Nothing beats the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures of a home-cooked stir fry, and this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is a standout favorite that brings a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh to your plate. With tender chicken pieces, crisp veggies, and a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce, it’s a quick yet impressive dish that feels like a warm hug in food form. Whether you’re craving a weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe delivers big on taste with simple ingredients you probably already have.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe lies in its fresh and straightforward ingredients, each adding a unique flavor and texture that rounds out the dish beautifully. Grab these staples to create a colorful, nutritious, and utterly delicious meal.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and soak up that delicious teriyaki flavor.
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant kick that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (any color): Brings sweetness and vibrant color for an eye-catching plate.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Offers a fresh crunch and nutrient boost.
- 1 cup snow peas: Their natural sweetness and snap perfectly balance the tender chicken.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The salty backbone of the teriyaki sauce, keeping flavors balanced without overpowering.
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar: Introduces the signature sweetness that makes teriyaki so irresistible.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Adds a warm, nutty finish that ties everything together beautifully.
- 2 cups cooked rice or noodles: Your comforting base to soak up every bit of sauce and flavor.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and setting them out on the counter so everything is within reach. This prep step makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cut the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures quick and even cooking, allowing each piece to soak up the sauce perfectly.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust, about 6 to 8 minutes. This caramelization locks in flavor and gives the chicken a lovely texture.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Toss the minced garlic into the pan and stir it around for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic infuses the dish with a punch of aromatic flavor that makes your kitchen smell incredible.
Step 5: Toss in the Veggies
Next, add the bell peppers, broccoli florets, and snow peas. Stir-fry everything for 3 to 5 minutes, just until the vegetables become tender-crisp. This keeps the freshness and crunchiness that make this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe so delightful.
Step 6: Pour in the Teriyaki Sauce
Mix the low-sodium soy sauce with honey or brown sugar, then pour it into the skillet. Let everything simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, tossing frequently so the chicken and veggies are thoroughly coated in a glossy, mouthwatering sauce.
Step 7: Serve
Finish it off by serving your stir fry over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles. A final drizzle of sesame oil elevates the dish with its rich, nutty aroma, making every bite a treat.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top to add texture and freshness. These little touches bring extra flavor and a pop of color that makes the dish look as fantastic as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or even soba noodles for a lighter twist. A crisp cucumber salad or simple miso soup can also complement the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir fry in colorful lettuce cups or on whole-grain wraps to transform it into handheld delights. Alternatively, plate it family-style for a casual gathering where everyone can dig in and customize their own bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce helps keep the chicken moist, and the veggies retain their crunch well after cooling.
Freezing
While freezing stir fry can sometimes alter texture, you can freeze this dish by letting it cool completely and storing in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that the vegetables might soften upon thawing.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if the sauce appears too thick or sticky after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in snap peas, carrots, baby corn, or mushrooms depending on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences. The recipe is very adaptable to your favorite veggies.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option. Just be sure to press and cube the tofu well before cooking to get that perfect texture.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken so it stays juicy?
Cooking the chicken over medium-high heat in a single layer without overcrowding the pan helps it brown well and stay juicy. Avoid stirring too frequently until a crust forms to lock in moisture.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix the soy sauce and honey or brown sugar in advance and store it in the fridge. This makes putting the Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe together even quicker when you’re ready to cook.
What kind of rice works best with this stir fry?
Steamed jasmine rice or long-grain white rice are classic companions, but brown rice, basmati, or even cauliflower rice also work great, depending on your preference for texture and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is a timeless crowd-pleaser that feels both comforting and fresh, a true staple to have in your weeknight dinner rotation. Its simple ingredients, quick prep, and delicious results make it an absolute joy to cook and even more delightful to eat. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed with fresh vegetables in a savory homemade teriyaki sauce, served over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (any color)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snow peas
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Serving
- 2 cups cooked rice or noodles
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Gather all ingredients on your counter to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat the sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, to release its aroma and enhance the dish’s flavor.
- Cook Vegetables: Stir in the sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, and snow peas. Cook them until slightly tender but still crisp, about 3 to 5 minutes, maintaining their vibrant colors and nutrients.
- Add Sauce: Mix the low-sodium soy sauce with honey or brown sugar separately, then pour the mixture into the skillet. Stir well and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is evenly coated in the glossy teriyaki sauce.
- Serve: Serve the teriyaki chicken stir fry hot over cooked rice or noodles, drizzling any remaining sesame oil on top for an added nutty flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or brown sugar according to taste.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.
- Adding sesame seeds as garnish can enhance both texture and presentation.
- Ensure vegetables are not overcooked to preserve their crunchiness and nutrients.
