01 -
First things first, get all your ingredients ready. Dice your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces – about an inch, maybe a little bigger. Mince your garlic and ginger, measure out your sauce ingredients, and chop your broccoli. This is where I always feel like a pro chef, with everything lined up. It just makes the whole process so much smoother and less chaotic, honestly. I've definitely tried to wing it before, and let's just say, the kitchen looked like a tornado hit it!
02 -
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Once it's shimmering, add your chicken pieces in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan, or it'll steam instead of sear, and we want that gorgeous, golden-brown crust! Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until beautifully browned and cooked through. This step is crucial for flavor, so don't rush it. I once got impatient and ended up with pale, sad chicken – never again!
03 -
While the chicken is doing its thing, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake (or broth), brown sugar, minced ginger, and garlic in a bowl. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of cold water – this is your slurry! Having it ready means no lumpy sauce, which is a kitchen win in my book. The smell of these ingredients combining? Just wonderful!
04 -
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside. If there's a lot of excess oil, drain some out. Pour your whisked teriyaki sauce into the hot pan. Let it come to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. You'll see it start to thicken. Once it's bubbling, slowly pour in your cornstarch slurry while whisking. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens to a beautiful, glossy consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon. This is where the magic happens!
05 -
Toss in your pre-cooked egg noodles and broccoli florets into the thickened sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Gently toss everything together, making sure every strand of noodle and every piece of chicken and broccoli is coated in that glorious, sticky teriyaki sauce. I love how the noodles just soak up all that flavor. This is where the dish truly comes alive, visually and aromatically!
06 -
Remove from heat and drizzle with a touch of sesame oil. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy your easy chicken teriyaki noodles! The aroma fills the kitchen, warm and inviting. It always tastes even better than it smells, if that's even possible. Don't forget to take a quick picture before diving in, if you can resist!