Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is a culinary masterpiece, celebrated for its perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors and its incredible ease of preparation. This delightful dish features succulent, bite-sized pieces of chicken and vibrant, crisp vegetables, all harmoniously coated in a rich, homemade honey-garlic teriyaki sauce. Designed for busy weeknights, this flavorful meal can be on your table in just about 35 minutes, offering a satisfying and wholesome dinner experience. Served traditionally over fluffy white rice, it’s a dish that promises to become a cherished staple in your home.
What truly sets this Easy Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry apart is its authentic, perfectly balanced homemade teriyaki sauce. Unlike many store-bought alternatives that can be overly salty or excessively sweet, this recipe ensures a deep, rich flavor profile that adheres beautifully to every piece of chicken and vegetable. Crafted with fresh ingredients, it eliminates unwanted preservatives and allows you to control the exact taste, delivering genuine Japanese-inspired flavors. Furthermore, this versatile stir fry invites customization; feel free to incorporate your favorite seasonal vegetables or experiment with different protein sources to suit your dietary preferences.
If you’re a fan of quick, delicious, and adaptable teriyaki-based dinner recipes, this Easy Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry is destined to become a regular favorite in your meal rotation. For those eager to explore more savory-sweet teriyaki creations, be sure to try our Baked Teriyaki Salmon, the famously delicious Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken, or our zesty Spicy Teriyaki Chicken with Broccoli for varied and exciting dinner options.
Essential Teriyaki Stir Fry Ingredients for a Flavorful Meal
Crafting a truly exceptional Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
- Chicken: For the best results, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken breasts offer a leaner option, while thighs provide more flavor and tenderness, resisting drying out during cooking. Whichever you choose, ensure they are cut into uniform 1-inch pieces. This critical step guarantees even cooking and perfect bite-sized portions in every forkful.
- Garnish: Elevate the final presentation and add bursts of flavor and texture with sesame seeds and fresh spring onions. Toasted sesame seeds impart a nutty aroma and a slight crunch, while thinly sliced spring onions (or green onions) provide a fresh, pungent finish that brightens the entire dish.
- Cornstarch (for Chicken): This simple pantry staple is key to achieving that desirable crispy coating on your chicken. Tossing the chicken in cornstarch before stir-frying creates a light, protective crust that locks in juices and gives the chicken a delightful texture, preventing it from becoming rubbery.
- Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing, olive oil provides a healthy base for cooking your chicken and vegetables. For an added layer of authentic Asian flavor, consider drizzling a touch of sesame oil into the stir fry just before serving. Its distinctive nutty aroma will beautifully complement the teriyaki sauce. You can also use other high smoke point oils like canola or vegetable oil.
- Veggies: While red bell pepper and broccoli florets are classic choices for their vibrant colors and appealing textures, don’t hesitate to customize! Cut the florets and bell peppers into small, uniform, bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking. Other fantastic additions include carrots (thinly sliced or julienned), snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, or water chestnuts for extra crunch.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple yet essential, salt and freshly ground black pepper are used to season the chicken before cooking. This foundational seasoning enhances the chicken’s natural flavors and ensures a well-rounded taste in the final dish. Always season to your personal preference.
Crafting the Perfect Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
The heart of any great teriyaki stir fry is its sauce. Making it from scratch allows for superior flavor, quality, and control over ingredients. Here’s what you need for this simple yet profound sauce:
- Aromatics: Freshly grated ginger and garlic are indispensable for that signature depth and warmth in the sauce. The pungent, spicy notes of ginger combined with the savory kick of garlic create a robust aromatic foundation that elevates the entire dish beyond comparison.
- Chicken Broth: While water can be used, chicken broth is highly recommended as it imparts a significantly richer and more complex flavor to the sauce. It adds umami and depth, making the teriyaki sauce more savory and satisfying. Vegetable broth is also a suitable alternative for a vegetarian option.
- Honey: This natural sweetener provides the perfect counterpoint to the savory and tangy elements of the sauce, without being overly saccharine. Honey also contributes a lovely glossy finish. If honey isn’t available, real maple syrup is an excellent substitute, offering a similar sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Soy Sauce: The cornerstone of teriyaki, soy sauce delivers fundamental umami and saltiness. To manage sodium intake, we highly recommend using low sodium soy sauce. For those following a gluten-free diet, tamari or coconut aminos are fantastic alternatives that maintain the authentic flavor profile.
