store it in an airtight container. That way, on a hectic Tuesday, all you have to do is toss everything on the pan and you’re minutes away from a healthy dinner. Itโs a cornerstone of my easy meals rotation because it delivers so much flavor for so little effort.
Pro Tips For Perfect Teriyaki Chicken
- Cut your chicken and broccoli into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Donโt skip the step of whisking the cornstarch with the soy sauce first. This prevents lumps in your glossy sauce.
- Give everything plenty of space on the pan. If it looks crowded, use two pans. Crowding leads to steaming, not roasting.
- Let the sauce bubble away on the pan for those last few minutes. Thatโs what gives it that thick, restaurant-quality glaze.
- For an extra flavor boost, toast your sesame seeds in a dry skillet for a minute until fragrant before sprinkling.
- And my favorite tip? Donโt stress about perfection. A little char on the broccoli is a good thing!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers store beautifully, making this a great option for cheap dinners for a family with planned leftovers. Let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the microwave works just fine for a quick lunch, but for the best texture, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it on a sheet pan in a 350ยฐF oven for about 10 minutes. I donโt recommend freezing this one, as the broccoli can become mushy when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: You can, but youโll want to thaw it completely and pat it very dry with paper towels first. Otherwise, it will release a lot of water and make the sauce thin.
Q: Is this a healthy dinner recipe?
A: Absolutely! Itโs packed with lean protein and vegetables, and you control the sodium and sugar levels by making the sauce yourself. Itโs one of my favorite easy healthy dinner options.
Q: What are some other easy dinner dishes I could serve this with?
A: This is a complete meal on its own, but itโs fantastic served over brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even soba noodles. A simple side salad with a ginger-sesame dressing would also be lovely.


