Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with Ginger Sesame Quinoa

Cut 1.5 pounds of chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces and place in a bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Wash and cut 4 cups of broccoli into florets. Slice 1 large red bell pepper into strips. Peel and julienne 2 medium carrots. Mince 4 cloves of garlic and 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger (reserve half of each for the quinoa). Slice 4 green onions, separating white and green parts. Roughly chop 1/2 cup cilantro.

In a bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup mirin, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, half the minced garlic, and half the minced ginger to make the teriyaki sauce.

In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry.

In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil over medium heat. Add the remaining minced garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add 2 cups quinoa to the saucepan and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed.

While quinoa cooks, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.

In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Add white parts of green onions and stir-fry for 30 seconds.

Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots to the pan. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.

Return chicken to the pan. Pour in the teriyaki sauce and bring to a simmer for 2 minutes.

Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

When quinoa is done, fluff with a fork and stir in 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, juice of 1 lime, and half of the chopped cilantro.

Serve the teriyaki chicken stir-fry over the ginger sesame quinoa. Garnish with remaining sesame seeds, green parts of green onions, and remaining cilantro.