- Rice Vinegar: This mild, slightly sweet vinegar is crucial for balancing the richness and sweetness of the sauce, adding a delicate tang that brightens the overall flavor. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as substitutes, though they may introduce a slightly different acidic note.
- Cornstarch (for Sauce): Just like for the chicken, cornstarch plays a vital role in the sauce, acting as a natural thickener. When mixed with a bit of cold liquid to form a slurry and then added to the simmering sauce, it creates that luscious, glossy consistency that perfectly coats the chicken and vegetables.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry
Creating this delicious Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken. Heat a large, deep skillet or wok over a medium-high flame. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, allowing it to shimmer before adding the chicken. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a clean plate. Do not clean the skillet, as the flavorful remnants will enhance the vegetables.
Expert Tips for the Best Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
Achieving a restaurant-quality stir fry at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Marinate for Deeper Flavor: For an exceptionally tender and flavorful chicken, consider marinating the chicken pieces in a small amount of the teriyaki sauce for at least 15-30 minutes before cooking. Even better, you can dry brine the chicken with salt and pepper for an hour in the fridge before coating with cornstarch. This allows the flavors to truly penetrate the meat, enhancing every bite.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: The hallmark of a great stir fry is crisp-tender vegetables. You want them to retain a slight bite and vibrant color, not be soft or mushy. Sautéing them quickly over high heat is crucial to achieve this desired texture.
- Utilize High Heat: Stir-frying fundamentally relies on high heat. This intense heat ensures that ingredients cook quickly, developing a beautiful caramelized exterior (the Maillard reaction) and preventing them from stewing or becoming soggy, especially the vegetables.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: This is one of the most common stir-fry mistakes. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature, causing ingredients to steam rather than sear. If you have a large batch of chicken, cook it in two smaller batches to ensure even browning and a superior texture.
- Cut Ingredients Evenly: Uniformly sized chicken and vegetables are essential for even cooking. This simple preparation step ensures that everything cooks at roughly the same rate, resulting in a consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Mise en Place (Prepare Everything First): Stir-fries cook incredibly fast. Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before you even turn on the stove. This prevents frantic scrambling and ensures a smooth cooking process.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste your stir fry and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want a little more soy sauce for saltiness, honey for sweetness, or a splash of rice vinegar for extra tang.
Storing and Reheating Your Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
This Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is excellent for meal prepping and enjoying as leftovers. Proper storage ensures its delicious flavors and textures are preserved:
Storage: Allow any leftover stir fry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it a fantastic option for packed lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Reheat: The best way to reheat your stir fry is in a skillet or wok over low to medium heat. Add a tiny splash of water or broth to help create some steam and prevent drying out. Stir frequently until the chicken and vegetables are thoroughly warmed through. You can also microwave it, but the skillet method helps retain better texture.
Freeze: While freezing is an option, it’s important to note that the texture of the vegetables, particularly the broccoli and bell peppers, will soften considerably upon thawing and reheating. Store the stir fry in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as described above. The chicken will generally hold its texture well, but expect a slight change in the crispness of the vegetables.
People Also Ask: Common Questions About Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
The best method for thickening teriyaki sauce is to create a cornstarch slurry. Simply mix one part cornstarch with two parts cold water until smooth. Gradually whisk this slurry into your simmering sauce. Continue to stir gently over medium heat until the sauce reaches your desired thickness and has a glossy finish. Add more slurry a little at a time if you prefer an even thicker sauce.
Absolutely! While homemade sauce offers unparalleled freshness and allows for complete control over ingredients (like sodium and sugar content, and no preservatives), a quality store-bought teriyaki sauce can certainly be used for convenience. Just be mindful of its sweetness and saltiness, and adjust other seasonings accordingly.
Yes, you can certainly prepare components of this dish ahead of time to make dinner even quicker:
Chop all your vegetables and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cut the chicken into cubes and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 1 day in advance.
Whisk together all the teriyaki sauce ingredients and store the sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
When you’re ready to cook, simply sauté the chicken and veggies, then stir in the pre-made sauce for a super-fast meal.
