Teriyaki Chicken Stir-fry
Tender chicken and crisp vegetables tossed in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce. A perfect weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, faster than takeout!
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Sauce & Chicken
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, mirin, and brown sugar. Set aside.
- c.In a separate small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and 2 tbsp of water until smooth to create a slurry. Set aside.
- d.Pat the chicken cubes completely dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. This helps them brown properly.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Chicken
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers.
- c.Carefully add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary).
- d.Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
- e.Remove the cooked chicken from the wok and set it aside on a plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stir-fry Vegetables
- b.Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the hot wok.
- c.Add the sliced carrots and stir-fry for 2 minutes as they take the longest to cook.
- d.Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until they become vibrant green and tender-crisp.
- e.Add the sliced bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
- f.Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the center of the wok. Stir-fry for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Thicken
- b.Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables.
- c.Give the prepared teriyaki sauce a quick stir and pour it into the wok. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- d.Stir the cornstarch slurry again to recombine, then pour it into the simmering sauce.
- e.Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken and vegetables.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Remove the wok from the heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil for a final burst of flavor.
- c.Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- d.Serve immediately over a bed of steamed white or brown rice, or with your favorite noodles.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Mise en place is key for stir-frying. Have all your vegetables chopped, sauce mixed, and chicken seasoned before you turn on the heat.
- 2For a juicier result, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan. Cooking in batches ensures the chicken and vegetables stir-fry to a perfect crisp-tender texture rather than steaming.
- 4To toast sesame seeds, place them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan frequently until they are fragrant and lightly golden.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the chicken with thinly sliced beef sirloin, shrimp, or firm tofu. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Vegetable Add insVegetable Add-ins
Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, onions, water chestnuts, or baby corn.
Spicy TeriyakiSpicy Teriyaki
Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Nutty FlavorNutty Flavor
Add a handful of cashews or peanuts along with the vegetables for extra crunch and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Chicken breast is a high-quality lean protein, essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function, and keeping you feeling full.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The colorful array of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers provides essential vitamins such as Vitamin C and A, as well as important minerals and antioxidants.
Good Source of Fiber
Vegetables like broccoli and carrots are high in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes gut health.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this stir-fry contains approximately 480-550 calories, excluding rice or noodles. The final count can vary based on the exact size of vegetables and cut of chicken used.