Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Sizzling Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: A Flavorful Family Hit

Crafting a mouthwatering teriyaki chicken stir-fry promises an adventure in quick, delectable cooking.

Weeknight meals demand something special that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or enjoyment.

Sweet and savory sauce coats tender chicken pieces with authentic Japanese-inspired zest.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building complex, harmonious flavors.

Crisp vegetables add vibrant color and nutritional punch to this classic dish.

Colorful bell peppers and fresh green onions create visual appeal alongside succulent meat.

You’ll want to roll up sleeves and start chopping, because this recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience that comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that forms the base of the stir-fry.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce: Provides a salty, umami flavor.
  • Honey or Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the sauce.
  • Rice Vinegar: Brings a tangy brightness.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor.
  • Garlic: Provides aromatic depth.
  • Ginger: Offers a spicy, warm undertone.
  • Cornstarch, Water: Thickens and creates a glossy sauce texture.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Pepper, Broccoli, Carrot: Colorful mix that adds crunch and nutrition.
Cooking Oils:
  • Vegetable Oil: Helps with cooking and preventing sticking.
Garnish:
  • Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Adds visual appeal and extra flavor.
Optional Serving Base:
  • Steamed Rice or Noodles: Completes the meal as a hearty base.

Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Instructions

Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Instructions

Step 1: Whisk Flavor-Packed Sauce

Grab a small bowl and combine the following ingredients:
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated ginger

In a separate dish, blend cornstarch with water, then swirl it into the sauce mixture.

Let the sauce sit and develop its delicious character.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.

Toss in chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden brown and are completely done.

Watch for those beautiful caramelized edges.

Once cooked, transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Dance the Vegetables

Using the same pan, add another splash of vegetable oil.

Toss in:
  • Chopped bell peppers
  • Broccoli florets
  • Sliced carrots

Stir-fry these colorful veggies until they’re tender-crisp and vibrant.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken to the pan.

Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken and vegetables.

Stir enthusiastically to ensure every morsel gets coated with the glossy sauce.

Let everything simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens and clings beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the stir-fry.

Plate alongside steamed rice or noodles.

Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal straight from your kitchen!

Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Cooking Tips

  • Let chicken sit in half the teriyaki sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking to infuse deeper flavor and tenderize the meat.
  • Maintain high heat and quick stirring to prevent vegetables from becoming soggy, preserving their vibrant colors and crunchy texture.
  • Adjust cornstarch mixture slowly to achieve perfect sauce thickness – add more water if too thick or more cornstarch if too thin.
  • Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce salt content without compromising taste.
  • Easily substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to create different variations of this versatile stir-fry recipe.

Storing Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken and vegetables remain fresh and safe to eat.
  • Transfer cooled stir-fry to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Stir gently for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly.

What Pairs Well with Teriyaki Stir-Fry

  • Perfect Beverage Pairing: Crack Open a Cold Sake
  • Light, crisp Japanese sake complements the sweet and savory teriyaki flavors perfectly. Its clean, smooth profile balances the rich chicken and cuts through the sauce's intensity.
  • Enhance Wine Selection: Pour Riesling Elegance
  • Slightly sweet Riesling matches the teriyaki's sugary notes while providing refreshing acidity. German or Washington state Rieslings work wonderfully with this stir-fry.
  • Tasty Beer Companion: Select Crisp Lager
  • Japanese or light American lagers offer a clean, refreshing counterpoint to the dish's robust teriyaki flavors. The beer's carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Smart Side Dish Partner: Serve Jasmine Rice
  • Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the teriyaki sauce beautifully, creating a perfect base that enhances every flavor in the stir-fry. Its delicate fragrance complements the dish's aromatic ingredients.

Stir-Fry Variations You Can Try

  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to create a gluten-free version of the teriyaki sauce, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the meal.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and cubing the protein before stir-frying to achieve a similar texture and absorb the delicious teriyaki flavors.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice or noodles and serve the stir-fry over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the dish's vibrant taste.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the teriyaki mixture for those who enjoy a more intense, fiery flavor profile in their stir-fry.

FAQs

  • What is teriyaki sauce made of?

Teriyaki sauce combines soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, creating a glossy and flavorful coating for the chicken and vegetables.

  • Can I use different vegetables in this stir-fry?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like zucchini, snap peas, mushrooms, or snow peas. Just ensure they’re cut to similar sizes for even cooking and maintain a crisp texture.

  • How do I prevent the chicken from becoming tough?

Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces and cook over medium-high heat. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of browning. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and golden color.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially the cornstarch and vinegar.

What Makes Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry So Good

  • This teriyaki chicken stir-fry brings restaurant-quality taste without complicated techniques, making it perfect for home cooks seeking delicious meals with minimal cooking skills.
  • Easily swap vegetables or protein to match personal preferences, dietary needs, or what's available in your kitchen, ensuring versatility and excitement in every bite.
  • Prepare a complete, nutritious meal in less than 30 minutes, providing a speedy solution for busy families or individuals craving homemade comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Loaded with lean protein from chicken and colorful vegetables, this dish delivers balanced nutrition while satisfying taste buds with its sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
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Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe


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4.9 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Savor zesty teriyaki chicken stir-fry, a delightful culinary journey blending Asian-inspired flavors with fresh ingredients. Homemade sauce and quick cooking guarantee a delicious meal that brings restaurant-quality excitement directly to your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables:

  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 medium carrot, sliced
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking and Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Create a vibrant teriyaki sauce by whisking together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl.
  2. Blend cornstarch with water, then incorporate into the sauce mixture to enhance thickness and glaze potential. Set aside for later use.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet at medium-high temperature (around 375°F). Carefully add chicken pieces and sear for 5-6 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration and complete cooking.
  4. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its warmth and juiciness.
  5. In the same cooking vessel, introduce remaining vegetable oil and quickly sauté bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, preserving their crisp texture and vibrant colors.
  6. Reintroduce chicken to the vegetable-filled pan, then cascade the prepared teriyaki sauce over the entire mixture. Gently toss to ensure comprehensive coating.
  7. Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing sauce to caramelize and slightly thicken around the protein and vegetables.
  8. Eliminate from heat source and embellish with scattered sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions.
  9. Present immediately atop steamed rice or tender noodles for optimal flavor and temperature enjoyment.

Notes

  • Swap honey with agave nectar or maple syrup for a vegan-friendly sweetener that maintains the rich glaze.
  • Toast sesame seeds beforehand in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the dish.
  • Cut chicken and vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stir-fry.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels, allowing you to adjust seasoning without overwhelming the delicate teriyaki flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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