The sizzle of chicken hitting a hot wok, the perfume of garlic and ginger filling the kitchen, the glossy sheen of a sweet-savory sauce clinging to every tender bite—this teriyaki chicken stir fry tastes like your favorite takeout but comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving a speedy family dinner or a meal-prep hero, this dish checks all the boxes.
As the seasons shift and farmers’ markets overflow with colorful produce, this recipe practically begs you to toss in whatever crunchy vegetables you find—snow peas in spring, zucchini in summer, or crisp broccoli florets in fall. It’s weeknight magic with year-round appeal.
A Little Inspiration
I first fell in love with teriyaki chicken stir fry during a rainy Seattle layover, when a tiny mom-and-pop noodle shop served me a steaming bowl that warmed me from the inside out. Back home, I set out to recreate that perfect balance of caramelized chicken, vibrant veggies, and glossy sauce—minus the takeout wait.
Why You’ll Love It
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Lightning-fast: Ready in about 25 minutes, including prep.
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Customizable: Works with noodles, rice, or even cauliflower rice.
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Family-friendly: Sweet-savory sauce pleases kids and adults alike.
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Balanced: Lean protein, colorful vegetables, and a light yet flavorful sauce.
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Meal-prep friendly: Keeps well for lunches all week.
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Budget smart: Restaurant flavor at a fraction of the cost.
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Year-round veggies: Adapt to whatever’s in season.
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Better than takeout: Fresher, less sodium, and no delivery fee.
What You’ll Need
Chicken & Marinade
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1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
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2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium works)
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1 tsp cornstarch
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1 tsp toasted sesame oil
Stir-Fry Vegetables
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1 cup broccoli florets
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 small carrot, julienned
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1 cup snap peas
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2 green onions, sliced
Teriyaki Sauce
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¼ cup soy sauce
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3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
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2 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
Optional Bases
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Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or teriyaki chicken stir fry with noodles (lo mein or soba)
Pro Tip: Swap chicken for shrimp, beef strips, or tofu for variety.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
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Large wok or heavy skillet (a nonstick sauté pan works too)
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Sharp chef’s knife
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Cutting board
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Heatproof spatula or wooden spoon
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Small whisk for the sauce
Quick Recipe Overview
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Servings: 4
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Difficulty: Easy weeknight
Let’s Cook It Together
1. Marinate the Chicken
Toss chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let it rest while you prep vegetables. Pro Tip: Cornstarch gives the meat a velvety restaurant-style texture.
2. Sear for Flavor
Heat oil in a hot wok. Add chicken in a single layer; sear until golden and nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove to a plate.
3. Bright Veggie Stir-Fry
Add broccoli, bell pepper, carrot, and snap peas. Stir-fry over high heat until crisp-tender—listen for that cheerful sizzle.
4. Glossy Teriyaki Finish
Whisk sauce ingredients; pour into the pan with veggies. Return chicken, toss to coat, and simmer 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a shiny glaze.
5. Serve Your Way
Spoon over fluffy rice or toss with warm noodles for a hearty teriyaki chicken stir fry with noodles.
Little Secrets for Success
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Slice vegetables uniformly so they cook evenly.
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Keep the wok screaming hot for that signature stir-fry char.
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Double the sauce if you love extra drizzle over rice.
Fun Variations to Try
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Crockpot Shortcut: Combine all ingredients (skip cornstarch slurry until the end) for a slow-cooked teriyaki chicken stir fry crockpot version.
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Instant Pot Hack: Sauté chicken, add sauce, pressure cook 4 minutes—your teriyaki chicken stir fry instant pot dinner is done.
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Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles.
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Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap chicken for tofu and honey for maple syrup.
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Blackstone Griddle: Take it outdoors for a smoky teriyaki chicken stir fry blackstone twist.
Perfect Pairings
Serve alongside Garlic Fried Rice or a crisp Asian Cucumber Salad (see our linked recipes) for a complete feast. A chilled jasmine green tea or light lager complements the sweet-savory notes beautifully.
A Bite Full of Health
This stir-fry balances lean protein with fiber-rich vegetables and a naturally sweetened sauce. The combination of colorful veggies and ginger-garlic aromatics offers antioxidants and immune-boosting benefits without excess calories.
How to Save It for Later
Cool leftovers completely, then store in an airtight container up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to keep the sauce silky.
Questions You Might Have
Can I use chicken breast? Yes, but thighs stay juicier.
Make ahead? Prep sauce and veggies the day before for faster cooking.
Spicy option? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha.
Double it? Absolutely—just cook chicken in batches to avoid steaming.
Nutrition (per serving, w/out rice)
Approx. 280 calories, 28 g protein, 18 g carbs, 9 g fat, 2 g fiber.
Weeknights deserve dinners that feel special without the stress. This teriyaki chicken stir fry recipe brings restaurant flavor, fresh crunch, and glossy sauce to your table in minutes. Try it tonight, then leave a comment or 📌 pin it for your next busy evening!
