Quick & Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

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When it comes to busy weeknights, nothing beats the ease and satisfaction of a one-pan meal. This Quick & Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe combines juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a glossy, homemade teriyaki sauce for a dish that tastes like takeout but cooks in minutes. You’ll love how the sweet and savory flavors come together in a balanced, crowd-pleasing meal. In this guide, you’ll find a full list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, time-saving cooking tips, and simple variations to make it your own. Let’s dive into how this effortless stir fry can redefine your dinner routine.

Quick & Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

From a Busy Weeknight to a Family Favorite: How This Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Came to Be

It all started on one of those chaotic Tuesday nights — the kind when takeout sounded tempting, but the fridge was full of fresh ingredients begging to be used. I wanted something that felt special but didn’t require hours in the kitchen. A quick scan of my pantry revealed soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger — the foundation of a perfect Quick & Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. Within 30 minutes, that spontaneous experiment became a family favorite.

The beauty of this Quick & Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe lies in its simplicity. It channeled the bold, savory-sweet comfort of restaurant teriyaki into something I could whip up faster than delivery could arrive. The sizzling sound of chicken hitting the wok, the fragrance of garlic and ginger filling the air, and the vibrant colors of freshly sliced peppers and broccoli all came together seamlessly.

Soon enough, this meal wasn’t just about convenience — it became part of our weekly rhythm. Even on nights when everyone was tired and hungry, I knew this dish could bring the family together. The glossy homemade teriyaki sauce clung to every bite, giving that perfect glaze and flavor balance you’d expect from your favorite Asian takeout, only lighter and fresher.

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Close-up of teriyaki chicken stir fry with colorful vegetables glistening in savory sauce

Quick & Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe


  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This quick and flavorful teriyaki chicken stir fry combines tender strips of chicken with crisp vegetables and a homemade glossy teriyaki sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan meal features a balanced blend of sweet and savory flavors, vibrant colors, and minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s easily customizable with different proteins, vegetables, and dietary swaps. Serve over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a satisfying dinner that feels like takeout but cooks faster.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • optional sesame seeds and scallions for garnish

  • Instructions

    1. Whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, water, and cornstarch to make the teriyaki sauce and set aside.

    2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken strips for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then remove and set aside.

    3. Add remaining oil to the pan and stir-fry carrots for 2 minutes, then add bell peppers and broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

    4. Return chicken to the pan, pour in the teriyaki sauce, and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients.

    5. Adjust seasoning with extra honey or soy sauce if desired, garnish with sesame seeds and scallions, and serve immediately over rice or noodles.

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Category: main course
    • Method: stir fry
    • Cuisine: asian

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving
    • Calories: 350
    • Sugar: 12
    • Sodium: 800
    • Fat: 13
    • Saturated Fat: 2
    • Unsaturated Fat: 9
    • Trans Fat: 0
    • Carbohydrates: 28
    • Fiber: 4
    • Protein: 30
    • Cholesterol: 70

    Keywords: teriyaki, chicken stir fry, one pan meal, quick dinner, easy stir fry, healthy weeknight, asian recipe

    That first weeknight experiment evolved into what I now call my Quick & Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe — a go-to for anyone craving something wholesome, satisfying, and fast. Whether you cook for one or a family of four, this dish checks every box: minimal prep, endless flavor, and guaranteed smiles around the table.

    Why This One-Pan Meal Stands Out

    What sets this Quick & Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe apart from the countless stir fry options out there? It’s all about balance — the perfect interplay of sweet and savory notes, tender bites of chicken, and crisp vegetables that maintain their freshness with every forkful. The homemade teriyaki sauce isn’t overly heavy or salty; instead, it’s light yet deeply flavorful, coating each ingredient beautifully.

    One of the best parts is the simplicity of cleanup. Since everything cooks in one pan, you’ll spend more time enjoying dinner and less time tackling dishes. That alone makes this Quick & Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe a hero on hectic evenings when energy is low but appetites are high.

    The versatility also can’t be overstated. Prefer a bolder flavor? Add extra garlic or a splash of rice vinegar. Need it a bit sweeter? A touch more honey transforms the sauce instantly. You can tailor this dish for picky eaters or spice lovers by adding chili flakes, sesame seeds, or even a drizzle of sriracha.

    Above all, the reason this recipe stands out is its reliability. It consistently delivers fantastic results whether you’re an experienced cook or just discovering the joy of homemade stir fries. Every step is designed for success — from cutting the vegetables evenly to tossing everything together at the perfect moment so it stays crisp and colorful. After just one try, you’ll understand why this Quick & Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

    Fresh Ingredients that Make the Magic

    Every Quick & Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe begins with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The right combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a perfectly balanced sauce is what gives this dish its signature texture and taste. Fresh vegetables bring both vibrant color and natural crunch, while the homemade teriyaki sauce ties everything together with its silky glaze and rich umami depth.

