Quick Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

Life in our household is a beautiful whirlwind of school runs, work deadlines, after-school activities, and everything in between. Finding time to create a delicious and healthy meal that everyone actually enjoys can sometimes feel like a Herculean task. That’s where this Quick Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry recipe has become our absolute weeknight savior. I stumbled upon a similar recipe online a few months ago, and after a few tweaks to perfectly suit our family’s tastes – a little more ginger here, a touch less sugar there – it has become a staple. The best part? It’s truly quick! From chopping board to table in under 30 minutes on a busy evening, and the aroma that fills the kitchen while it’s cooking is simply irresistible. Even my picky eater, who usually eyes vegetables with suspicion, devours this stir-fry without a single complaint, especially when served over a bed of fluffy rice. The vibrant colors of the vegetables, the tender, flavorful chicken, and that glossy, savory-sweet teriyaki sauce… it’s a culinary hug in a bowl. This recipe isn’t just about speed; it’s about creating a satisfying, wholesome meal that brings everyone together at the end of a long day, leaving us feeling nourished and happy. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both incredibly easy and undeniably delicious, look no further. This Quick Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry is about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner solution.

Ingredients for Quick Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

• Chicken Breast: 1.5 lbs, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. The lean protein source of our dish, chicken breast cooks quickly and absorbs the teriyaki marinade beautifully.
• Broccoli Florets: 1 large head, cut into florets. Broccoli adds a wonderful crunch and earthy flavor, along with a boost of vitamins and fiber.
• Carrots: 2 medium carrots, julienned or thinly sliced. Carrots provide sweetness, vibrant color, and a satisfying texture to the stir-fry.
• Bell Peppers: 2 bell peppers (any color), seeded and sliced into strips. Bell peppers contribute sweetness, a slight tang, and essential vitamins, adding a lovely pop of color.
• Snap Peas: 1 cup, trimmed. Snap peas offer a delightful sweetness and a crisp, snappy texture that contrasts nicely with the other vegetables.
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced. Onion provides a foundational savory flavor base to the stir-fry and softens beautifully as it cooks.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Garlic is essential for adding aromatic depth and pungent flavor that enhances the teriyaki sauce and complements the chicken.
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated. Fresh ginger brings a warm, zesty, and slightly spicy note that is characteristic of Asian-inspired cuisine and pairs perfectly with teriyaki.
• Soy Sauce (Low Sodium): 1/2 cup. Low sodium soy sauce provides the salty umami backbone of the teriyaki sauce without being overly salty, allowing other flavors to shine.
• Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine): 1/4 cup. Mirin adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the teriyaki sauce, contributing to its signature glaze and depth of flavor.
• Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons, packed. Brown sugar provides sweetness and a molasses-like depth that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and helps create a rich, caramelized teriyaki glaze.
• Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon. Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor that is crucial for authentic stir-fry taste and enhances the overall richness of the dish.
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon. Cornstarch is used to thicken the teriyaki sauce, creating a glossy, clinging glaze that coats the chicken and vegetables perfectly.
• Water: 2 tablespoons. Water helps to dissolve the cornstarch and creates the right consistency for the sauce.
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons. Vegetable oil is used for stir-frying as it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, allowing the ingredients to shine.
• Sesame Seeds (for garnish): Optional, toasted. Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor, visual appeal, and a delightful textural crunch as a finishing touch.
• Green Onions (for garnish): Optional, thinly sliced. Green onions provide a fresh, mild oniony flavor and a pop of color as a garnish, adding freshness to the final dish.

Instructions for Quick Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

1. Prepare the Teriyaki Marinade and Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the low sodium soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry. Set both bowls aside. This pre-preparation ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or a bowl. Pour half of the teriyaki marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Reserve the remaining marinade; this will be used later as part of the stir-fry sauce. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for enhanced flavor. While the chicken marinates, you can prepare the vegetables. Marinating infuses the chicken with flavor and helps to tenderize it.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken marinates, wash and prepare all the vegetables. Cut the broccoli into florets, julienne or thinly slice the carrots, slice the bell peppers into strips, trim the snap peas, and thinly slice the yellow onion. Having all the vegetables prepped and ready to go ensures a quick and seamless stir-fry process.
4. Heat the Wok or Skillet: Heat a large wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and heat until it shimmers. The wok or skillet needs to be hot before adding the chicken to ensure proper searing and prevent sticking.
5. Stir-Fry the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the used marinade). Add the marinated chicken to the hot wok or skillet in a single layer. Stir-fry the chicken until it is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning. Remove the cooked chicken from the wok and set aside.
6. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add the sliced onion to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until softened and slightly translucent. Then, add the carrots and bell peppers and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Finally, add the broccoli florets and snap peas and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp and the snap peas are slightly softened. Stir-frying vegetables in stages, starting with the denser ones, ensures they are all cooked to perfection.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the reserved teriyaki marinade (the half you set aside earlier) and the cornstarch slurry into the wok. Stir-fry everything together, constantly stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully, about 1-2 minutes. The cornstarch slurry will thicken the sauce quickly, creating a glossy teriyaki glaze.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the Quick Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry from the heat. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions, if desired. Serve immediately over hot cooked rice, quinoa, or noodles. Garnishes add visual appeal and a final touch of flavor and texture. Serving immediately ensures the stir-fry is at its freshest and most flavorful.

Nutrition Facts for Quick Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

Servings: 4

Calories Per Serving: Approximately 450 kcal

• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time for Quick Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

Total Time: 30 minutes

Prep Time: 15 minutes (includes vegetable chopping and marinade preparation)

Cook Time: 15 minutes (stir-frying chicken and vegetables)

This Quick Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry is designed for speed and convenience. The minimal prep time ensures that even on the busiest weeknights, you can have a delicious and wholesome meal on the table in just half an hour. The quick cooking time of stir-frying, combined with efficient ingredient preparation, makes this recipe a perfect solution for those evenings when time is of the essence but you still crave a flavorful and nutritious dinner.

