If you’re searching for a quick, vibrant dinner that’ll please every taste bud at the table, look no further than this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry. Equal parts savory and sweet, with tender chicken and loads of fresh, colorful veggies, this stir fry brings bold flavor with minimal fuss. The magic is in the homemade teriyaki sauce, which comes together in seconds before coating every juicy bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just looking to treat yourself to a healthy, restaurant-quality meal at home, Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is about to become your weeknight hero.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about making Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry at home is how straightforward the ingredient list is—nothing fancy, just a rainbow of veggies, lean chicken, and a glossy sauce that ties everything together. Each element is essential for building that craveable sweet-savory profile with a satisfying mix of textures.
- Chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces of chicken breast keep things lean and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil helps the chicken and veggies get gorgeously golden and keeps everything from sticking.
- Broccoli florets: Adds crunch and soaks up the teriyaki sauce for that perfect bite.
- Red bell pepper: Sliced for a pop of sweetness and beautiful color.
- Snap peas: Bring freshness and a satisfying snap to every forkful.
- Carrot: Thinly sliced carrots offer color, gentle sweetness, and a bit of crunch.
- Green onions: A finishing touch, adding sharpness and freshness at the very end.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for that irresistible, aromatic base flavor.
- Ginger: Just a teaspoon infuses the whole dish with zesty warmth.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Forms the salty, umami backbone of your teriyaki sauce without overdoing the sodium.
- Honey: Lends the sticky, signature sweetness everyone loves in teriyaki.
- Rice vinegar: For tang and balance, so the sauce doesn’t get too sweet.
- Cornstarch: This thickens the sauce, so it clings perfectly to every bite.
- Water: Helps blend and balance the sauce ingredients before cooking.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For that nutty, toasty garnish that elevates your stir fry at the finish.
- Cooked rice: Fluffy, warm rice is the perfect base to soak up all the saucy goodness.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
Step 1: Whisk Together the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by mixing up your homemade sauce: in a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water. This magic mixture is what transforms ordinary stir fry into Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry, giving you that glossy, rich finish. Set it aside for now—you’re going to want it ready to go when the stir fry comes together quickly later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your chicken pieces and cook them undisturbed for a few minutes to get a bit of golden color, then stir and cook until just cooked through. This step is key for locking in the juices and building that unforgettable flavor base. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and keep it handy.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables
Add your second tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in the broccoli, bell pepper, snap peas, and carrot. Stir fry these beauties for about 4 to 5 minutes—they should be crisp-tender, not mushy, so don’t wander away! At this point, sprinkle in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir continuously for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. The whole kitchen will smell divine.
Step 4: Combine, Sauce, and Simmer
Return the chicken you set aside to the skillet. Pour in your pre-whisked teriyaki sauce and watch as it bubbles and thickens, coating every piece. As soon as the sauce glistens and clings to the chicken and veggies—about 2 to 3 minutes—you’re ready. This is the stage where Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry earns its signature sticky, balanced finish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pan from the heat and top everything with the sliced green onions and a generous shake of sesame seeds if you like. Serve your Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry piping hot over fluffy cooked rice for maximum comfort and satisfaction.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
Garnishes
Nothing finishes Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry quite like a sprinkle of freshly sliced green onion and toasted sesame seeds. Their crunch and subtle oniony bite bring contrast to the glossy, saucy chicken. For a little extra heat, try a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
Side Dishes
This stir fry is a meal on its own, but you can take it to the next level by pairing it with sides like steamed jasmine or brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. For a full feast, add quick pickled cucumbers, miso soup, or a simple Asian slaw for extra crunch and color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry in individual rice bowls, or wrap the stir fry with rice in lettuce cups for a handheld option. You can also pile the stir fry into meal prep containers with rice, so you have delicious, ready-to-go lunches for the week that everyone will look forward to.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply transfer the cooled Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making lunch the next day an absolute treat.
Freezing
For longer storage, portion the cooled stir fry into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It freezes beautifully for up to two months—just make sure to let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, so the vegetables maintain a better texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen up the sauce if needed. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave will also do the trick in a minute or two. Just stir halfway through to ensure even reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and tenderness. Just follow the same steps, but you may want to trim excess fat and cook an extra minute or two to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry gluten-free?
It can be! Just swap the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari and make sure your other ingredients (like rice vinegar) are certified gluten-free if you have a sensitivity.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is incredibly flexible—edamame, mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn are delicious additions. Just toss in whatever you have on hand and enjoy the variety.
How spicy is this dish?
By default, the stir fry is mild and family-friendly, but you can easily add spice! A dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes in the sauce or as a garnish will give it a gentle kick.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Of course! Replace the chicken with extra firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth in place of any meat-based elements. The rest of the recipe remains just as flavorful and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is a total game-changer for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or treating yourself to a colorful, nourishing meal. If you’ve never made it at home before, now’s the perfect time—give it a try and you might just find it sneaking onto your regular dinner rotation!
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Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables in a sweet and savory sauce. Serve over steamed rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Stir Fry:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
To Serve:
- Cooked rice
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown, then remove from skillet.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add remaining oil to the skillet. Stir-fry broccoli, bell pepper, snap peas, and carrot until crisp-tender. Add garlic and ginger.
- Combine and Finish: Return chicken to the skillet. Pour in the teriyaki sauce. Cook until sauce thickens. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a different flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add sriracha or red pepper flakes to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
