Name: Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable or sesame oil; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup snap peas or snow peas; 1 carrot, thinly sliced; ½ onion, sliced; ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup water; 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Cooked rice or noodles; Sesame seeds; Sliced green onions

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If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that comes together in a flash, this Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine tender chicken pieces glazed in a shiny, homemade teriyaki sauce paired with crisp-tender vegetables that add bursts of color and freshness in every bite. This dish balances sweet, savory, and lightly tangy notes that make it delightfully irresistible. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with an easy but impressive meal, this recipe delivers the perfect harmony of taste and texture, all ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden table with various cooking ingredients neatly arranged. At the front and center, there are clear glass bowls filled with bright green snow peas, vibrant orange carrot strips, fresh green broccoli florets, thinly sliced red bell pepper rings, and white mushrooms chopped into pieces. To the right, a white tray holds raw, pale pink chicken thighs labeled

Gathering fresh, simple ingredients goes a long way in creating a dish that’s both satisfying and beautifully balanced. Each element plays a unique role—from the juicy chicken and crunchy veggies to the luscious homemade teriyaki sauce that ties everything together with a glossy finish.

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for juiciness or breasts for a leaner option—either works beautifully.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: This helps to lightly coat the chicken, giving it a perfect sear and thickening the sauce later.
2 tablespoons vegetable or sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a subtle nutty aroma, but vegetable oil works just fine for cooking.
1 cup broccoli florets: These provide a satisfying crunch and vibrant green color.
1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweetness and a lovely pop of red.
1 cup snap peas or snow peas: A crisp, fresh vegetable that complements the other textures wonderfully.
1 carrot, thinly sliced: Adds natural sweetness and bright orange hues.
½ onion, sliced: Brings a subtle depth of flavor and slight sweetness when cooked.
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce: The salty backbone of the teriyaki sauce, controlling saltiness with ease.
¼ cup water: Balances the sauce, keeping it from getting too intense.
3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar: Sweetness that creates the trademark teriyaki glaze.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a mild tang that brightens the sauce.
1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses the sauce with that irresistible nutty aroma.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the sauce a savory, aromatic punch.
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds warmth and zing for an authentic Asian-inspired twist.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: For thickening the sauce to a glossy finish.
Cooked rice or noodles (for serving): The perfect base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Sesame seeds and sliced green onions: Classic garnishes that add texture and freshness.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by tossing the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until each piece is lightly coated. This little step is a game-changer as it helps the chicken develop a beautifully caramelized exterior when cooked and also thickens the sauce later on.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Whisk everything until smooth and set it aside. This homemade teriyaki sauce is simple, but it delivers a depth of flavor that can’t be beaten by store-bought versions.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat your oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to keep warm.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, toss in the broccoli, red bell pepper, snap peas, carrot, and onion. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until they are crisp-tender—still bright and full of life. This step retains their freshness and adds a wonderful variety of textures to your dish.

Step 5: Combine and Glaze

Return the chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in your prepared teriyaki sauce and stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll watch the sauce thicken beautifully, coating the chicken and veggies in a silky, glossy glaze that makes every bite irresistible.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove the stir-fry from the heat and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions. These simple garnishes enhance the texture and add a fresh pop of flavor and color that elevates the entire dish.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

A white pan filled with a stir-fry dish showing three main layers: at the bottom, brown pieces of cooked tofu with a slightly crispy texture; mixed with bright green snap peas and light green stems evenly spread around; on top, scattered small red chopped bell peppers adding a pop of color. The vegetables and tofu have a shiny, lightly oily surface, indicating they are cooked but fresh. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding sesame seeds and sliced green onions right before serving isn’t just about looks—they bring a subtle crunch and fresh brightness that complements the rich teriyaki sauce impeccably. Feel free to toss in some chili flakes if you like a little heat!

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up every bit of that glossy sauce. For a fun twist, serve it atop your favorite noodles like udon or soba, or even keep it low-carb with cauliflower rice or steamed greens.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleaser, serve the stir-fry family-style in a large, colorful bowl so everyone can dig in. Or for a simple weeknight meal, plating it over fluffy rice in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs adds a touch of elegance and makes dinner feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers from your Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to four days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the chicken and veggies separately from the rice or noodles for optimal texture. Place cooled stir-fry in freezer-safe containers and enjoy within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or soy sauce can help revive the sauce’s luscious shine and keep everything moist and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use other proteins besides chicken?

Absolutely! This Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is versatile enough to swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep your protein juicy and tender.

How can I make the dish spicier?

To kick up the heat, add chili flakes while stir-frying or drizzle sriracha on top before serving. It adds a lovely contrast to the sweet and savory sauce without overpowering it.

Is the homemade teriyaki sauce difficult to make?

Not at all! The sauce combines simple pantry staples and comes together in minutes. It tastes far fresher and more balanced than store-bought sauces, and you get full control over the sweetness and saltiness.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Definitely. Frozen stir-fry vegetable mixes are convenient and work well here. Just be sure to drain any excess water after cooking to keep the sauce from getting too thin.

What’s the best way to serve this dish for meal prep?

Divide your stir-fry into meal prep containers with separate compartments for rice or noodles. Keep the garnishes fresh and add just before eating to maintain texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a homemade meal that’s quick, colorful, and packed with flavor—and this Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe checks all those boxes. It brings together so many delightful tastes and textures and can be easily customized to your preferences. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and discover how effortlessly amazing weeknight dinners can be!