There’s something about a good stir fry that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. For me, Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry has always been a special go-to meal. I remember standing by the stove as a kid, watching the vibrant vegetables sizzle and dance in the pan while that sweet, savory aroma of teriyaki sauce filled the kitchen. It was one of those dishes that could bring the whole family together in no time — fast enough for a busy weeknight, but so full of flavor it felt like a little celebration on a plate.
Teriyaki has deep roots in Japanese cuisine, where it refers to a cooking technique of grilling or broiling foods with a glaze of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Over time, teriyaki found its way into home kitchens around the world, transforming into a deliciously versatile sauce perfect for stir frying. What I love about this recipe is how it captures the spirit of traditional teriyaki but with the ease and speed we all need today.
With crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a glossy, savory-sweet sauce, this stir fry is a perfect reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings color, texture, and bold flavor to your table — and it’s endlessly customizable depending on what’s in your fridge.
Whether you’re trying to get a quick dinner on the table, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry hits the spot every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
- Healthy: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies
- Versatile: Swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the sauce to taste
- Better than takeout: No need to wait for delivery when you can whip this up at home
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults both adore the sweet-savory flavor combo
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)
HOW TO MAKE TERIYAKI CHICKEN STIR FRY:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you even turn on the stove, get everything ready — it makes cooking so much smoother! Dice your chicken into bite-sized pieces, chop all your vegetables, and mix up the sauce ingredients (except the cornstarch and water for now). Having your “mise en place” (everything in its place) is the secret to stress-free stir fry magic.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook them until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir often to get a nice sear on all sides. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and red bell peppers. Stir fry for about 3-5 minutes, or until the veggies are vibrant and just tender-crisp. I love when they still have a little crunch — it keeps the dish lively and fresh!
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour your premixed teriyaki sauce ingredients into the pan with the veggies. Let it bubble gently. Meanwhile, mix the cornstarch and water to make a quick slurry. Stir it into the sauce and watch it thicken into that beautiful, glossy coating that will hug every piece of chicken and vegetable.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Toss everything together until well coated in that irresistible teriyaki glaze. Let it simmer for another minute or two so the flavors can really come together.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like, and dig in. Every bite is a perfect balance of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and that savory-sweet sauce!
HELPFUL TIPS:
- Prep ahead: Chop all your veggies and mix the sauce ahead of time to make this recipe even faster on a busy night.
- Customize your veggies: Zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn would be great swaps or additions here.
- Control the sweetness: If you like your teriyaki on the less-sweet side, you can reduce the honey and brown sugar slightly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to get that nice caramelized exterior instead of steaming it.
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a squirt of Sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
DETAILS:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
NOTES:
This stir fry is incredibly flexible — use what you have on hand! It’s also a great way to sneak extra vegetables into your meal. If you’re prepping for the week, double the batch and store in meal prep containers for an easy, healthy lunch.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (approximate per serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and add even more flavor. Just be sure to trim any excess fat.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A quick toss in a hot skillet or a minute or two in the microwave works perfectly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water when reheating.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or extra veggies. Make sure to press your tofu well so it stays nice and crisp when stir-fried.
Do I need a wok?
Nope! A large skillet works just fine. Just make sure it gets nice and hot before you start cooking.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Let your stir fry cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it, though the veggies might lose a bit of their crispness when thawed.
Related Recipes:
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
- Teriyaki Chicken & Pineapple Foil Packets – Sweet, Savory & Juicy!
- Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir Fry
- Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry (Better Than Takeout!)
- BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
Conclusion:
There’s just something so satisfying about whipping up a colorful, saucy stir fry in less time than it takes to order delivery. This Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is not just a meal — it’s a cozy, home-cooked hug you can treat yourself to any night of the week. Plus, with how easy it is to customize, it’ll quickly become one of those recipes you can count on again and again. So grab that skillet, crank up the heat, and get ready to enjoy a plate full of deliciousness!
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Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry: A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Favorite
Description
There’s something about a good stir fry that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. For me, Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry has always been a special go-to meal. I remember standing by the stove as a kid, watching the vibrant vegetables sizzle and dance in the pan while that sweet, savory aroma of teriyaki sauce filled the kitchen. It was one of those dishes that could bring the whole family together in no time — fast enough for a busy weeknight, but so full of flavor it felt like a little celebration on a plate.
Teriyaki has deep roots in Japanese cuisine, where it refers to a cooking technique of grilling or broiling foods with a glaze of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Over time, teriyaki found its way into home kitchens around the world, transforming into a deliciously versatile sauce perfect for stir frying. What I love about this recipe is how it captures the spirit of traditional teriyaki but with the ease and speed we all need today.
With crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and a glossy, savory-sweet sauce, this stir fry is a perfect reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings color, texture, and bold flavor to your table — and it’s endlessly customizable depending on what’s in your fridge.
Whether you’re trying to get a quick dinner on the table, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry hits the spot every single time.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 cup snap peas
⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
¼ cup water
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you even turn on the stove, get everything ready — it makes cooking so much smoother! Dice your chicken into bite-sized pieces, chop all your vegetables, and mix up the sauce ingredients (except the cornstarch and water for now). Having your “mise en place” (everything in its place) is the secret to stress-free stir fry magic.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook them until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir often to get a nice sear on all sides. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and red bell peppers. Stir fry for about 3-5 minutes, or until the veggies are vibrant and just tender-crisp. I love when they still have a little crunch — it keeps the dish lively and fresh!
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour your premixed teriyaki sauce ingredients into the pan with the veggies. Let it bubble gently. Meanwhile, mix the cornstarch and water to make a quick slurry. Stir it into the sauce and watch it thicken into that beautiful, glossy coating that will hug every piece of chicken and vegetable.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan. Toss everything together until well coated in that irresistible teriyaki glaze. Let it simmer for another minute or two so the flavors can really come together.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like, and dig in. Every bite is a perfect balance of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and that savory-sweet sauce!
Notes
This stir fry is incredibly flexible — use what you have on hand! It’s also a great way to sneak extra vegetables into your meal. If you’re prepping for the week, double the batch and store in meal prep containers for an easy, healthy lunch.