Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Nothing beats a vibrant, flavorful stir fry that comes together quickly on a busy weeknight. This Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes wrapped in one delicious dish. Made with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for beginners and satisfying enough for seasoned cooks. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a meal prep option, this recipe will become your go-to.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is packed with layers of flavor that come from fresh ginger, garlic, and a perfectly balanced teriyaki sauce. The sauce is homemade, so you control the sweetness and saltiness, making it healthier and fresher than store-bought alternatives. Plus, it’s customizable — you can swap in your favorite veggies or protein, making it as versatile as you want. The recipe is quick to whip up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules. And best of all, it’s naturally gluten-free when using tamari instead of soy sauce, making it accessible to more people.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free option)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) water
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, peeled and grated
• 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, peeled and minced
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, and carrots)
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Cooked jasmine rice or noodles, for serving

How To Make Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari), water, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside. This sauce will thicken as it cooks, coating the chicken and vegetables with a glossy finish.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and starting to brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Toss in the mixed vegetables and stir fry for 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender but still vibrant and colorful. You want the veggies to have a little crunch for texture.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over everything. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat the chicken and veggies.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over jasmine rice or your favorite noodles for a complete meal.

Expert Tips

• Use thinly sliced chicken thighs for more tender and juicy meat.
• Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped before starting, as stir fry cooks quickly.
• If the sauce gets too thick, thin it out with a splash of water or chicken broth.
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in half of the teriyaki sauce for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
• Add vegetables with different cooking times in stages (e.g., carrots first, then softer veggies like bell peppers later) for even cooking.
• Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes before garnishing to release their nutty aroma.

Variations and Customizations

• Protein swaps: Try shrimp, beef strips, or tofu instead of chicken.
• Vegetable choices: Use bok choy, mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn based on your preference.
• Spicy kick: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
• Nutty flavor: Stir in chopped cashews or peanuts at the end for crunch.
• Low carb option: Serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles.
• Make it vegan: Replace chicken with firm tofu and substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover teriyaki chicken stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving for long periods to keep the chicken tender and vegetables crisp. This dish also freezes well — portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy compared to breasts. Just slice them thinly and cook as directed.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Make sure your other ingredients like rice vinegar are also gluten-free.

What vegetables work best in this stir fry?

Vegetables that cook quickly and maintain some crunch are best. Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots, and baby corn are all great choices, but feel free to mix and match based on what you have.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes! The teriyaki sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Give it a good whisk before using, as the cornstarch may settle at the bottom.

Conclusion

This Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that come together in a quick and easy dish. With a simple homemade sauce and fresh ingredients, it’s a healthier alternative to takeout that you can customize to your liking. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a reliable and delicious choice that will keep you coming back for more. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a taste of homemade comfort with an Asian twist!