Whip up a Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry that beats takeout any day! This skillet masterpiece, featuring juicy chicken and vibrant veggies in a deeply flavorful sauce, is your ticket to a delicious, healthier dinner in under 30 minutes.
This Quick Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is your solution for busy evenings when you want a tasty, satisfying meal without the wait. Tender chicken marinated in teriyaki sauce with crisp bell peppers and fresh broccoli cooks in one pan for maximum convenience and minimal cleanup.
Simple and versatile, this recipe is suitable for both seasoned cooks and beginners, offering a gourmet-looking Teriyaki Chicken meal in just 25 minutes. It’s an ideal choice for quick weeknight dinners, providing a balanced meal with vegetables and protein.
The recipe uses common ingredients like cornstarch to thicken the teriyaki sauce, ensuring each bite is infused with its savory, slightly sweet flavor. A straightforward, delicious option for anyone looking to streamline their dinner routine.
Let’s dive in!
🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes
- Chicken Breasts are the star of our dish, providing a lean, high-protein base that’s tender and easy to cook. If chicken breasts are not available, thighs can offer a juicier alternative with a bit more flavor due to their higher fat content.
- Teriyaki Sauce brings a rich, umami-packed sweetness and glaze to the chicken, making it irresistibly flavorful. If you’re out of teriyaki sauce, a mix of soy sauce with a touch of honey, ginger, and garlic can mimic its taste profile quite well.
- Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce, giving it that glossy, cling-to-the-chicken kind of texture. If cornstarch is missing from your pantry, arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour can serve as effective thickeners, though you may need to adjust the quantity slightly to achieve the same consistency.
- Bell Peppers add a sweet crunch and a pop of color to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal and nutritional value. If bell peppers aren’t your thing or you just don’t have them on hand, snap peas or sliced carrots can provide a similar crunch and color contrast.
- Broccoli contributes a hearty, earthy element and soaks up the teriyaki sauce beautifully, making every bite full of flavor. For those looking to switch it up or if broccoli isn’t available, cauliflower or Brussels sprouts can be excellent substitutes, offering a similar texture and the ability to pair well with the teriyaki sauce.
👩🍳 Step-by-step Directions
To start, wash and thoroughly dry the chicken, then cut it into thin strips.
Place the sliced chicken in a bowl, add the starch and a tablespoon of teriyaki sauce, massage well, and let it marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
In the meantime, thoroughly wash the broccoli and cut it into bite-sized florets, peel the onion and slice it thinly, and cut the bell pepper into squares that are also comfortable to eat in one bite. However, don’t chop the vegetables too finely as it’s enjoyable to savor the taste of each ingredient separately.
Once all ingredients are ready, take a wok and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, heat the oil well, then add the marinated meat.
Fry on high heat for 5 minutes until the meat is sealed, then add the sliced onion and bell pepper.
Cook for another 3 minutes, then add the broccoli and mix well.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce and 3 tablespoons of water, mix well, and cook on medium heat for another 8 minutes.
I prefer the vegetables to remain crunchy, but you can adjust the cooking time to your taste.
Serve hot with rice or noodles, and for added texture, you can also add some seeds or nuts.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Over Steamed Rice or Quinoa: The classic pairing of teriyaki chicken with steamed white rice never disappoints, as the rice absorbs the sauce, making every spoonful a delight. For a healthier twist, quinoa can be a fantastic substitute, adding a nutty flavor and extra protein.
- With Noodles: Serve this Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skillet over a bed of soba (buckwheat) noodles or udon to turn it into a satisfying noodle bowl. The noodles complement the teriyaki sauce’s flavors and make for a hearty, comforting meal.
- Alongside a Crunchy Asian Slaw: Combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and a simple vinaigrette for a quick Asian slaw that adds a crunchy, tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the teriyaki chicken.
- With Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: If you’re looking for a way to pack more veggies into your meal, serving the Skillet Teriyaki Chicken with a side of steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a mixed vegetable medley can be both colorful and nutritious.
- Top with Sesame Seeds and Green Onions: For a finishing touch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions over the teriyaki chicken right before serving. This not only adds a burst of flavor but also enhances the visual appeal of the dish, making it the Best Teriyaki Chicken Skillet presentation.
🍲 Storage
Refrigerating:
Once cooled, transfer the Teriyaki Chicken and vegetables into an airtight container. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the container is sealed properly to avoid any air exposure, which can dry out the chicken and affect the flavors.
Freezing:
For longer storage, the Teriyaki Chicken Quick Meal can be frozen. Place the cooled chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When freezing, try to remove as much air as possible from freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date so you can keep track of its storage time.
Considerations for Storage:
- Always allow the dish to cool to room temperature before storing it to prevent condensation inside the container, which can make the dish soggy.
