The Tastiest Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe for Busy Weeknights

My kitchen adventure with this teriyaki chicken stir fry started unexpectedly during a chaotic weeknight when hunger and creativity collided.

Inspiration struck from memories of street food in tokyo.

Succulent chicken pieces gleam with a glossy, caramelized coating that promises deliciousness in every bite.

Sweet and savory notes dance across tender meat and crisp vegetables.

Fragrant garlic and ginger provide an aromatic backdrop to this quick, satisfying meal.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques make this dish accessible for novice cooks seeking bold flavors.

You can whip up this restaurant-quality dinner faster than ordering takeout, bringing excitement to your dining table.

What Makes Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry So Satisfying

• Boost Flavor Fast: Marinating chicken in soy sauce creates deep, rich taste without complicated techniques, making this recipe a flavor powerhouse.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare everything in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy families needing a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with colorful vegetables and lean protein, this stir fry delivers balanced nutrition in every single bite, supporting healthy eating goals.
• Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables or protein to match dietary preferences or what's available in your refrigerator, making this recipe incredibly flexible and adaptable.

Everything You’ll Need for Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

• Chicken: A lean protein that absorbs marinade flavors and creates a hearty base for the stir fry.

• Soy Sauce: Provides a salty and umami flavor that enhances the chicken's taste.

• Teriyaki Sauce: Delivers a sweet and tangy flavor profile to the dish.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a light, bright acidity to balance the sauce.
• Cornstarch, Water: Helps thicken and create a glossy sauce consistency.

• Garlic, Ginger: Contribute deep, warm, and zesty flavor notes to the stir fry.

• Vegetable Oil, Sesame Oil: Provide a medium for cooking and add rich, nutty undertones.

• Carrots, Broccoli Florets, Red Bell Pepper: Offer vibrant colors, varied textures, and nutritional variety to the dish.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Provide fresh, crunchy finish and visual appeal.
• Salt, Pepper: Help adjust and enhance overall seasoning.

Easy Steps for Stir-Frying Chicken in Teriyaki Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Flavor-Packed Chicken

Grab your chicken and coat it generously with soy sauce. Let it hang out and soak up those delicious flavors for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Craft the Perfect Teriyaki Sauce

• Teriyaki sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Cornstarch
• Water

Blend everything until smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Fire Up the Cooking Surface

Heat a combination of vegetable and sesame oils in a large wok. Wait until the oil looks shimmery and starts to dance with heat.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Spread the marinated chicken pieces across the hot pan. Let them sizzle and turn golden brown, cooking for about 4-5 minutes until nearly done.

Step 5: Add Colorful Vegetables

• Sliced carrots (first, for 2 minutes)
• Broccoli florets
• Red bell pepper

Keep everything moving quickly to maintain that perfect crunch.

Step 6: Create Sauce Magic

Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir constantly, allowing the sauce to hug every morsel and thicken for 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Season and Adjust

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Make sure the sauce clings beautifully to the chicken and veggies.

Step 8: Finish with Flair

Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for an extra pop of flavor and texture.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate over steamed rice or cauliflower rice. Get ready for a mouthwatering meal that’ll make everyone at the table cheer!

Tips to Keep Chicken Tender and Veggies Crisp

• Maximize Marinade Absorption: Let chicken sit in soy sauce at room temperature to deeply infuse flavors and tenderize meat for more delicious results.
• Quick Sauce Thickening: Add cornstarch to teriyaki sauce to create a glossy, restaurant-quality coating that clings perfectly to chicken and vegetables.
• Wok Heat Mastery: Ensure medium-high heat with shimmering oil to achieve beautiful golden-brown chicken and crisp vegetables without burning.
• Veggie Crunch Technique: Add vegetables in stages, starting with harder carrots, then broccoli and peppers, to maintain optimal texture and vibrant color.
• Garnish Like a Pro: Sprinkle fresh green onions and sesame seeds right before serving to add a burst of freshness and professional-looking presentation.

Fun Add-Ins for a Stir Fry with Personality

• Spicy Teriyaki Explosion: Add red chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the teriyaki mixture for a fiery kick that transforms the dish into a bold, zesty experience.
• Pineapple Paradise Chicken: Incorporate fresh pineapple chunks during the vegetable stir-fry stage, bringing a sweet tropical flavor that complements the savory teriyaki sauce.
• Low-Carb Lean Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice and swap chicken for tofu or shrimp, creating a lighter protein-packed meal that maintains the original recipe's essence.
• Coconut Curry Fusion: Blend coconut milk into the teriyaki sauce and sprinkle mild curry powder for an Asian-inspired variation with rich, creamy undertones.

Great Side Dishes to Go with Teriyaki Chicken

• Pair with Japanese Rice Wine: Crisp, chilled sake complements the teriyaki's sweet and savory profile, enhancing the dish's umami flavors and cutting through the richness of the chicken.
• Boost with Refreshing Green Tea: Brew hot sencha or cold-brew green tea to balance the stir fry's intense teriyaki sauce, providing a light, cleansing counterpoint to the meal's robust taste.
• Match with Citrus-Infused Water: Create a simple lemon or yuzu-infused water to cleanse the palate, offering a bright, zesty element that helps reset taste buds between bites of the teriyaki chicken.
• Elevate with Light Pilsner Beer: Select a crisp, clean pilsner that cuts through the sauce's sweetness, providing a refreshing contrast and helping to highlight the stir fry's complex flavor layers.

How to Store Leftover Stir Fry Without Sogginess

• Store leftover teriyaki chicken stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish fresh and preventing bacterial growth.
• Carefully transfer cooled stir fry to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2 months, maintaining flavor and texture.
• Warm refrigerated stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Keep sauce and chicken-vegetable mixture in different containers to prevent soggy ingredients, helping maintain the original crisp texture when reheating.

Your Stir Fry Questions, All Answered

• Why marinate the chicken before cooking?

Marinating helps the chicken absorb flavor and become more tender, ensuring each bite is seasoned and juicy throughout the cooking process.

• Can I use different vegetables in this stir fry?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers with zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms to match your preferences or use what’s available in your kitchen.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Cut into the thickest piece to ensure no pink remains and juices run clear.

• Is it necessary to use both vegetable and sesame oils?

Using both oils adds depth of flavor.

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling teriyaki chicken stir fry delivers authentic Asian flavors with a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. Crisp vegetables and tender chicken dance in a glossy teriyaki sauce, promising a quick, delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp soy sauce

Vegetables:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken pieces in soy sauce for enhanced flavor, allowing the meat to absorb seasonings for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
2. Whisk teriyaki sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, cornstarch, and water in a separate bowl to create a smooth, glossy sauce mixture.
3. Heat vegetable and sesame oils in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until oil shimmers and appears slightly rippling.
4. Add marinated chicken to the hot pan, spreading pieces evenly to ensure proper browning, and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and nearly cooked through.
5. Introduce sliced carrots first, stir-frying for 2 minutes to soften, then add broccoli florets and red bell pepper, continuing to toss quickly to maintain vegetable crispness.
6. Pour prepared sauce over chicken and vegetables, stirring continuously to coat ingredients evenly and allow sauce to thicken for 1-2 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste while ensuring sauce clings to chicken and vegetables.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
9. Serve immediately over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete, vibrant meal.

Notes

• Customize marinade intensity by adjusting soy sauce quantity, allowing flexibility for salt-sensitive diets.
• Quickly pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder for gluten-free alternative without compromising sauce thickness.
• Prep vegetables uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and maintain appealing texture throughout stir fry.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg