This teriyaki chicken stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s quick to make, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s great for families or anyone who wants a tasty, homemade dinner.
The dish has a homemade teriyaki sauce, tender chicken, and fresh veggies. It’s balanced and satisfying. Even picky eaters will love it.
The teriyaki chicken stir-fry has a great mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. The homemade teriyaki sauce is key. It’s made with soy sauce, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and more.
This recipe is a weeknight dinner winner. It’s quick, easy, and delicious. It’s sure to become a family favorite.
What is Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry?
Teriyaki chicken stir-fry is a tasty dish that mixes tender chicken with colorful veggies in a sweet teriyaki sauce. It’s a favorite for its quick cooking and yummy taste.
Brief Overview of the Dish
Teriyaki chicken stir-fry is a hit in Asian cuisine loved by many. It has juicy chicken cooked with fresh vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers. The teriyaki sauce, made from soy sauce and spices, adds a sweet and salty flavor.
Origins of Teriyaki Sauce
The teriyaki sauce comes from Japan’s cooking traditions. “Teriyaki” means grilling or broiling with a sweet soy sauce. This method has spread globally, becoming a key part of Asian cuisine.
Popular Ingredients
- Chicken (breast or thigh)
- Broccoli
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- Carrots
- Mushrooms
- Teriyaki sauce (soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, ginger)
- Garlic
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
This dish combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a tasty teriyaki sauce. It’s both filling and healthy.
Benefits of Making Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
Teriyaki chicken stir-fry is a healthy stir-fry option. It’s great for busy weeknights because it’s quick to make. You can have it ready in just 30 minutes.
This dish is packed with protein, fiber, and complex carbs if you serve it with rice. It’s a well-balanced meal.
Quick and Convenient Meal
The Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry recipe is a quick meal. It takes only 35 minutes to make. You’ll spend 15 minutes preparing and 20 minutes cooking.
This means you can have a delicious dinner ready in no time.
Nutritional Value
One serving of Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry has about 373 calories. It has 26g of protein and 3g of fiber. It’s a good source of protein, giving you 52% of your daily needs.
The dish is also rich in vitamins. It has 78% of Vitamin A and 98% of Vitamin C you need daily.
Customizable to Your Taste
Stir-fry dishes are versatile. Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry lets you try different vegetables and flavors. You can make it spicier or sweeter, based on your taste and dietary needs.
Nutrition Facts | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Total Calories | 373 | – |
Total Fat | 20g | 31% |
Protein | 26g | 52% |
Fiber | 3g | 13% |
Sugar | 17g | – |
Sodium | 977mg | 43% |
Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry is convenient, nutritious, and customizable. It’s a healthy stir-fry that’s quick to make and can be tailored to your liking.
Key Ingredients for the Recipe
To make a tasty Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry, you need the right ingredients. The base is the chicken, which can be breasts or thighs. Breasts are leaner, but thighs are tastier and softer.
For flavor, add fresh veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, and onions. These veggies add color, texture, and nutrients to the dish.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought Teriyaki Sauce
The teriyaki sauce is the dish’s highlight. You can make it yourself or buy it. Homemade sauce lets you avoid preservatives and additives. It’s made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch for thickening.
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 1 pound, cut into 1-inch pieces |
Asparagus | 1 1/2 cups, cut into 1-inch pieces |
Red Bell Pepper | 1 cup, cut into 1/2-inch pieces |
Soy Sauce | 1/4 cup |
Water | 1/2 cup |
Brown Sugar | 3 tablespoons |
Garlic, Minced | 2 teaspoons |
Ginger, Minced | 2 teaspoons |
Honey | 1 tablespoon |
Toasted Sesame Oil | 1 teaspoon |
Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
While store-bought teriyaki sauces are easy, homemade ones taste better and are healthier. Try mixing soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to get the flavor just right.
Preparing Your Ingredients
To make a tasty teriyaki chicken stir-fry, start with the right ingredients. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Marinating the chicken in teriyaki sauce for 2 hours can boost the flavor, but it’s not necessary for this quick recipe.
Then, focus on the vegetables. Cut them into pieces that are all about the same size. This helps them cook evenly. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the teriyaki sauce for extra taste.
Marinating the Chicken
Marinating the chicken in teriyaki sauce can make the dish more flavorful. Just put the chicken in a bag or dish, add the sauce, and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Chopping Vegetables Efficiently
- Wash and dry the vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and asparagus.
- Cut the vegetables into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Make sure they’re all about the same thickness so they cook evenly.
Tips for Optimal Stir-Frying
- Have everything ready before you start stir-frying.
- Use a big, 12-inch skillet or wok for even heat and enough room.
- Stir-fry the chicken and vegetables quickly over high heat for a nice texture.
By following these steps, you’ll be all set to make a delicious teriyaki chicken stir-fry in no time.
