Stir Fry Teriyaki Chicken

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Introduction

Stir Fry Teriyaki Chicken is a quick, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. The caramelized glaze of the teriyaki sauce coats every bite, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles, and you’ve got a complete meal packed with flavor.

I remember the first time I made this for a family dinner. The kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of the teriyaki sauce simmering, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. What I love about Stir Fry Teriyaki Chicken is how customizable it is—you can use your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or snap peas to add color and crunch. You can even sprinkle sesame seeds or green onions on top for an extra burst of flavor.

This dish is incredibly simple to make. With just a few pantry staples like soy sauce, honey, and garlic, you can create a rich and delicious teriyaki sauce in minutes. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s ready in no time, making it perfect for those hectic days when you want something healthy yet indulgent. Whether it’s for a quick dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests with a wholesome homemade meal, Stir Fry Teriyaki Chicken is always a winning choice!

Perfect for:

  • Weeknight dinners
  • Meal prepping
  • Family-friendly meals
  • Asian-inspired dining at home
  • Quick and satisfying meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Stir Fry Teriyaki Chicken will become a staple in your kitchen:

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy days.
  • Customizable: Use your favorite vegetables or add extra protein like shrimp or tofu.
  • Sweet and Savory Sauce: The teriyaki glaze offers the perfect balance of flavors.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with lean chicken and fresh vegetables, this dish is as wholesome as it is delicious.
  • Meal Prep-Friendly: Makes excellent leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Stir Fry Teriyaki Chicken:

For the Chicken and Vegetables:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)

For the Teriyaki Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

For Garnish:

  • Sesame seeds (optional)
  • Chopped green onions (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken: Provides a lean protein base for the stir fry.
  • Vegetables: Adds color, texture, and nutrients to the dish.
  • Soy Sauce: Forms the savory foundation of the teriyaki sauce.
  • Honey/Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the savory notes.
  • Ginger and Garlic: Infuse the dish with warmth and aromatic depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Stir Fry Teriyaki Chicken:

Prepare the Ingredients:

  1. Chop the Vegetables: Prepare the bell peppers, broccoli, carrot, and onion by slicing them into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
  2. Cut the Chicken: Slice the chicken into small, even pieces to ensure quick and even cooking.

Make the Teriyaki Sauce:

  1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, water, and sesame oil.
  2. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch dissolved in water) to ensure a smooth, glossy sauce. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Stir Fry the Vegetables:

  1. Add Garlic and Ginger: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Cook the Vegetables: Add the broccoli, carrots, onions, and bell peppers. Stir fry for 5-6 minutes, or until tender-crisp.

Combine and Sauce:

  1. Add the Chicken Back: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
  2. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat everything evenly.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Plate the Dish: Serve the stir fry hot over steamed rice or noodles.
  2. Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

How to Serve Stir Fry Teriyaki Chicken

  • With Steamed Rice: Serve over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
  • With Noodles: Pair with udon, soba, or rice noodles for a hearty meal.
  • As-Is: Enjoy it as a standalone dish for a lighter option.
  • With Soup: Pair with a bowl of miso or egg drop soup for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

Additional Tips

  • Prep Everything First: Stir fry cooking is quick, so have all ingredients prepped before starting.
  • Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Keep them tender-crisp for the best texture.
  • Adjust Sauce Sweetness: Add more or less honey/brown sugar based on your preference.
  • Make It Spicy: Add a dash of chili flakes or Sriracha for some heat.

Recipe Variations

  1. Teriyaki Shrimp Stir Fry
  2. Vegetarian Teriyaki Stir Fry
  3. Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry
  4. Spicy Teriyaki Stir Fry
  5. Low-Sodium Teriyaki Stir Fry
  6. Tofu Teriyaki Stir Fry
  7. Cashew Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry
  8. Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
  9. Gluten-Free Teriyaki Stir Fry
  10. Teriyaki Salmon Stir Fry

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove for best results.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Special Equipment

  • Wok or large skillet
  • Sharp knife for slicing vegetables and chicken
  • Small mixing bowl for sauce

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
    Yes, store-bought works, but homemade offers a fresher, customizable flavor. Look for a brand with minimal additives.
  2. Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
    Yes, try tofu, shrimp, beef, or pork. For tofu, press and cube it; shrimp cooks quickly, so add at the end.
  3. Can I make this ahead?
    Yes, cook and store the chicken and veggies in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce can be stored for up to a week.
  4. Can I use frozen vegetables?
    Yes, frozen veggies can work. Cook them directly from frozen, but avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
  5. Can I omit cornstarch?
    You can, but it helps thicken the sauce. Without it, you may need to reduce the sauce longer or try an alternative thickener.
  6. Can I make this dish spicier?
    Yes, add red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or fresh chilies to the sauce or vegetables for heat.
  7. What vegetables can I add or substitute?
    Try snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or bok choy. Keep vegetable sizes consistent for even cooking.
  8. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
    Yes, use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust sweetness by adding more honey or sugar.
  9. How do I make this gluten-free?
    Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
  10. What should I serve with this stir fry?
    Serve with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Miso soup, Asian slaw, or cucumber salad are great sides.

Conclusion

Enjoy the rich flavors and vibrant colors of Stir Fry Teriyaki Chicken, a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, this stir fry is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for the whole family, this recipe guarantees a hearty and satisfying meal every time.

It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The customizable ingredients let you add your favorite vegetables or even swap in different proteins, creating a dish that’s tailored to your tastes.

I’d love to see how your Stir Fry Teriyaki Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy the meal!

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