Occasionally, you crave a straightforward solution for busy weeknight meals, and this delightful crispy chicken teriyaki over vibrant greens fits the bill perfectly. The recipe relies on convenient frozen chicken nuggets from the store, which are simply coated in your preferred store-bought teriyaki sauce and placed atop a refreshing bed of colorful greens dressed with a light, zesty homemade vinaigrette. This approach keeps preparation minimal while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction for the entire family.
This dish stands out for its impressive nutritional profile, boasting high protein content for muscle support, abundant fiber for digestive health, and low carbohydrates to align with various dietary preferences. It’s an unbeatable combination that makes it a go-to option for health-conscious eaters who don’t want to sacrifice taste or convenience.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility when preparing family dinners. If you’re already cooking chicken nuggets for the children, it’s effortless to make an adult version simultaneously. This grown-up take on a childhood favorite has become a staple in my rotation, offering crispy texture and savory teriyaki glaze that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You Need
For the broccoli orange salad base, gather fresh broccoli florets, thinly sliced red onion, shelled edamame, juicy orange segments, and a knob of fresh ginger. These are combined with a straightforward dressing made from rice vinegar, fresh lime juice, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. The result is a simple yet explosively flavorful salad that’s crisp, tangy, and slightly nutty.
When it comes to the chicken nuggets, opt for your go-to brand of frozen varieties. Options like lightly breaded chicken breast chunks work wonderfully, but don’t hesitate to use fun-shaped kids’ nuggets if that’s what you have on hand—I’ve experimented with them countless times and they turn out fantastic when sauced up.
Store-bought teriyaki sauce provides the ultimate shortcut here, infusing the chicken with sweet, savory, and umami notes without any extra effort. That said, if you prefer a from-scratch option, a homemade version with balanced sweetness can elevate the dish even further.
How to Get the Crispiest Chicken Teriyaki
Achieving that perfect crispy exterior is effortless with an air fryer. This appliance delivers quick, even cooking with minimal oil, resulting in golden, crunchy nuggets every time. Most frozen chicken nugget packages include specific air fryer guidelines, so simply follow those directions, then glaze the cooked pieces with teriyaki sauce right before plating for the best results.
Broccoli Orange Salad
- 1.5 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 3 cups chopped broccoli
- ¼ large red onion, minced
- 2 large oranges, peeled, rind removed, and chunked
- 1 cup shelled edamame
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Crispy Teriyaki Chicken
- 1.5 lbs. frozen chicken nuggets (such as Just Bare brand)
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce (such as Primal Kitchen brand)
Begin by adding the rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice, and freshly grated ginger to the bottom of a spacious mixing bowl. Use a whisk to thoroughly blend these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well-emulsified, creating a vibrant dressing base.
Next, incorporate the chopped broccoli, minced red onion, orange chunks, shelled edamame, sea salt, and sesame seeds into the bowl. Gently toss everything together using your hands or utensils, ensuring every piece of produce is evenly coated in the tangy dressing. This marinating step softens the broccoli slightly and infuses all components with incredible flavor. Cover the bowl securely and refrigerate it to let the flavors meld. The extended chilling time makes the broccoli more tender and enjoyable to eat straight from the fridge.
While the salad chills, prepare the chicken. Arrange the frozen nuggets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding for optimal crispiness. Set the temperature to 375ºF and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the exterior turns beautifully golden brown and the interior is heated through. Once done, transfer the hot nuggets to a bowl and toss them gently with the teriyaki sauce until fully glazed and shiny.
Finally, retrieve the chilled broccoli orange salad from the refrigerator. Portion it into bowls and generously top with the saucy, crispy chicken nuggets. Serve right away to capture the contrast of warm chicken against cool, crisp greens for an unforgettable eating experience.
- It’s best to cook the chicken nuggets directly from frozen in the air fryer to maintain their signature crunch without becoming soggy.
- The specific teriyaki sauce you select will greatly influence the overall taste profile, so choose one that matches your preference for sweetness or savoriness.
- For a spicy kick, incorporate a few teaspoons of gochujang, chili crisp, or chili garlic sauce into the teriyaki glaze during the tossing step.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving): Calories: 372 kcal, Carbohydrates: 24 g, Protein: 45 g, Fat: 10 g, Fiber: 5 g, Sugar: 14 g. Please note that these values are estimated based on automated calculations and may vary slightly depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes used.