- If you plan to serve the Teriyaki Chicken over rice or noodles, store the components separately if possible and mix them just before serving. This prevents the grains or noodles from becoming too soft or mushy from absorbing the sauce during storage.
Thawing and Reheating:
- To thaw, it’s best to move the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave’s defrost setting, but be sure to stir occasionally for even thawing.
- For reheating, you can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop. In the microwave, cover the dish to retain moisture and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If using an oven, place the Teriyaki Chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warm throughout, about 10-15 minutes. On the stovetop, reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or additional teriyaki sauce if needed to prevent drying out.
🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?
- Properly Prep Your Chicken: For even cooking and the best texture, slice the chicken breasts evenly. Thinner slices mean faster cooking and more surface area for the teriyaki sauce to glaze.
- Customize Your Veggie Mix: While bell peppers and broccoli are suggested, feel free to use your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Just keep in mind the cooking times may vary slightly depending on what veggies you choose.
- Balance Your Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry. Start with the recommended amount, then add more if you desire a thicker consistency. Remember, the sauce will thicken further upon cooling.
- Marinate for More Flavor: If time allows, consider marinating the chicken pieces in some teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This step isn’t necessary but can deepen the flavor of the chicken.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed. This ensures that the chicken gets nicely browned rather than steaming.
- Adjust Sweetness and Saltiness: Taste your teriyaki sauce before adding it to the pan and adjust the sweetness or saltiness according to your preference. You can add a little more honey or sugar to sweeten, or a splash of water to dilute if it’s too salty.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the Teriyaki Chicken immediately after cooking. This dish is best enjoyed when the sauce is bubbly and the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Rice Cooking Tip: For an even more flavorful base, consider cooking your rice in chicken broth instead of water. This small change can significantly elevate the overall taste of your meal.
- Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions not only adds a pop of color but also introduces an extra layer of flavor and texture to your dish.
📋 Recipe Card:
Easy Teriyaki Chicken Skillet
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Breast
- 1 tablespoons Teriyaki Sauce
- ½ tablespoons Corn Starch
- 1 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- ½ piece Bell pepper
- 1 piece Onion shallot
- 6 oz Broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons Teriyaki Sauce
- 3 tablespoons Water
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Wash, dry, and slice thinly. Marinate with starch and 1 tbsp teriyaki sauce. Set aside.1 lb Chicken Breast, ½ tablespoons Corn Starch, 1 tablespoons Teriyaki Sauce
- Prepare vegetables: Wash broccoli and cut into florets. Peel and thinly slice onion. Cut bell pepper into squares.1 piece Onion, 6 oz Broccoli florets, ½ piece Bell pepper
- Cook chicken: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok. Add marinated chicken and fry on high heat for 5 minutes.1 tablespoons Vegetable Oil, 1 lb Chicken Breast
- Add vegetables: Add onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3 minutes. Then, add broccoli and stir well.½ piece Bell pepper, 1 piece Onion, 6 oz Broccoli florets
- Season: Add the remaining 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce and 3 tbsp water. Mix and cook on medium heat for 8 minutes. Adjust time for desired vegetable crunchiness.2 tablespoons Teriyaki Sauce, 3 tablespoons Water
- Serve: Pair with rice or noodles. Garnish with seeds or nuts if desired.
Quick Note
I highly recommend reading the entire recipe to find more tips and notes about this recipe. Read Full Recipe ⇑
Notes
- Adjusting for Vegetable Preferences: Feel free to swap out or add additional vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Snow peas, mushrooms, or sliced zucchini also work wonderfully in this dish and can add variety and extra nutrition.
- Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch by 1/2 teaspoon increments until you reach your desired consistency. Remember to mix the cornstarch with a little water first to create a slurry before adding it to the skillet to prevent clumping.
- Soy Sauce Alternatives: For a lower sodium option, consider using low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. If you’re accommodating a gluten-free diet, tamari is a great gluten-free alternative to traditional soy sauce that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Marinating for Extra Flavor: While this recipe is designed to be quick and easy, if you have extra time, marinating the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking can enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Cookware Consideration: A non-stick skillet or wok is ideal for this recipe to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. However, if using a stainless steel or cast iron skillet, make sure it’s well-heated and coated with a thin layer of oil to prevent the chicken and vegetables from sticking.
- Serving Suggestion: For an even more authentic touch, serve with a side of pickled ginger or a sprinkle of furikake seasoning over the top for added flavor and a pop of color.
- Leftover Transformation: Turn any leftovers into a new meal by adding the Teriyaki Chicken and veggies to a wrap or over a salad for a refreshing lunch option the next day.
Nutrition Estimates
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