Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is a classic dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with a vibrant mix of vegetables, all coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. It’s a versatile, easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or serving guests. The dish is loaded with rich flavors, colorful vegetables, and a balance of textures that make it a true comfort food.

In this guide, we will walk you through every step of the process: from preparing the ingredients, creating the sauce, stir-frying the chicken and vegetables, and serving the dish. Along the way, we’ll offer pro tips for perfecting your stir-fry, discuss potential variations, and provide guidance on how to elevate the dish with different ingredients. Whether you’re new to stir-fry cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will help you master the art of Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry.

Preparation and Cooking Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making the perfect Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). This allows for quick cooking and ensures the chicken absorbs the flavors of the sauce.

   - Advertisement -

2. Coat with Cornstarch: In a small bowl, toss the chicken pieces in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This will help create a slightly crispy texture on the chicken once it’s cooked.

3. Season: Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper for flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, mirin (if using), grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir everything together until the sugar dissolves.

2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.

3. Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with the 1/4 cup water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly add this to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, which should take about 1-2 minutes.

4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or saltiness by adding more honey, soy sauce, or vinegar to suit your preferences. Once the sauce is thickened and to your liking, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil (or any neutral oil) over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer when it’s hot enough.

2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

3. Remove and Set Aside: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the vegetables by slicing the bell peppers, carrot, onion, and broccoli into thin strips. Keep the pieces uniform in size to ensure even cooking.

2. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the onions and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.

3. Add the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the pan, along with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the pan and let it steam for about 3-4 minutes to soften the broccoli.

4. Add the Bell Peppers and Carrots: Add the sliced bell peppers and carrots to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

5. Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the vegetables and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients

1. Return the Chicken to the Pan: Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, add the cooked chicken back into the pan.

2. Add the Teriyaki Sauce: Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything together, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. Let everything simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to glaze the chicken and vegetables.

3. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stir-fry and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like more sweetness, add a drizzle of honey; if you prefer more saltiness, add a dash of soy sauce.

The Secret of the Teriyaki Sauce

The key to a delicious Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is the perfect balance of sweet and savory in the sauce. The soy sauce provides saltiness and umami, while the honey and brown sugar offer a rich sweetness. The vinegar (or mirin) adds a subtle acidity that balances the overall flavor profile. The grated ginger and garlic provide additional depth and freshness.

Feel free to adjust the components of the sauce to suit your preferences. For example, using a dark soy sauce will provide a richer color and deeper flavor, while a light soy sauce will give the dish a more subtle profile. For added complexity, consider adding a touch of chili paste or a sprinkle of sesame seeds to the sauce before serving.

How to Cook the Chicken

Using chicken breasts is standard, but chicken thighs are often preferred for their juicier, more flavorful meat. Either choice works well in this stir-fry. To achieve a crispy, golden texture, toss the chicken in cornstarch before cooking it, as it helps create a light crust. This method also helps the sauce adhere better to the chicken, making every bite more flavorful.

You can cook the chicken in a wok, skillet, or large frying pan—whichever you have on hand. The goal is to ensure that the chicken is cooked through but not dry, with crispy edges that contrast beautifully with the tender vegetables.

Stir-Frying the Vegetables

When stir-frying vegetables, the goal is to cook them quickly while maintaining their crispness and color. Use high heat and keep the vegetables moving in the pan to ensure they cook evenly. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as it can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying. If necessary, cook the vegetables in batches to get the right texture.

You can use a variety of vegetables based on what’s available or your preferences. Common stir-fry vegetables include:

• Bell Peppers: Sweet and crunchy, they add vibrant color to the dish.
• Broccoli: Adds crunch and a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce.
• Carrots: Their natural sweetness enhances the overall flavor of the stir-fry.
• Snow Peas: These add a nice snap and a subtle sweetness.

Combining the Ingredients

Once both the chicken and vegetables are cooked, it’s time to combine them with the teriyaki sauce. This is where the magic happens. The sauce coats the chicken and vegetables, infusing everything with flavor. Allow the sauce to simmer for a minute or two so that it thickens slightly, helping it cling to the ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry over a bed of freshly cooked rice. White rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice are great options. For added crunch and flavor, top the stir-fry with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or even a drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce.

Pair this dish with a simple side of steamed edamame or miso soup for a complete meal. The balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors will leave your taste buds satisfied and wanting more.

Variations and Customizations

While the recipe provided is a delicious classic, feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations:

• Add More Vegetables: Mushrooms, zucchini, bok choy, or baby corn are great additions.
• Use Different Proteins: Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu for a unique twist.
• Make it Spicy: Add some sriracha or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the rice and serve the stir-fry over a bed of leafy greens for a lighter meal.

Pro Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

1. Prep Ahead: To save time, chop the vegetables and slice the chicken in advance.
2. High Heat: Stir-frying works best with high heat. Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the chicken and vegetables.
3. Even Cooking: Cut the vegetables into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If necessary, cook the chicken and vegetables in batches to avoid steaming.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it will become dry.
2. Soggy Vegetables: Overcrowding the pan can result in soggy vegetables instead of the desired crispy texture.
3. Thin Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, add a little cornstarch slurry to thicken it.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. It’s an easy, customizable, and crowd-pleasing dish that can be made in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prep, or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Yield: 4

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Print

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is a classic dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with a vibrant mix of vegetables, all coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. It’s a versatile, easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or serving guests. The dish is loaded with rich flavors, colorful vegetables, and a balance of textures that make it a true comfort food.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin strips)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 medium onion (sliced)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 medium carrot (julienned or thinly sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger (grated)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry, if used)
• Cooked rice (for serving)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the stir-fry sauce:
   In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, and grated ginger.
   If you'd like a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry, then add it to the sauce mixture.
   
2. Cook the chicken:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   Add the sliced chicken to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
   
3. Stir-fry the vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.
   Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   Add the sliced bell peppers, onions, broccoli, and carrots. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
   
4. Combine and simmer:
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
   Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to coat evenly.
   Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens (if using cornstarch). If you didn't use cornstarch, the sauce will be a bit thinner.
   
5. Serve:
   Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.

Notes

• Chicken: You can substitute the chicken with other proteins like beef, shrimp, or tofu, depending on your preference.
• Vegetables: Feel free to customize the veggies. Snap peas, mushrooms, and zucchini are all great additions or substitutions.
• Teriyaki Sauce: If you prefer a homemade teriyaki sauce, you can make it by combining soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and a bit of garlic and ginger.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce if you like a little heat.
• Make Ahead: You can prep the veggies and chicken ahead of time to speed up the cooking process. The sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.