Chicken Teriyaki Stir-Fry Recipe

Chicken Teriyaki Stir-Fry combines tender chicken pieces with a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce and crisp vegetables. You’ll marinate bite-sized chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, sake, and brown sugar for 30 minutes. While it marinates, prepare your vegetables by washing, trimming, and cutting them uniformly. Stir-fry the marinated chicken until nearly cooked, then set it aside. Next, stir-fry the vegetables in batches, add the chicken back in with the remaining sauce, and cook until thickened. For best results, use chicken thighs and avoid overcrowding the pan. This versatile dish offers numerous variations and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients and Preparation For Chicken Teriyaki Stir-Fry

Chicken Teriyaki Stir-Fry is a beloved Japanese-inspired dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with crisp vegetables in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. This quick and flavorful meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious balance of protein, vegetables, and umami flavors. The dish’s vibrant colors and enticing aroma make it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate, while its adaptability allows for endless variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 2 tbsp sake
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 1 cup snap peas
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic to make the teriyaki sauce.
2. Place chicken in a separate bowl and add 1/4 cup of the teriyaki sauce. Marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. While the chicken marinates, prepare all vegetables by washing, trimming, and cutting into uniform sizes.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
5. Add marinated chicken and stir-fry until nearly cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
6. In the same pan, add remaining oil and stir-fry vegetables in batches, starting with carrots and broccoli (3-4 minutes), then bell peppers and snap peas (2-3 minutes).
7. Return chicken to the pan, add the remaining teriyaki sauce, and toss everything together.
8. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients evenly.
9. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Top Tips

1. Use chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness.
2. Don’t overcrowd the pan when stir-frying to ensure proper heat distribution and avoid steaming.
3. Have all ingredients prepped before you start cooking, as stir-frying moves quickly.
4. Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less brown sugar to taste.
5. For a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add to the pan in step 8.
6. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Variations

1. Vegetarian: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh.
2. Seafood: Use shrimp or cubed fish instead of chicken.
3. Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for heat.
4. Low-carb: Substitute brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener and serve over cauliflower rice.
5. Nutty: Add cashews or peanuts for extra crunch and protein.
6. Different veggies: Try with mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn for variety.

Nutritional Guide

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Servings	4
Calories	350
Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	25g
Protein	35g

This Chicken Teriyaki Stir-Fry is a well-balanced meal, providing a good mix of lean protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the oil used in cooking. The dish is relatively low in calories while being nutrient-dense. The vegetables offer a variety of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. To reduce sodium content, consider using low-sodium soy sauce or diluting the sauce with water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

You can create a vegetarian version by using protein-rich alternatives like tofu or tempeh. Incorporate flavor substitutions such as mushrooms for umami. Adjust sauces and seasonings to maintain the teriyaki profile while enhancing plant-based ingredients’ natural flavors.

How Long Does Chicken Teriyaki Stir-Fry Stay Fresh in the Refrigerator?

You’ll enhance refrigerator storage by consuming your dish within 3-4 days. For best shelf life, store in airtight containers. When reheating, use high heat in a wok or skillet to maintain texture and flavors. Avoid microwave for top results.

What Side Dishes Pair Well With Chicken Teriyaki Stir-Fry?

You’ll optimize your meal by pairing it with a vibrant vegetable medley, showcasing diverse textures and nutrients. Alternatively, incorporate rice noodles for a cutting-edge fusion twist. These sides will elevate your dish’s complexity and nutritional profile.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Your recipe isn’t inherently gluten-free, but you can easily adapt it. Use gluten-free alternatives like tamari or coconut aminos as soy sauce substitutes. Opt for gluten-free teriyaki sauce or make your own using these innovative replacements.

Can I Freeze Leftover Chicken Teriyaki Stir-Fry?

You can freeze leftover stir-fry, preserving flavor for up to 3 months. Use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags for best storage. When reheating, stir-fry quickly in a hot pan to maintain texture and taste.

Can Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Be Cooked Using the Same Method as Chicken Teriyaki Stir-Fry?

Yes, beef broccoli stirfry can be cooked using a similar method as chicken teriyaki stir-fry. Both dishes require stir-frying the protein and vegetables over high heat, followed by adding a flavorful sauce to coat the ingredients evenly. Adjust seasonings to match the dish, and enjoy a quick, delicious meal!

Before You Go

You’ve now mastered the art of chicken teriyaki stir-fry. You’ve combined tender chicken pieces with crisp vegetables in a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. You’ve balanced flavors and textures while maintaining best nutritional value. Your technique has guaranteed each ingredient is cooked to perfection. You’ll find this dish is not only delicious but also an efficient way to prepare a complete meal. It’s a versatile recipe you can easily modify to suit your preferences or ingredient availability.