Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

This Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a sweet-savory sauce, it’s a meal that delights the senses. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate any palate, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This dish takes only 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
• Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, mirin, and ginger creates a rich, tasty sauce that elevates the dish.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with colorful vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers, this stir fry is nutritious and satisfying.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite veggies or proteins to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your delicious meal!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking your Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry, gather the essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large deep skillet
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Large deep skillet: Ideal for cooking the chicken evenly while providing enough space for all ingredients.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing sauces and ensuring even flavor distribution.
• Whisk: Helps in blending sauces smoothly for that perfect consistency.
• Tongs: Make flipping chicken easy without losing any delicious juices.

Ingredients

This easy teriyaki chicken stir fry recipe has broccoli, bell peppers, onions, and tender chicken coated in a sweet and sticky sauce. It’s a delicious weeknight meal!

For the Chicken

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pepper (to taste)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

For Cooking

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 1/2 medium onion

For the Veggies

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 red bell pepper

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons mirin (see note)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1/4 cup (packed) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Cut all veggies into bite-sized pieces. Ensure the broccoli is cut small so it cooks evenly.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the following ingredients:
– Chicken broth
– Mirin
– Soy sauce
– Rice vinegar
– Brown sugar
– Cornstarch
– Grated ginger
– Minced garlic

Whisk everything together until smooth.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Sprinkle with garlic powder and pepper. Mix in cornstarch until well-coated.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

In a large deep skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot:
1. Add half of the chicken to the skillet after shaking off excess cornstarch.
2. Cook for about 4 minutes before flipping.
3. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until browned.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and repeat with remaining chicken.

Step 5: Sauté Onions and Veggies

If necessary, add a splash of olive oil to the pan:
1. Add onions and cook for 1 minute while stirring.
2. Add broccoli florets and bell peppers; cook for about 3 minutes until tender-crisp.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back into the pan along with sauce:
1. Pour in the whisked sauce quickly after re-whisking.
2. Let bubble until thickened (about a minute), stirring constantly to coat everything evenly.

Remove from heat immediately and serve! Enjoy your delicious homemade Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry!

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Serving teriyaki chicken stir fry can elevate your dining experience, making it both delicious and visually appealing. Here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

On a Bed of Rice

• Serve the stir fry over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a satisfying meal that soaks up the sauce.

With Noodles

• Pair the stir fry with cooked lo mein or rice noodles. The noodles add texture and make the dish more filling.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use large lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps. This adds a crunchy element and is a fun way to enjoy the dish.

Topped with Sesame Seeds

• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving. This adds a nutty flavor and an appealing crunch.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the stir fry.

Alongside Pickled Vegetables

• Serve with pickled cucumbers or carrots for a tangy contrast that brightens up the dish.

How to Perfect Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

To achieve the best teriyaki chicken stir fry, follow these tips for perfecting your technique and flavors.

• Prep Ingredients First: Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready to go before cooking. This helps you cook quickly and evenly.
• High Heat Cooking: Use medium-high heat when cooking. This ensures your chicken gets that nice browning while keeping it tender inside.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Crowding can lower the pan’s temperature, resulting in steaming rather than searing.
• Whisk Sauce Before Adding: Always give your sauce a quick whisk right before adding it to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning during cooking. A dash more soy sauce or vinegar can enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture and taste, serve your teriyaki chicken stir fry right after cooking while it’s hot and fresh.

Best Side Dishes for Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Pairing side dishes with your teriyaki chicken stir fry can create a complete meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice complements the sweet sauce perfectly.
2. Fried Rice: A flavorful fried rice loaded with veggies enhances this Asian-inspired meal.
3. Sautéed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans bring color and crunch to your plate.
4. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the stir fry.
5. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers comfort and pairs beautifully with Asian cuisine.
6. Egg Rolls: Crunchy egg rolls filled with vegetables provide a delicious appetizer option.
7. Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Quickly sautéed bok choy keeps things simple yet nutritious alongside your main dish.
8. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add an unexpected twist and sweetness to complement savory flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making teriyaki chicken stir fry, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using too much cornstarch: Adding excess cornstarch can lead to a gummy texture. Stick to the recommended amounts for a perfectly coated chicken.
• Overcooking the vegetables: Cooking veggies for too long can make them mushy. Aim for tender-crisp by keeping an eye on cooking times.
• Skipping the sauce whisking: Not whisking the sauce before adding it can lead to uneven flavor. Always give it a quick mix to ensure even distribution of flavors.
• Not preheating the skillet: If your skillet isn’t hot enough, the chicken may steam instead of sear. Preheat your skillet for that perfect browning.
• Cooking chicken in one batch: Placing too much chicken in the pan at once can lower the temperature and prevent proper browning. Cook in batches for best results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed.
• Stovetop: In a skillet, reheat over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry?

Teriyaki chicken stir fry is a quick and flavorful dish made with tender chicken pieces, fresh vegetables, and a sweet soy-based sauce.

How do I make my teriyaki sauce thicker?

To thicken your teriyaki sauce, simply let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with water) while cooking.

Can I use other vegetables in my Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes! With lean chicken and plenty of vegetables, teriyaki chicken stir fry is a nutritious option that can be part of a balanced diet.

Final Thoughts

This teriyaki chicken stir fry recipe is not only delicious but also versatile! You can easily customize it with different proteins or veggies based on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe has you covered. Give it a try!