Name: Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 pinch salt; 1 pinch black pepper; ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup water; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 medium onion, sliced; 2 carrots, julienned; 3 green onions, chopped; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 4 cups jasmine rice, cooked; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 2 tablespoons green onions, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 53 reviews

If you’re searching for a dish that combines vibrant colors, juicy textures, and the irresistible flavor of homemade sauce, this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a glossy teriyaki sauce that you’ll want to drizzle over everything. Ready in about 20 minutes, this recipe balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes effortlessly, making it a go-to for busy evenings when you want something both comforting and impressive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with raw chicken pieces sits in the center, surrounded by colorful fresh vegetables and sauces on a white marbled surface. Behind the bowl, there are bright red, yellow, and white sliced bell peppers visible. To the left, green broccoli heads and long orange carrot sticks are neatly arranged. On the right side, three small clear glass bowls hold dark and light brown sauces, and a fourth bowl contains white powder. Close to these bowls are whole cloves of garlic, sliced green onion rounds, and a piece of fresh ginger. A bunch of green onions lies in the upper right corner. The light is soft, highlighting the fresh textures of the ingredients photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The good news is that crafting this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is all about simple, accessible ingredients that each bring their own magic to the plate. From the savory chicken to the burst of fresh vegetables and that sticky, flavorful sauce, every item is essential for building the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color.

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, these ensure your stir fry stays moist and flavorful.
2 tablespoon vegetable oil: Perfect for stir frying and getting a nice sear on the chicken and veggies.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps create a light coating on the chicken for a slightly crispy texture when cooked.
Pinch of salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce: The salty, umami backbone of the teriyaki sauce.
¼ cup water: Balances the sauce consistency without diluting the flavor.
3 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds deep caramelized sweetness to the sauce.
2 tablespoon honey: Gives the teriyaki sauce a glossy finish and mellow sweetness.
2 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides a subtle tang to brighten the sauce.
2 teaspoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to that perfect clingy consistency.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds savory depth and aroma.
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Offers a warm, fragrant spice kick.
2 cups broccoli florets: Provides crunch and vibrant green freshness.
1 red bell pepper, sliced: Sweet and colorful, adds freshness and texture.
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Brightens the dish with a cheerful pop of color.
1 medium onion, sliced: Builds flavor with a mild sweetness when cooked.
2 carrots, julienned: Adds a crisp bite and beautiful orange contrast.
3 green onions, chopped: Fresh garnish that complements the dish’s flavors.
4 cups jasmine rice, cooked: Soft, fragrant base to soak up all the teriyaki goodness.
1 tablespoon sesame seeds: For a toasty crunch and nutty aroma as garnish.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by chopping all your veggies into bite-sized pieces for even cooking — slice the bell peppers and onion, julienne the carrots, and chop the green onions for garnish. Trim and cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks. Next, whisk together your teriyaki sauce ingredients in a small bowl, blending soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Coat and Cook the Chicken

Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and black pepper until each piece has a light coating. In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside — this keeps it juicy and allows space to cook the vegetables.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables

Into the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the sliced onions and julienned carrots first, stir frying for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften slightly. Next, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the broccoli florets. Stir fry everything together until the vegetables are crisp-tender but still vibrant and fresh, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer with Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the mixture, stirring well to evenly coat all ingredients. Continue to cook while stirring for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy finish that clings perfectly to the chicken and veggies.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

The image shows a black frying pan filled with a colorful stir-fry dish. The dish has several layers: golden-brown cooked chicken pieces scattered throughout, bright green asparagus segments cut in small pieces, and red bell pepper strips that add vibrant color. The ingredients are coated lightly with a shiny brown sauce. On top, there are fresh, thin slices of green onions and a sprinkling of white sesame seeds, adding texture and contrast. The frying pan is set on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle the stir fry generously with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions for a lovely crunch and fresh herbal note. These simple garnishes elevate the dish and give you that authentic touch you crave from your Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe.

Side Dishes

The best partner for this dish is fluffy jasmine rice, which soaks up the rich teriyaki sauce beautifully. You can also add a light Asian-inspired salad or steamed edamame on the side to round out the meal with some extra greens and protein.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your stir fry in warm lettuce cups for a fresh, low-carb option. Alternatively, layer the chicken and veggies over a bed of noodles or cauliflower rice for different textures and flavours. Adding a sprinkle of chopped cashews or peanuts can introduce a delightful crunch as well.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your delicious Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe has cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for meal prep or quick lunches.

Freezing

If you want to save it for longer, the stir fry freezes nicely. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, and you can enjoy them within 1 to 2 months. Just note that the vegetables may lose a bit of their crispness after freezing and thawing.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally so the sauce stays evenly distributed and the chicken stays tender. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating can help keep everything moist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast will work fine — just be careful not to overcook it to keep the meat from drying out. Thighs are preferred because they stay juicy, but breast is a leaner option if that’s your preference.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?

Yes! Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh cubes and stir fry them until golden before adding the vegetables and sauce. It’s a delicious alternative that still delivers all the wonderful teriyaki flavors.

Can I make the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! The homemade teriyaki sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes weeknight cooking even faster and lets the flavors develop even more.

What can I substitute for rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be good substitutes. Use a little less vinegar to avoid overpowering the sauce’s balance of sweet and tangy.

How do I ensure my vegetables stay crisp in the stir fry?

To get crisp-tender veggies, stir fry them quickly on high heat, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Adding them in stages, starting with firmer veggies like carrots and onions, then finishing with peppers and broccoli, helps each ingredient cook evenly without becoming mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe quickly became one of my favorite go-to dinners because it feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Its vibrant colors, fresh textures, and that homemade teriyaki sauce make it a crowd-pleaser every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily you can enjoy a delicious, wholesome meal any night of the week.