Introduction
Transform ordinary chicken and veggies into an extraordinary teriyaki stir-fry! This recipe is super simple, incredibly tasty, and perfect for a weeknight dinner the whole family will love. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s both quick and satisfying!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s a beautiful balance of sweet and savory, with a fantastically easy method. Even beginner cooks can master this dish, and the minimal cleanup is a huge bonus! Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable – you can use whatever veggies you have on hand!
Key Ingredients
- 🐔 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 🧅 1 large onion, sliced
- 🫑 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 🥕 1 cup sliced carrots
- 🥦 1 cup broccoli florets
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍚 2 cups cooked rice, for serving
- 🍯 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 🥄 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 🌽 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 💧 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2️⃣ Whisk the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
3️⃣ Stir-fry the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
4️⃣ Add the veggies: Add the onion, bell pepper, carrots, and broccoli to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5️⃣ Combine everything: Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
6️⃣ Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7️⃣ Serve: Serve the teriyaki chicken stir-fry over cooked rice.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little extra teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when stir-frying the chicken and vegetables. This will help them cook evenly and prevent steaming.
- If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is ideal for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables. This ensures they brown nicely without burning. Lowering the heat to low when you add the sauce allows it to thicken properly without scorching.
Crunch Factor
The key to a great stir-fry is getting that perfect balance of tender-crisp vegetables. Don’t overcook them! Aim for a satisfying crunch in each bite.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Use pre-cut vegetables to save time.
- For a quicker clean-up, line your skillet with parchment paper before cooking.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice at the end for extra zing!
Storage Tips
Store leftover teriyaki chicken stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This stir-fry makes a wonderful gift! Package it in a beautiful reusable container with a handwritten recipe card attached.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Teriyaki: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the teriyaki sauce.
🌟 Pineapple Teriyaki: Add 1/2 cup of diced pineapple to the stir-fry along with the vegetables.
🌟 Ginger Teriyaki: Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger to the sauce.
🌟 Garlic Teriyaki: Add an extra 2-3 cloves of minced garlic.
Troubleshooting
- Sauce too thin: Simmer the sauce for a longer time, or add a little more cornstarch.
- Chicken overcooked: Reduce the heat and cook for a shorter time.
- Vegetables overcooked: Don’t overcrowd the pan, and cook for a shorter time.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the skillet.
- Can I use different types of chicken? Yes, you can use chicken thighs or even ground chicken. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- What other vegetables can I add? Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like snow peas, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients and the sauce in advance.
Conclusion
This Quick & Easy Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry is a winner in our book! We hope you enjoy this delicious and simple recipe as much as we do. Share your creations with us on social media – we’d love to see your family’s teriyaki triumphs!