    IngredientQuantityNotes
    Boneless chicken breast1 lbCut into thin strips or bite-size pieces for quick cooking
    Soy sauce1/3 cupUse low-sodium for better control of saltiness
    Honey2 tbspAdds natural sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize
    Garlic3 clovesMinced for maximum flavor infusion
    Fresh ginger1 tbspGrated or finely minced for brightness
    Broccoli florets1 cupUse fresh for best crunch, frozen can be substituted
    Bell peppers (any color)1 cupSlice thinly to cook evenly
    Carrots1 cupJulienned or thinly sliced
    Cornstarch1 tbspHelps thicken the sauce to that glossy finish
    Olive oil or sesame oil2 tbspFor stir-frying and flavor
    Water1/4 cupMix with cornstarch for sauce base
    Rice vinegar1 tspOptional, adds mild tanginess
    Sesame seeds & scallionsFor garnishOptional but adds crunch and aroma

    If you’re cutting back on sodium, replace soy sauce with coconut aminos or a reduced-salt tamari. For a vegan variation, swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use maple syrup instead of honey. Gluten-free cooks can also choose gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish fully compliant. The fresher your produce, the crispier and more flavorful your Quick & Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe will be.

    How to Cook Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Like a Pro

    Cooking a perfect Quick & Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is all about timing, heat, and movement. Every ingredient has its moment, and following each step carefully ensures juicy chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and a luscious sauce that coats every bite.

    • Large wok or nonstick skillet (12-inch recommended)
    • Mixing bowls for prepping sauce and vegetables
    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • Whisk for blending the sauce
    • Spatula or wooden spoon for stir-frying

    Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
    Whisk soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water in a bowl. Add cornstarch and stir until smooth. If you enjoy more tang, add a splash of rice vinegar. Set aside.

    Step 2: Cook the Chicken
    Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer, sear for 2–3 minutes, then stir and cook until fully done. Remove and set aside.

    Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
    In the same wok, add one tablespoon of oil. Toss in the carrots first, then bell peppers and broccoli. Stir-fry another 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.

    Step 4: Combine and Glaze
    Return chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir until it thickens and coats every piece. Cook for 1–2 minutes until glossy.

    Step 5: Adjust and Serve
    Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

    Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the wok—cook in batches for better searing. That’s the secret to that perfect restaurant-style texture and shiny glaze that makes every bite irresistible.

    Smart Tips for the Perfect Stir Fry Every Time

    Mastering this Quick & Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is all about timing and balance. Cutting everything evenly ensures consistent cooking. Use medium-high heat to brown the chicken without drying it out. Add vegetables in sequence by density, starting with carrots, then bell peppers and broccoli.

    Always add the sauce last. Doing so prevents burning and helps the sauce coat everything evenly. Stir constantly when the sauce is in the pan so it thickens smoothly.

    Overcrowding the pan can cause soggy veggies, so work in smaller batches. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to three days and reheat in a skillet with a bit of water to revive the sauce. It’s ideal for quick lunches or weeknight meal prep.

    This stir fry also suits batch cooking. Make it on Sunday and split it into lunch portions. You can keep the teriyaki sauce refrigerated for a week or frozen for a month—ready for your next speedy dinner.

    Easy Variations & Healthy Swaps

    This Quick & Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is endlessly flexible.

    Protein Options: Swap chicken for shrimp (2–3 minutes per side), thin beef strips for richness, or tofu/tempeh for a plant-based version. Use maple syrup instead of honey for vegan diets.

    Gluten-Free & Vegan Tweaks: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. These retain deep umami while staying gluten-free. Skip honey and opt for maple syrup to keep it vegan-friendly.

    Extra Flavor Ideas: Add sesame seeds, scallions, chili flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha for heat. A spoonful of peanut butter or tahini in the sauce adds nutty depth. Mix up vegetables like snap peas, baby corn, or bok choy for variety.

    Nutritional Profile (Per Serving):
    Calories: 350–400
    Protein: 28–30g
    Carbohydrates: 25–30g
    Fat: 12–15g
    Fiber: 4–5g

    It’s a protein-rich, balanced dish loaded with vegetables and antioxidants—perfect for clean eating without missing out on bold flavor. Every version of this Quick & Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe stays consistent: fast, satisfying, and healthful.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

    Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
    Yes. Prepare and refrigerate up to one week ahead or freeze for up to a month. Shake or stir before cooking—the flavors intensify over time.

    How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
    Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with two teaspoons cold water and stir it in while cooking on low until it thickens.

    What vegetables work best?
    Broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots are classic. Snap peas, mushrooms, or bok choy also work well—just keep cut sizes similar for even cooking.

    Can I freeze Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry?
    Yes. Cool completely, pack into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight and warm gently with a splash of water or soy sauce.

    How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
    About three days. Reheat in a skillet with a teaspoon of water to restore the glaze and moisture.

    Bringing It All Together

    From hectic weeknights to relaxed weekends, this Quick & Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe makes home cooking both easy and exciting. With just one pan, minimal prep, and a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll whip up a meal bursting with flavor in under half an hour.

    The harmony of juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and glossy teriyaki glaze proves that fast cooking doesn’t mean compromising taste. Serve it over rice or noodles and tweak it to your preference—sweet, spicy, or savory, this dish adapts effortlessly.

    So next time you crave takeout-quality flavor without the wait, turn to this Quick & Flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. It’ll quickly become a family favorite that you’ll return to again and again—simple, satisfying, and full of heart.

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