Easy Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
Add Preferred SourceThis easy Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry recipe is better than takeout! Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, it’s packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a delicious teriyaki sauce. This easy dinner recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and become a new favorite in your meal rotation.
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I love making this teriyaki chicken because it’s quick, flavorful, and works for everything from busy weeknights to casual family dinners. The sauce nails that sweet-savory balance, and it’s easy to toss in whatever veggies I’ve got on hand. It doesn’t take much effort but always delivers, and the leftovers are just as good for lunch the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Getting this teriyaki chicken stir fry on your table is easy. Here’s how to do it:
Prep and Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat some sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden on all sides. You might need to do this in batches depending on the size of your wok or skillet. Once cooked, set the chicken aside on a plate.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same wok, toss in the onions first, let them soften a bit, then add the rest of your veggies. Stir fry these until they’re just tender—about 10 minutes should do it.
Combine and Simmer
Bring the chicken back into the wok, pour over the teriyaki sauce, and mix everything together. Reduce the heat to low and let the stir fry simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve It Up
Spoon your hearty stir fry in a bowl over a bed of steamed rice and garnish with fresh green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that perfect finish. Enjoy your delicious and satisfying meal!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
To help you master this teriyaki chicken stir fry, here are some tips and tricks:
- Teriyaki Sauce: You can use bottled sauce for convenience, but making your own with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and a touch of honey can elevate the flavor significantly.
- Vegetables: Feel free to swap in or add other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or cauliflower rice. It’s a great way to use whatever you have in your fridge.
- Frozen Vegetables: Frozen vegetables are a great time-saver and work well in stir fries. Just add them to the pan without thawing to keep the cooking process quick and maintain their crisp texture.
- Protein: While boneless skinless chicken thighs are ideal for their juiciness and flavor, you can also use boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. For a vegetarian version, tofu makes an excellent substitute.
- Extra Flavor: Adding a couple of cloves of garlic and a teaspoon of minced ginger is a great way to add more flavor without too much fuss.
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of chili flakes before serving can make all the difference.
- Gluten-Free: To make this gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce.
- Make Ahead: You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time, but for the best taste and texture, cook the stir fry just before serving. The vegetables and chicken are best when freshly cooked and still vibrant and tender.
How to Store Leftover Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
Storing your leftovers properly means you can enjoy your stir fry a little longer. Here’s the best way to keep it fresh:
- Cool and Airtight: Allow the stir fry to cool to room temperature before packing it away, and use an airtight container to store your leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Refrigeration: Properly stored, your teriyaki chicken stir fry will last up to three days in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the stir fry in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen stir fry can last for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers on the stove or in the microwave until they are piping hot.
What to Serve with Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
Here are some great side dish options to serve with this meal:
Steamed Rice
The classic choice, plain steamed rice, works wonderfully with stir fry as it absorbs the sauce and complements the flavors of the dish. For a healthier option, brown rice or even quinoa can add some extra fiber and nutrients.
Noodles
For a change of pace, serve your stir fry over a bed of noodles. Udon, soba, or even rice noodles provide a delightful texture contrast and soak up the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
Cauliflower Rice
For a low-carb alternative to traditional rice, try cauliflower rice. It’s light, fluffy, and soaks up the teriyaki sauce just as well as regular rice, but with fewer calories and carbs.
More Chicken Recipes You Will Love
If you want to save on take out, you should give these recipes a try.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 8 chicken thighs skinless and boneless, cut into 2 inch stripes
- Salt and pepper
- 1 large onion cut into wedges
- 2 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper cut into big chunks
- 1 cup green beans trimmed
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- Fresh green onions to serve
- Sesame seeds to serve
Instructions
- Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper.8 chicken thighs, Salt and pepper
- Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add the sesame oil. Once hot, add the chicken and sear until golden brown on all sides. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Remove from the wok and set aside.2 tablespoons sesame oil
- In the same wok, add the onion, broccoli, red bell pepper, and green beans. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.1 large onion, 2 cup broccoli florets, 1 red bell pepper, 1 cup green beans
- Return the cooked chicken to the wok and pour in the teriyaki sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.1 cup teriyaki sauce
- Serve hot over rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!Fresh green onions, Sesame seeds
Notes
- Teriyaki Sauce: You can use bottled sauce for convenience, but making your own with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and a touch of honey can elevate the flavor significantly.
- Vegetables: Feel free to swap in or add other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or cauliflower rice. It’s a great way to use whatever you have in your fridge.
- Frozen Vegetables: Frozen vegetables are a great time-saver and work well in stir fries. Just add them to the pan without thawing to keep the cooking process quick and maintain their crisp texture.
- Protein: While boneless skinless chicken thighs are ideal for their juiciness and flavor, you can also use boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. For a vegetarian version, tofu makes an excellent substitute.
- Extra Flavor: Adding a couple of cloves of garlic and a teaspoon of minced ginger is a great way to add more flavor without too much fuss.
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of chili flakes before serving can make all the difference.
- Gluten-Free: To make this gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce.
- Make Ahead: You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time, but for the best taste and texture, cook the stir fry just before serving. The vegetables and chicken are best when freshly cooked and still vibrant and tender.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Cool and Airtight: Allow the stir fry to cool to room temperature before packing it away, and use an airtight container to store your leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Refrigeration: Properly stored, your teriyaki chicken stir fry will last up to three days in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the stir fry in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen stir fry can last for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers on the stove or in the microwave until they are piping hot.
Nutrition
About the Author
Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
