Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Introduction

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces, crisp vegetables, and a savory homemade teriyaki sauce. The juicy chicken is cooked to perfection, while the colorful vegetables maintain their crunch, making this meal as visually appealing as it is delicious. The teriyaki sauce, with its balance of sweet and savory flavors, ties the dish together beautifully, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

This stir fry is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and quick to make. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, it requires just one pan and minimal cleanup. Plus, it can be customized with your favorite vegetables or protein, making it easy to adapt to your preferences or what you have on hand. Serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

With its bold flavors and nutrient-packed ingredients, Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is also an excellent choice for meal prep. Prepare a big batch and portion it into containers for healthy, ready-to-eat lunches or dinners throughout the week. This dish is a simple yet flavorful way to bring a touch of Asian-inspired cuisine to your table in no time!

Perfect for:

• A fast and wholesome weeknight dinner
• Meal prepping for busy weeks
• Fans of sweet and savory Asian-inspired flavors
• Anyone looking to increase their veggie intake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you’ll adore Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry:

• Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful homemade sauce, it’s a wholesome meal option.
• Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite vegetables or make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce is a hit with both kids and adults.
• Meal Prep-Friendly: Stores well in the fridge, making it great for meal prep or next-day lunches.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since everything is cooked in a single skillet or wok.
• Restaurant-Quality: Tastes just as good, if not better, than your favorite takeout, and you control the ingredients.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
• Versatile: Serve over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option.
• Bursting with Flavor: The rich, sticky teriyaki sauce coats every bite, ensuring a deliciously satisfying meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Provides a lean source of protein, but thighs can offer extra juiciness.
• Fresh Vegetables: Use a mix of colorful veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots for a vibrant and nutritious dish.
• Teriyaki Sauce: A simple homemade blend of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil delivers a sweet and savory flavor.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce and gives the chicken a light coating for better texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Cook the Chicken:

2. Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables:

4. Sauté the Veggies: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the garlic and ginger, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add the Vegetables: Add the bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and zucchini to the pan. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

6. Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until smooth.

Combine Everything:

7. Add the Sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce into the pan with the vegetables. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
8. Add the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Serve and Garnish:

9. Serve: Serve the teriyaki chicken stir fry over steamed rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own.
10. Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.

Store and Reheat:

11. Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
12. Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

How to Serve

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various sides. Serve it over a bowl of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a hearty meal. Alternatively, toss it with noodles like udon or soba for a fun twist.

Additional Tips

• Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking. This allows the sauce to deeply infuse into the meat.
• Use Fresh Vegetables: Opt for fresh vegetables rather than frozen to maintain a crisp texture and vibrant colors in the stir fry.
• Cut Ingredients Evenly: Slice chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and in the same amount of time.
• Prep Everything in Advance: Stir fry cooks quickly, so have all your ingredients prepped, chopped, and ready to go before starting.
• Cook on High Heat: Use high heat to achieve a quick sear on the chicken and vegetables for a slightly smoky, wok-fried flavor.
• Use a Non-Stick or Wok Pan: A wok distributes heat evenly and makes it easier to toss ingredients, but a large non-stick skillet works well too.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir fry in small batches if needed to avoid steaming ingredients, which can make them soggy.
• Thicken the Sauce: If your teriyaki sauce seems too thin, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce during cooking for a silky texture.
• Add Aromatics: Incorporate minced garlic, ginger, or even sesame oil to elevate the depth of flavor in the dish.
• Finish with Garnishes: Top the stir fry with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce for added texture and presentation.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken, and load up on your favorite veggies.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter meal.
• Nutty Addition: Sprinkle with chopped cashews or peanuts for added crunch and flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Store the chicken and vegetables in an airtight container, and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Special Equipment

• Wok or Skillet: A large wok or non-stick skillet works best for stir-frying.
• Rice Cooker: Perfect for preparing rice to pair with the stir fry.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use pre-made teriyaki sauce?
   Yes, store-bought teriyaki sauce can save time, but homemade sauce offers better control over the flavors and ingredients.
2. Can I make this dish in advance?
   Yes, you can cook the chicken and prep the vegetables in advance, storing them separately in the fridge until ready to stir-fry.
3. What’s the best rice to serve with this?
   Jasmine rice or short-grain white rice pairs perfectly with the stir fry.
4. Can I use frozen vegetables?
   Yes, frozen vegetables work well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to prevent excess moisture.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is a delicious, quick, and easy meal that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition. It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a sweet and savory sauce. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a healthy, homemade takeout experience.

With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is ideal for busy nights or when you want a wholesome meal in a hurry. The vibrant vegetables and rich teriyaki glaze bring balance and bold flavors to every bite, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite.

I can’t wait to hear how your Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry turns out! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your delicious creation. Don’t forget to share your thoughts or let me know how you customized this dish to make it your own. Enjoy!