If you’ve been craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings the perfect balance of savory and sweet right to your dinner table, this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is a must-try. Bursting with tender chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce, it’s a feast for the senses that comes together in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight meal or impressing friends with your cooking skills, this recipe delivers that irresistible restaurant-quality taste right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a key role in creating the unforgettable flavors and textures of this dish. From the tender chicken breast to the vibrant veggies and the perfectly balanced sauce, every element contributes to making this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe a standout.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up the teriyaki glaze beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle punch of savory warmth to the chicken.
- Pepper (to taste): Brings a subtle kick to balance the sweet sauce.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps create a crispy coating on the chicken and thickens the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided): For that perfect sear on the chicken and to sauté the veggies.
- 1/2 medium onion: Offers sweetness and texture as it sautés to tender perfection.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds crunch, color, and nutritious green goodness.
- 1/2 red bell pepper: Provides vibrant color and a mild sweetness.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Forms the base of the sauce, enhancing the overall richness.
- 3 tablespoons mirin: A sweet rice wine that adds depth and authentic teriyaki flavor (see note below).
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings that signature umami and saltiness to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): Lifts the sauce with a subtle tang.
- 1/4 cup (packed) brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the sauce for delicious glaze.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce into that glossy teriyaki coating.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds a zesty, warming note that punches up the flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with irresistible aroma and depth.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you turn on the heat, get everything ready—this is the key to a smooth cooking process. Chop your broccoli into small, bite-sized florets and slice the red bell pepper and onion into pieces that cook evenly alongside the broccoli. Precise prep means every element finishes cooking at the perfect time without overcooking or undercooking.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken broth, mirin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, fresh ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk it all together until smooth — this deliciously balanced sauce will be the heart of your Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into one-inch pieces for quick, uniform cooking. Sprinkle with garlic powder and pepper for seasoning, then toss the pieces in three tablespoons of cornstarch until they’re beautifully coated. This step creates a light crust that locks in juiciness when cooked.
Step 4: Heat the Pan and Sear the Chicken
Warm two tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the chicken in two batches to avoid overcrowding: shake off excess cornstarch before adding the pieces. Sear each side until golden and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables
If the pan looks dry, add a teaspoon of olive oil. Toss in the onions and stir for one minute to soften. Then add the broccoli and red bell pepper, cooking for about three minutes while stirring frequently. The goal is tender-crisp veggies that add a fresh crunch and vibrant color for your Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Return the chicken to the skillet. Whisk your sauce one last time before pouring it over everything. Stir constantly as the sauce bubbles and thickens, coating every bite of chicken and vegetable with that glossy, irresistible teriyaki glaze. Remove from heat and prepare to serve immediately.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of freshness and texture, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions on top. These garnishes brighten the dish and add just the right amount of crunch and color pop.
Side Dishes
This stir fry is fantastic paired with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice for a wholesome meal. For a lighter option, consider serving it over cauliflower rice or alongside a simple cucumber salad to keep things fresh and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to jazz things up? Serve your Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe in crisp lettuce cups for a hand-held treat that’s fun and fresh. Alternatively, pile it into warm tortillas for an Asian-inspired wrap or spoon it over noodles tossed with sesame oil for a comforting twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your stir fry cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay delicious and safe to eat for up to three days. This makes it perfect for healthy lunches or speedy dinner fixes.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze leftovers if you want to prep in advance. Divide the stir fry into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly and keep the veggies crisp. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to avoid overcooking the chicken. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful alternative and tolerate longer cooking times well. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking in the stir fry.
What if I don’t have mirin?
If you can’t find mirin, substitute with a mix of dry white wine or sake plus a bit of sugar. Alternatively, a little extra brown sugar along with rice vinegar can help mimic its sweetness and acidity.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check that your mirin or substitute is gluten-free as well. Cornstarch and other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or baby corn all make excellent additions. Just keep your veggies cut to similar sizes for even cooking and adjust stir-fry times accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is perfect for meal prep. It reheats beautifully and maintains great flavor and texture even after a few days in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about mastering a homemade Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe that tastes just like your favorite takeout but with the warmth and love of home cooking. This dish is bursting with vibrant flavors, quick to prepare, and endlessly versatile — a winning combo whether for family dinners or impressing guests. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine.
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
A flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry featuring tender chicken pieces cooked to perfection with crisp vegetables and a homemade teriyaki sauce. This quick and easy dish combines a balance of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut small
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
- 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
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Cut the vegetables into bite-size pieces ensuring the broccoli is cut small for even cooking.
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, mirin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, grated ginger, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Season and coat chicken: Place the cut chicken pieces in a bowl. Sprinkle with garlic powder and pepper, stir to combine. Add cornstarch and toss until chicken is evenly coated.
- Heat oil in skillet: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Cook chicken in batches: Shake off excess cornstarch from half the chicken, add to skillet, and cook for 4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate. Repeat with remaining chicken, adding the last tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
- Sauté onions: If pan is dry, add about 1 teaspoon olive oil, then add onions and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
- Cook vegetables: Add broccoli and red bell pepper to skillet and stir-fry for 3 minutes until tender-crisp. Cook longer if softer veggies are desired.
- Combine and thicken sauce: Return chicken to skillet. Whisk the sauce again and pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Stir constantly over heat until sauce bubbles and thickens, about less than 1 minute.
- Serve: Remove skillet from heat and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Mirin adds sweetness and depth; if unavailable, a mixture of white wine and sugar can be substituted.
- Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Cooking chicken in batches helps achieve a better sear and prevents overcrowding.
- For a thicker sauce, allow it to bubble slightly longer, stirring continuously.
- Serve this stir fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