How to Serve Quick Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

This versatile Quick Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry can be served in a variety of delicious ways. Here are some popular and satisfying serving suggestions:

• Classic Rice Bowls:
  • Steamed White Rice: The most traditional and simple accompaniment. Fluffy white rice provides a neutral base that perfectly soaks up the savory teriyaki sauce.
  • Brown Rice: For a healthier and nuttier option, serve over brown rice. Brown rice adds fiber and a more complex flavor profile.
  • Jasmine Rice: Fragrant jasmine rice enhances the aromatic qualities of the stir-fry with its delicate floral notes.
  • Quinoa: For a protein-packed and gluten-free alternative, quinoa is an excellent choice. Its slightly nutty flavor complements the teriyaki sauce well.
• Noodle Dishes:
  • Lo Mein Noodles: Toss the stir-fry with cooked lo mein noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal. The noodles absorb the sauce beautifully.
  • Udon Noodles: Thick and chewy udon noodles are another fantastic option. Their texture provides a delightful contrast to the tender chicken and vegetables.
  • Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles also work wonderfully, offering a rich and comforting base for the stir-fry.
  • Rice Noodles (Vermicelli): For a lighter option, serve over thin rice vermicelli noodles.
• Vegetable-Forward Servings:
  • Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb and grain-free option, serve over cauliflower rice. This is a great way to boost your vegetable intake.
  • Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Another low-carb and gluten-free choice. Zucchini noodles offer a light and refreshing base.
  • Served in Lettuce Cups: For a light and refreshing appetizer or snack, spoon the stir-fry into crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or romaine).
• Side Dish Pairings:
  • Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce make a delicious and light appetizer to start your meal.
  • Edamame: Steamed or pan-fried edamame pods, sprinkled with sea salt, provide a healthy and satisfying side dish.
  • Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the stir-fry beautifully and adds a comforting element to the meal.
  • Seaweed Salad: A refreshing seaweed salad offers a tangy and slightly salty counterpoint to the richness of the teriyaki stir-fry.

Additional Tips for the Best Quick Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When stir-frying, especially the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the wok or skillet. Overcrowding lowers the temperature and causes the ingredients to steam instead of sear, resulting in less browning and potentially uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure everything cooks properly and gets a nice char.
2. High Heat is Key: Stir-frying is best done over medium-high to high heat. This high heat helps to cook the ingredients quickly and creates that desirable stir-fry texture – tender-crisp vegetables and nicely seared chicken. Ensure your wok or skillet is properly heated before adding ingredients.
3. Prep Everything in Advance: “Mise en place” is crucial for stir-frying. Have all your vegetables chopped, sauces mixed, and chicken marinated before you even turn on the heat. Stir-frying happens quickly, so having everything ready to go will make the process smooth and efficient.
4. Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic are essential for the authentic flavor of teriyaki chicken stir-fry. While powdered versions can work in a pinch, fresh ingredients provide a much brighter and more vibrant flavor profile.
5. Adjust Sweetness to Your Preference: Teriyaki sauce is typically sweet and savory. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar. You can also use honey or maple syrup as alternatives, but brown sugar adds a nice molasses depth. Taste the sauce before adding it to the stir-fry and adjust sweetness accordingly.
6. Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Other great additions include mushrooms, bok choy, snow peas, zucchini, or asparagus. The beauty of stir-fry is its versatility.
7. Marinate for Flavor and Tenderness: Marinating the chicken, even for just 15-30 minutes, significantly enhances its flavor and tenderness. The marinade penetrates the chicken, making it more flavorful and preventing it from drying out during cooking.
8. Garnish for Flavor and Visual Appeal: Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes! Toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions add both flavor and visual appeal to the finished dish. They provide a final touch of freshness, texture, and aroma that elevates the entire meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Quick Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts. They are more flavorful and tend to stay more moist during stir-frying. Just ensure you trim any excess fat and cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Q2: Can I make this stir-fry vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian or vegan. To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables like mushrooms and edamame. For a vegan version, ensure your teriyaki sauce ingredients (especially mirin) are vegan-friendly, and use plant-based protein sources.

Q3: How can I make the teriyaki sauce gluten-free?
A: To make the teriyaki sauce gluten-free, replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which are gluten-free alternatives. Double-check all other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free if necessary.

Q4: Can I prepare this stir-fry ahead of time?
A: While stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time. You can chop the vegetables and marinate the chicken in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, the stir-fry process will be even quicker. However, it’s best to stir-fry and sauce just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

Q5: How do I store leftover teriyaki chicken stir-fry?
A: Store leftover teriyaki chicken stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Be aware that the vegetables may soften slightly upon reheating.

Q6: Can I add other vegetables to this stir-fry?
A: Absolutely! Stir-fries are incredibly versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as mushrooms, zucchini, baby corn, water chestnuts, snow peas, or bok choy. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the density of the vegetables you add.

Q7: My teriyaki sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
A: If your teriyaki sauce is too thin, ensure you used cornstarch slurry and cooked it long enough for it to thicken. If it’s still too thin, you can mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry, and then add it to the wok while stirring and cooking for another minute or two until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q8: What if I don’t have mirin? Can I substitute it?
A: Mirin adds a unique sweetness and depth to teriyaki sauce. If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with dry sherry or rice vinegar mixed with a little extra sugar (about 1/2 teaspoon of sugar for every tablespoon of rice vinegar or sherry). While not a perfect substitute, it will provide a similar effect in a pinch.

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