There’s something about the smell of sizzling chicken coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce that instantly transports me back to my childhood. Growing up, my family had a tradition of ‘stir-fry nights’—a day when my mom would whip up a quick but delicious meal using whatever was in the fridge. It was always a fun guessing game of what flavors would make an appearance on our plates!
Fast forward to adulthood, and I found myself craving that same comforting meal but with a streamlined, foolproof method. Enter my Easy Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry—a dish born from a mix of nostalgia and the need for quick and stir fry healthy recipes that fit into my busy schedule.
Whether I’m making this after a long day or impressing guests with a deceptively simple meal, this recipe never fails me. And the best part? It only takes 20 minutes to make! If you love a good chicken stir fry recipe that delivers on flavor while keeping things light, you’re in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
1. It’s Lightning Fast!
I’m all about meals that come together in 20 minutes or less, and this one delivers. No complicated steps, no fancy gadgets—just a simple, straightforward dish that’s ready before your stomach starts growling too loudly.
2. A Healthy Alternative to Takeout
I love a good takeout meal as much as the next person, but let’s be real—restaurant versions tend to be packed with excess sugar and sodium. This homemade version gives you full control over ingredients, making it one of my go-to stir fry healthy recipes.
3. Minimal Cleanup
One pan is all you need! If you hate washing dishes (who doesn’t?), you’ll love that this teriyaki chicken stir fry requires just a single skillet or wok.
4. Versatile & Customizable
Got extra veggies in the fridge? Toss them in! Want to swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu? Go for it! This dish is the ultimate blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep
Make a big batch, and you’ve got easy lunches or dinners ready to go for the week. Just reheat and enjoy!
6. Kid-Friendly & Family-Approved
Even picky eaters can’t resist the combination of juicy chicken and a sticky-sweet teriyaki glaze. My nieces and nephews practically lick their plates clean!
7. Pairs Well with Almost Anything
Serve it over rice, noodles, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The flavors are so well-balanced that they complement almost any base!
Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp oil (sesame oil or avocado oil works best)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water for a slurry)
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 tsp sesame seeds, for garnish
- 1 green onion, sliced for garnish
Equipment:
- Large skillet or wok
- Cutting board & knife
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons & cups
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Slice your veggies so everything is ready to go.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but remain crisp.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch slurry. Pour over the vegetables.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice or noodles.
Notes & Tips
1. Make It Spicy
Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for some heat.
2. Want a Thicker Sauce?
Let the sauce simmer for an extra minute or two to thicken up.
3. Use Frozen Veggies
Short on time? Use a frozen stir-fry mix to cut down on prep!
4. Meal Prep Hack
Cook extra and store in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
5. Add a Citrus Twist
A squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving can enhance the flavor!
6. Gluten-Free Option
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Bonus Pro Tips for the Perfect Teriyaki Chicken
1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor
For an even deeper, richer flavor, marinate your chicken in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This step isn’t required, but it enhances the taste significantly!
2. Use High Heat for That Classic Stir-Fry Effect
A great stir-fry is all about that high-heat sear. Make sure your pan is sizzling hot before adding the chicken to get that perfect golden-brown color.
3. Stir the Sauce Continuously
Once you add the sauce, keep stirring to prevent sticking and to help it thicken evenly. The cornstarch works quickly, so this will ensure a smooth, velvety texture.
4. Add Sesame Oil for a Finishing Touch
A small drizzle of sesame oil right before serving gives your dish an authentic, nutty aroma that enhances the teriyaki experience.
5. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
If you overcrowd the skillet, the chicken will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed to maintain that perfect crispiness.
6. Make It Extra Savory with a Dash of Umami
Adding a teaspoon of fish sauce or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can amplify the umami richness of your teriyaki sauce.
7. Use Fresh Ginger for the Best Flavor
Powdered ginger works in a pinch, but fresh ginger adds a zesty kick that takes the dish to the next level.
8. Try Different Proteins
Not in the mood for chicken? Swap it for shrimp, beef, or even tofu! The sauce pairs well with all kinds of proteins.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fats: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
Teriyaki Tidbits: Q&A
1. What Side Dishes Pair Well with Teriyaki Chicken?
You can’t go wrong with classic white rice or brown rice, but if you want something different, try quinoa, cauliflower rice, or stir-fried noodles. Steamed vegetables, roasted Brussels sprouts, or an Asian-inspired cucumber salad also make great accompaniments!
2. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain the best texture.
3. How Do I Keep My Chicken Juicy?
Avoid overcooking! Chicken breast dries out quickly, so cook it just until it’s no longer pink inside. Using thigh meat instead of breast can also keep the dish extra juicy.
4. Is There a Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Option?
Yes! Swap out the honey for a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit syrup or erythritol. Serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
5. Can I Use Store-Bought Teriyaki Sauce?
Definitely! If you’re short on time, grab a low-sodium, high-quality store-bought teriyaki sauce. Just be mindful of the sugar content, as some brands are quite sweet.
6. Can This Be Made in an Instant Pot?
Yes! To make this a teriyaki chicken Instapot recipe, set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode, follow the cooking steps for chicken, then add the sauce and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Quick-release, stir in the cornstarch slurry, and let it thicken before serving.
7. Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet.
8. How Can I Make This Recipe Even Easier?
For an ultra-fast version, use pre-cut frozen stir-fry vegetables and pre-made teriyaki sauce. This cuts prep time significantly while still delivering a delicious meal.
