Easy Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry is the ultimate weeknight dinner that brings bold Asian flavors to your table in under 30 minutes. Packed with juicy chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and a glossy homemade teriyaki glaze, this recipe is a quick solution for busy nights and picky eaters. It’s a one-pan wonder that offers both convenience and incredible taste, making it perfect for families, meal preppers, or anyone craving a satisfying, restaurant-style meal at home.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
This stir-fry isn’t just easy—it’s bursting with umami-rich flavors and textures that hit all the right notes. The chicken is marinated in teriyaki sauce, then quickly cooked until tender and juicy. A mix of garlic, ginger, toasted sesame oil, and cashews adds complexity and crunch. Everything comes together in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. It’s also highly customizable, making it a go-to for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 2/3 cup teriyaki sauce, split in half
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil or vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
- 2 green onions, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/3 cup roasted cashews (optional)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine chicken with 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep the Sauce: While the chicken marinates, mix the remaining 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce with cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Drain chicken and discard the marinade. Add chicken to the hot pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch-teriyaki mix. Let it simmer for about 1 minute, stirring continuously, until the sauce becomes thick and glossy.
- Add Final Touches: Quickly toss in green onions, sesame seeds, and cashews if using. Turn off heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and give everything a final stir.
- Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Helpful Tips
- Prep Ahead: Chop all ingredients before cooking, as stir-fry moves quickly.
- Even Cooking: Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- No Burnt Garlic: Add garlic and ginger only when the oil is hot but not smoking to avoid burning.
- Control Saltiness: Opt for low-sodium teriyaki sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
Substitutions And Variations
- Protein Options: Swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef strips.
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra nutrition and color.
- Nuts: Replace cashews with peanuts or omit altogether for nut-free.
- Heat: Add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free teriyaki sauce and cornstarch.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Keep any leftovers in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water if sauce thickens too much.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 366 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
- Sodium: 1914mg
- Potassium: 471mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Vitamin A: 154 IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 59mg
- Iron: 3mg
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over a bed of jasmine rice or brown rice for a hearty meal.
- Pair with stir-fried vegetables or a simple cucumber salad.
- Garnish with extra sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for freshness.
- Serve with miso soup or spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prep the sauce a day in advance. Cook fresh when ready to serve.
Is teriyaki sauce healthy?
Store-bought teriyaki sauces can be high in sodium and sugar, so opt for low-sodium or homemade versions when possible.
What can I use instead of sesame oil?
You can omit sesame oil or use a light drizzle of olive oil, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely. Just thaw and pat dry before adding to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, kids usually love the sweet and savory flavor. Just skip the spicy elements.
Conclusion
Thanks for stopping by and exploring this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry recipe! I absolutely love how quickly it comes together while still delivering bold, savory flavors that everyone at the table enjoys. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I hope it becomes one in yours too. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or prepping for meals ahead, this dish is sure to please. Enjoy the ease, savor the taste, and happy cooking! Your presence in this food-loving community means the world to me.
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Easy Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Easy Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry is a bold, quick, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 30 minutes, this family-favorite dish features juicy chicken, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a rich, glossy teriyaki sauce. Serve it over rice for a complete and satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
2/3 cup teriyaki sauce, divided
1/2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp peanut or vegetable oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tbsp freshly grated ginger
2 green onions, sliced
1/3 cup roasted cashews (optional)
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
1 tsp dark sesame oil
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine chicken with 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep the Sauce: While the chicken marinates, mix the remaining 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce with cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken: Drain chicken and discard the marinade. Add chicken to the hot pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch-teriyaki mix. Let it simmer for about 1 minute, stirring continuously, until the sauce becomes thick and glossy.
- Add Final Touches: Quickly toss in green onions, sesame seeds, and cashews if using. Turn off heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and give everything a final stir.
- Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
Use low-sodium teriyaki sauce to control salt levels.
Swap chicken for tofu, shrimp, or beef.
Add bell peppers or broccoli for extra veggies.
Toast sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 366 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 29g