Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry: A Weeknight Dinner Delight

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is a classic dish that combines the savory-sweet flavors of teriyaki sauce with tender chicken and crisp-tender vegetables. This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite veggies and adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to your liking. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes and is sure to please the whole family. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying meal!

## Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the vegetables and sauce to your preferences.
* **Flavorful:** The perfect balance of sweet and savory teriyaki flavor.
* **Healthy:** Packed with protein and vegetables, a nutritious and balanced meal.
* **Versatile:** Serve it over rice, noodles, or quinoa for a complete meal.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses affordable ingredients that you likely already have on hand.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious teriyaki chicken stir fry:

* **Chicken:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs will be more flavorful, but chicken breasts are leaner.
* **Vegetables:** A mix of your favorite stir-fry vegetables. Some great options include broccoli florets, bell peppers (any color), snap peas, carrots (sliced or julienned), zucchini, and mushrooms.
* **Teriyaki Sauce:** You can use store-bought teriyaki sauce for convenience, or make your own from scratch (recipe below!).
* **Soy Sauce:** Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
* **Brown Sugar:** Adds sweetness and helps to thicken the teriyaki sauce. You can substitute honey or maple syrup.
* **Ginger:** Fresh ginger, grated or minced, adds a warm and aromatic flavor.
* **Garlic:** Fresh garlic, minced, provides a pungent and savory element.
* **Sesame Oil:** Adds a nutty flavor to the stir fry. You can substitute vegetable oil or canola oil if needed.
* **Cornstarch:** Used to thicken the teriyaki sauce. You can substitute arrowroot powder.
* **Sesame Seeds (Optional):** For garnish, adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
* **Green Onions (Optional):** For garnish, adds a fresh and mild onion flavor.
* **Rice, Noodles, or Quinoa:** For serving.

### Ingredient Amounts

Here is a more specific list of ingredients with amounts:

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 tbsp sesame oil
* 1 cup broccoli florets
* 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
* 1 cup snap peas
* 1 carrot, sliced or julienned
* 1/2 zucchini, sliced
* 4 oz mushrooms, sliced
* 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1 tbsp grated or minced fresh ginger
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tbsp cornstarch
* 1/4 cup water
* Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
* Green onions, for garnish (optional)
* Cooked rice, noodles, or quinoa, for serving

## Homemade Teriyaki Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer to make your own teriyaki sauce, it’s surprisingly easy! Here’s a simple recipe:

**Ingredients:**

* 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons cold water

**Instructions:**

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey (if using), rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
4. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce and stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious teriyaki chicken stir fry:

**1. Prepare the Chicken:**

* Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This will ensure that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly in the stir fry.
* Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This will help it to brown nicely in the pan.

**2. Prepare the Vegetables:**

* Wash and chop all of your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces. It’s important to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as the stir-fry process moves quickly.

**3. Make the Teriyaki Sauce (if making homemade):**

* Follow the instructions above for making the homemade teriyaki sauce.
* If using store-bought sauce, have it ready to go.

**4. Cook the Chicken:**

* Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken.
* Add the chicken to the pan in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of brown.
* Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
* Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

**5. Stir Fry the Vegetables:**

* Add the vegetables to the same skillet or wok. If the pan seems dry, you can add a little more sesame oil.
* Stir-fry the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. The vegetables should still have a slight crunch to them.
* Start with the vegetables that take longer to cook, such as broccoli and carrots, and then add the quicker-cooking vegetables, such as snap peas and zucchini, towards the end.

**6. Combine Everything:**

* Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables.
* Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
* Stir everything together to coat evenly with the sauce.

**7. Thicken the Sauce (if needed):**

* If you want the sauce to be thicker, you can add a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth.
* Pour the cornstarch slurry into the pan and stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

**8. Garnish and Serve:**

* Remove the stir fry from the heat.
* Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (if using).
* Serve hot over cooked rice, noodles, or quinoa.

## Tips for the Best Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

* **Use high heat:** Stir-frying requires high heat to cook the ingredients quickly and keep them crisp-tender. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken and vegetables.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of brown. Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches if necessary.
* **Prepare everything in advance:** Chop all of your vegetables and prepare the sauce before you start cooking. This will make the stir-fry process much smoother.
* **Adjust the sauce to your liking:** Taste the teriyaki sauce and adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your preferences. You can add more brown sugar for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness.
* **Don’t overcook the vegetables:** The vegetables should be crisp-tender, not mushy. Cook them just until they are slightly softened but still have a slight crunch.
* **Use fresh ingredients:** Fresh ginger and garlic will add the best flavor to your teriyaki chicken stir fry.
* **Marinate the chicken:** For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help the chicken to absorb the sauce and become more tender.
* **Add some heat:** If you like a little spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce.
* **Store leftovers properly:** Leftover teriyaki chicken stir fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

## Variations and Add-ins

* **Protein:** You can substitute the chicken with other proteins, such as shrimp, tofu, or beef.
* **Vegetables:** Feel free to use any vegetables you like in your stir fry. Some other great options include bok choy, snow peas, water chestnuts, and bean sprouts.
* **Nuts:** Add some chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch and flavor.
* **Pineapple:** Add some pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for some heat.
* **Coconut milk:** Add a splash of coconut milk to the teriyaki sauce for a creamier sauce.
* **Serve over noodles:** Serve the teriyaki chicken stir fry over your favorite type of noodles, such as udon, soba, or ramen noodles.

## Serving Suggestions

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

* **Rice:** Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice.
* **Noodles:** Serve over cooked noodles such as yakisoba, udon, or lo mein.
* **Quinoa:** For a healthier option, serve over cooked quinoa.
* **Salad:** Serve with a side salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.
* **Spring Rolls:** Pair with fresh spring rolls for a delicious appetizer.
* **Miso Soup:** Serve alongside a warm bowl of miso soup.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on chicken breast and typical vegetable mix, excluding rice/noodles)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 5-7g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. You can also make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time. When you’re ready to cook, simply stir-fry the vegetables and chicken, add the sauce, and heat through.

**Q: Can I freeze teriyaki chicken stir fry?**

A: Yes, you can freeze teriyaki chicken stir fry, but the vegetables may become a bit soft after thawing. To freeze, let the stir fry cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

**Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the stir fry.

**Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?**

A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian or vegan by substituting the chicken with tofu or tempeh. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the teriyaki sauce.

**Q: My teriyaki sauce is too thick. What can I do?**

A: If your teriyaki sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of water or chicken broth to thin it out.

**Q: My teriyaki sauce is too thin. What can I do?**

A: If your teriyaki sauce is too thin, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) to thicken it.

**Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of stir-frying it?**

A: Yes, you can grill the chicken instead of stir-frying it. Marinate the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes, then grill until cooked through.

## Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is a versatile and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With its combination of tender chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and savory-sweet teriyaki sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and adjust the sauce to your liking. Enjoy!