What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The classic and most popular pairing. Its fluffy texture and subtle fragrance make it the perfect canvas for soaking up every drop of that delicious teriyaki sauce. Brown rice or quinoa are also excellent healthier grain alternatives.
- Noodles: For a heartier meal, serve your stir fry alongside noodles. Our Easy Vegetarian Lo Mein Noodles make for a fantastic, flavorful companion.
- Salad: A fresh, crisp salad can add a refreshing contrast to the rich stir fry. Consider a simple green salad with a sesame-ginger dressing, or try our vibrant Spicy Kani Sushi Salad for an exciting flavor profile.
- Edamame or Spring Rolls: For an appetizer or additional side, a bowl of steamed edamame or crispy spring rolls complements the Asian flavors of the stir fry beautifully.
More Easy Stir Fry Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and incredible flavor of this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry, you’ll definitely want to explore more of our quick and easy stir-fry recipes:
- Teriyaki Salmon Stir Fry
- Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry
- Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli
In conclusion, if you’re seeking savory-sweet stir fry dishes that are not only quick and easy but also bursting with authentic flavor, this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is an absolute must-try! It truly is a perfect one-pan meal, ideal for even the busiest of weeknights. This recipe masterfully brings together juicy, tender chicken, an array of crisp, fresh vegetables, and a tantalizing homemade teriyaki sauce, all combining to create an unforgettable dining experience that your whole family will adore.
If you take the time to try this delightful recipe or any of my other culinary creations, I would be incredibly grateful if you would share your experience by leaving a star rating and a comment in the section below. Your feedback helps our community! Also, make sure to follow Cookin’ With Mima on Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest to stay updated with all my latest social posts, delicious recipes, and cooking tips.
Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
Mariam Ezzeddine
Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is the perfect weeknight meal. Bite-sized pieces of chicken and vegetables are combined with a sweet (but not too sweet) honey garlic sauce and served over rice.
15 minutes
20 minutes
35 minutes
2
servings
Ingredients
For chicken
-
1
lb
chicken breasts
cut into 1 inch pieces -
2
tablespoons
cornstarch -
3
tablespoons
olive oil -
1
cup
red bell pepper,
cut into 1 inch pieces -
2
cups
broccoli florets,
cut into pieces -
½
tsp
Salt ,
to taste -
½
tsp
black pepper
For sauce
-
1
teaspoon
ginger,
grated -
1
teaspoon
garlic,
grated -
½
cup
chicken broth -
3
tablespoons
honey -
2
tablespoons
low sodium soy sauce -
1
tablespoon
rice vinegar -
2
teaspoon
cornstarch
For serving
-
1
teaspoon
sesame seeds,
to garnish -
1
tablespoon
spring onion,
to garnish -
1
cup
cooked rice,
to serve
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Add the cornstarch and stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Heat a deep skillet or wok on a medium-high flame, then add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is heated, add the seasoned chicken pieces (in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken pieces and set them aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the red bell peppers and broccoli florets. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the veggies are crisp-tender and slightly cooked.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: grated ginger, minced garlic, chicken broth, honey, low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Whisk well until smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened to a glossy consistency.
- Finally, stir in the chopped green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Toss gently to combine. Serve hot with a bowl of steamed rice.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 15–30 minutes in teriyaki sauce for deeper flavor.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables. You want them to be “just” tender and vibrant.
- Use High Heat. This ensures quick cooking and prevents soggy veggies, leading to a perfectly crisp-tender texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan. Cook chicken and vegetables in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and proper searing, rather than steaming.
- Cut Ingredients Evenly. This helps everything cook at the same rate, guaranteeing consistent texture throughout the dish.
Nutrition
Calories:
765
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
71
g
|
Protein:
56
g
|
Fat:
29
g
|
Saturated Fat:
4
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
4
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
17
g
|
Trans Fat:
1
g
|
Cholesterol:
145
mg
|
Sodium:
1433
mg
|
Potassium:
1438
mg
|
Fiber:
5
g
|
Sugar:
31
g
|
Vitamin A:
3000
IU
|
Vitamin C:
180
mg
|
Calcium:
92
mg
|
Iron:
3
mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!