This Quick Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry is a flavorful, fast, and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce, it’s ready in just 20 minutes and pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Directions
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and stir-fry for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Add remaining oil to the skillet. Add broccoli, bell pepper, snap peas, and carrot. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender.
- Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir well to coat.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve over rice or noodles.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugars: 10g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium:600mg
Health Benefits of a Stir Fry Meal
Stir fry dishes are typically loaded with vegetables, lean protein, and minimal oil, making them a balanced and nutritious option. In the case of chicken teriyaki stir fry, you get a solid dose of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, all in one meal. The use of fresh produce like broccoli, snap peas, and carrots also contributes to better digestion and overall health.
The Role of Teriyaki Sauce in Flavor Building
Teriyaki sauce is central to this recipe’s appeal. Made with ingredients like soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar, it adds a deep savory sweetness that elevates the entire dish. When cooked with the chicken and vegetables, the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze that coats everything beautifully, delivering bold flavor in every bite.
Why It’s Perfect for Meal Prep
Quick Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry is an excellent meal prep option. It stores well in the fridge for several days and reheats easily, making it perfect for packed lunches or ready-made dinners. You can also portion it out with rice or noodles in containers for a convenient grab-and-go meal during the week.
Versatility with Proteins and Vegetables
One of the best aspects of this stir fry is its adaptability. While chicken is the star in this version, you can substitute it with tofu, shrimp, beef, or even pork. Similarly, the vegetables can be customized to include zucchini, mushrooms, onions, or whatever you have on hand, making it a flexible recipe for all seasons.
Cultural Influence and Popularity
Teriyaki is a well-known Japanese-inspired flavor that has been embraced across the globe. Though traditional teriyaki involves grilling, Western interpretations like this stir fry bring the flavor profile into a more accessible and convenient format. Its global appeal stems from the universal love for sweet-savory combinations.
Cost-Effective Dinner Solution
Chicken teriyaki stir fry is also a budget-friendly meal. With affordable ingredients like chicken breast, soy sauce, and common vegetables, it offers a way to feed a family or multiple meals without breaking the bank. It’s an economical option for both novice and experienced home cooks.
Quick Cooking Without Compromise
Despite being ready in just 20 minutes, this dish doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. High heat cooking ensures that the vegetables stay crisp-tender and the chicken remains juicy. This fast preparation makes it ideal for nights when time is limited but you still want a home-cooked meal.
Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
The sweet notes in teriyaki sauce make it especially appealing to children, while the variety of vegetables can be tailored to suit picky eaters. It’s an effective way to introduce kids to new vegetables and flavors in a familiar, tasty format.
Low Waste and High Efficiency
Since stir fries use ingredients that are easy to store and keep well, they contribute to reduced food waste. You can use leftover vegetables and even repurpose cooked meat, which helps clear out your fridge while creating something delicious.
Pairs Perfectly with Rice or Noodles
Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry pairs seamlessly with steamed white rice, brown rice, or even lo mein-style noodles. These carbs absorb the flavorful sauce and turn the dish into a hearty and complete meal. Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles can also be used for a lower-carb option.
Minimal Clean-Up Required
Another benefit is the limited clean-up. Since the dish can be made in one pan or wok, you’re left with fewer dishes to wash after dinner. This simplicity adds to the appeal, especially for busy families or those who dislike post-meal chores.
Enhancing with Garnishes
Garnishes like sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a drizzle of sriracha can elevate the dish further. These additions enhance the flavor and visual appeal without adding much prep time, offering a simple way to personalize each serving.
Great for Entertaining Guests
This stir fry is not only practical for everyday meals but also impressive enough to serve to guests. Its vibrant colors, enticing aroma, and satisfying flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for casual dinners or potluck gatherings.
Adjustable to Dietary Needs
Whether you’re cutting down on sodium, avoiding gluten, or reducing sugar intake, this recipe can be modified easily. Use low-sodium soy sauce, gluten-free tamari, or sugar-free sweeteners to suit dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
How Cooking at Home Beats Takeout
Making chicken teriyaki stir fry at home offers more control over ingredients and portion sizes compared to ordering from a restaurant. You can ensure freshness, reduce added sugars and fats, and avoid hidden preservatives while saving money.
Ideal for Beginner Cooks
This recipe is beginner-friendly, requiring basic cooking techniques like stir-frying and mixing a simple sauce. It’s a great entry point for anyone looking to build confidence in the kitchen while producing a satisfying meal.
Time-Saving Tips for Efficiency
To speed up the process even more, you can pre-cut vegetables or use frozen stir-fry mixes. Having cooked rice on hand or using microwaveable pouches can also help get dinner on the table faster with minimal prep.
Flavorful Without Overpowering
The teriyaki sauce in this dish is bold yet balanced, offering flavor without overwhelming the other components. Its combination of salty, sweet, and tangy elements makes it harmonious and satisfying, especially when complemented by crisp vegetables and juicy chicken.
Conclusion
Quick Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry stands out as a reliable, delicious, and healthy choice for any meal. Its speed, flavor, and adaptability make it a staple worth adding to any weekly menu. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers on every level—quick to make, easy to love, and consistently satisfying.