Cooking Techniques for Stir-Fry
Creating a tasty quick meal with Asian cuisine style starts with stir-frying. You need the right pan, the right way to stir, and the right timing. These are crucial for the perfect texture and taste in your teriyaki chicken stir-fry.
Using the Right Pan
A large, wide pan with high sides is best for stir-frying. A wok or a big skillet works great. They let you quickly cook and toss the ingredients. Plus, they keep everything in one place, preventing spills.
Choose a pan that can handle high heat. Stir-fries cook best when they’re hot.
Stir-Frying Tips for a Perfect Texture
- Cook the chicken first, then set it aside to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
- Stir-fry the vegetables until they’re tender-crisp, which typically takes 4-5 minutes.
- Add the garlic towards the end to prevent it from burning and developing a bitter taste.
Timing for Best Flavor
The secret to a tasty teriyaki chicken stir-fry is timing. It should cook for 15-20 minutes. This lets the flavors mix well and the sauce thicken. It makes sure the quick meal has the right mix of textures and tastes.
Cooking Technique | Time |
---|---|
Cooking chicken | 4-5 minutes |
Stir-frying vegetables | 4-5 minutes |
Cooking the entire dish | 15-20 minutes |
“The secret to a great stir-fry is maintaining high heat and moving the ingredients constantly for even cooking.”
Step-by-Step Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Craving a delicious and effortless weeknight dinner? This teriyaki chicken stir-fry is perfect! It’s packed with bold flavors and ready in just 30 minutes. Follow these steps to make this tasty dish.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups asparagus pieces
- 1 cup red bell peppers, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
Detailed Cooking Instructions
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, honey, and sesame oil. Set aside.
2. Heat 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4 minutes on one side, then 3-4 minutes on the other side, until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the asparagus and bell peppers and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Whisk the cornstarch into the teriyaki sauce mixture until well combined. Pour the sauce into the pan with the vegetables and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss everything together until the chicken is heated through and coated in the teriyaki sauce, about 2 minutes.
6. Serve the teriyaki chicken stir-fry immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Enjoy this delicious and easy weeknight dinner!
Serving Ideas for Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
Teriyaki chicken stir-fry is a tasty dish inspired by Asia. It goes well with many side dishes. These ideas will make your meal even better, enhancing the flavors of the teriyaki sauce.
Ideal Side Dishes
- Steamed white rice or brown rice
- Fluffy quinoa
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Crisp and refreshing Asian slaw
- Sautéed or roasted vegetables, such as bok choy, broccoli, or snow peas
- Crunchy sesame-glazed edamame
- Savory and umami-rich miso soup
Best Rice or Noodle Pairings
For a fuller meal, try your teriyaki chicken stir-fry with jasmine rice or udon noodles. These Asian grains and noodles let the teriyaki sauce take center stage.
Adding Garnishes for Presentation
Make your teriyaki chicken stir-fry look great with colorful toppings. Add chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or crispy fried onions. They add crunch and a touch of Asia.
Try these serving ideas to make your teriyaki chicken stir-fry a complete Asian cuisine meal. It will please your taste buds and wow your guests.
Storing Leftovers
Making a tasty healthy stir-fry is great because you can enjoy it later. Whether it’s teriyaki chicken or veggies, storing and reheating right keeps it delicious and nutritious.
Proper Storage Methods
Keep your healthy stir-fry fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for 4-5 days. For longer, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tips for Best Results
To reheat your healthy stir-fry leftovers, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of water to keep it moist. Microwaving can change the texture of veggies and proteins.
Ideas for Using Leftover Stir-Fry
Don’t waste your healthy stir-fry leftovers! Use them in wraps, salads, or omelets. They’re also good on baked potatoes or in fried rice.
Storage Method | Shelf Life |
---|---|
Refrigerator | 4-5 days |
Freezer | Up to 3 months |
By storing and reheating your healthy stir-fry leftovers correctly, you can enjoy them for days. This makes your homemade meal even more convenient and valuable.
Frequently Asked Questions
The teriyaki chicken stir-fry recipe is very flexible. You can change ingredients to fit your taste and dietary needs. For a vegetarian choice, use firm tofu or sliced mushrooms instead of chicken. You can also pick your favorite veggies, like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas, to make a healthy stir-fry.
To add a spicy touch to your teriyaki chicken stir-fry, try red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce. This mix of sweet and spicy will make the dish even more flavorful.
Preparing the teriyaki chicken stir-fry in advance is a great idea. Marinate the chicken and prep the veggies before cooking. You can also make the teriyaki sauce ahead and keep it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly reheat it with the chicken and veggies. This method makes a tasty and healthy stir-fry ready when you are.
FAQ
Can I substitute ingredients?
Yes, you can make it your own. Try different veggies or proteins to fit your taste and diet.
How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for more heat.
What is the best way to meal prep?
Cook each part separately and store in containers. Mix chicken, veggies, and sauce when reheating. You can also make the sauce ahead of time.