Easy Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry: The Perfect Weeknight Dinner

Looking for a quick and healthy meal that’s full of flavor? This easy chicken teriyaki stir fry is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights. Made with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce, this one-pan recipe is simple to prepare and endlessly customizable.

In this article, we’ll guide you through making the perfect chicken teriyaki stir fry, discuss key ingredients, offer cooking tips, and answer common questions to ensure your success in the kitchen. Whether you’re meal-prepping or whipping up a quick dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your weekly rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry

Bursting with Flavor

The savory and sweet balance of teriyaki sauce paired with tender chicken and crisp vegetables makes this dish incredibly flavorful. The rich, glossy sauce coats every bite, ensuring a satisfying and well-rounded taste.

Quick and Convenient

This chicken teriyaki stir fry is ready in under 30 minutes from prep to table. It’s perfect for busy weekdays when you don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, which means minimal cleanup—a huge win for home cooks.

Healthy and Adaptable

Packed with protein and a variety of vegetables, this stir fry is a healthy meal that can be easily customized. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or preferences, making it gluten-free, low-carb, or vegetarian.

Discover great ideas like this flavorful One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Rice for more quick and delicious meal inspiration.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for stir fry. Thighs are juicier, while breasts offer a leaner option. Slice the chicken into thin strips for faster cooking and better flavor absorption.

Vegetables

For a vibrant and nutritious stir fry, use a mix of fresh vegetables such as:

• Broccoli for crunch and fiber
• Carrots for sweetness
• Bell Peppers for color and vitamin C
• Snap Peas for freshness and texture
• Onions for an aromatic base

Teriyaki Sauce

The key to any good teriyaki stir fry is a flavorful sauce. You can use store-bought teriyaki sauce or make a homemade version with simple ingredients like soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch for thickening. Homemade sauces allow you to adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your taste.

Optional Add-Ins

Enhance your stir fry with additional ingredients for more flavor and texture. Some great options include:

• Sesame Seeds for a nutty crunch
• Fresh Ginger and Garlic for depth of flavor
• Red Pepper Flakes if you like a hint of heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this easy chicken teriyaki stir fry is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfectly cooked, flavorful dish in no time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preparation is key to a smooth cooking process, especially for a stir fry where things move quickly.

1. Slice the Chicken: Cut the chicken into thin, bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
2. Chop the Vegetables: Keep vegetables uniform in size for even cooking.
3. Prepare the Sauce: If you’re making homemade teriyaki sauce, mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
2. Add the sliced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary.
2. Add the vegetables and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan with the vegetables.
2. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
3. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your chicken teriyaki stir fry over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for an extra burst of flavor.

Looking for inspiration? Try this spicy Tamarind Chicken recipe for another bold and flavorful option.

Tips for the Best Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry

To make the most flavorful and well-textured chicken teriyaki stir fry, follow these practical tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients

For the best results, use fresh chicken and vegetables. Frozen vegetables can be used in a pinch, but fresh ones will give your stir fry better texture and flavor.

Slice Chicken and Vegetables Evenly

Uniformly sized pieces ensure even cooking. Thinly slicing the chicken helps it cook quickly without drying out. Similarly, chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces to keep everything tender-crisp.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Overcrowding causes steaming rather than searing, which affects both flavor and texture. If needed, cook the chicken in batches for proper browning.

Adjust the Sauce to Taste

Homemade teriyaki sauce allows for easy customization. Add more honey for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Keep Vegetables Tender-Crisp

Avoid overcooking the vegetables. Stir fry them over medium-high heat until just tender for the perfect texture and vibrant color.

Check out this Korean-Inspired BBQ Beef Bowl Recipe for another quick and satisfying meal idea.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about chicken teriyaki stir fry is how easily you can modify it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Below are some ideas to inspire your own custom version.

Protein Alternatives

• Beef: Thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin makes a great substitute.
• Shrimp: Add shrimp for a seafood twist. It cooks quickly, so toss it in at the end for 2-3 minutes.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu. Pan-fry it until golden before adding the sauce.

Vegetable Swaps

Feel free to switch up the vegetables depending on what you have on hand. Some great alternatives include:

• Zucchini: Adds a mild flavor and soft texture.
• Mushrooms: Enhance the umami flavor.
• Baby Corn and Water Chestnuts: For a more traditional stir fry touch.

Low-Carb and Gluten-Free Options

• Low-Carb: Serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.

Add a Spicy Kick

For those who like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce.

Don’t miss our Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl for another creative meal option with a twist of bold flavors.

What to Serve with Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry

Chicken teriyaki stir fry is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions to create a complete meal.

Rice and Grains

• Steamed White Rice: A classic choice that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Brown Rice: A healthier option with a slightly nutty flavor.
• Quinoa: Adds extra protein and fiber while keeping things light.

Noodles

• Udon Noodles: Thick and chewy, they complement the stir fry perfectly.
• Soba Noodles: A great alternative with a distinct flavor and lighter texture.
• Rice Noodles: Ideal for a gluten-free option.

Fresh Salads and Vegetables

Balance the richness of the stir fry with something fresh and crisp.

• Asian Slaw: Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, bok choy, or green beans make great sides.

Soup or Appetizers

Pair your stir fry with a light soup or appetizer for a full meal.

• Miso Soup: Warm and comforting.
• Spring Rolls: A crunchy, fresh addition.

Check out this Spicy Tamarind Chicken Recipe for another bold and delicious meal option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple dishes like chicken teriyaki stir fry can go wrong without proper technique. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure the best results every time.

Overcrowding the Pan

Cooking too much at once causes steaming instead of searing, resulting in soggy chicken and vegetables. Cook in batches to give each ingredient enough space for proper browning.

Using the Wrong Pan

A large skillet or wok is essential for even cooking. Avoid using a small pan, which can lead to uneven results and overcooked ingredients.

Skipping the Marinade

Marinating the chicken in teriyaki sauce before cooking boosts flavor and keeps it juicy. If you’re short on time, even a 15-minute marinade can make a big difference.

Overcooking Vegetables

Vegetables should be tender-crisp, not mushy. Cook them over medium-high heat for a short time to preserve their texture and vibrant color.

Thickening the Sauce Too Early

If you thicken the sauce before combining it with the chicken and vegetables, it may clump and burn. Add the sauce at the end and let it simmer briefly to achieve the perfect consistency.

Looking for more inspiration? Try this Korean-Inspired BBQ Beef Bowl Recipe for another quick and satisfying meal.

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