Healthy Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Name: Healthy Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 1 pound chicken breast, sliced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 carrot, julienned; 1 cup snap peas; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; Cooked rice or quinoa for serving

Highlighted under: Wholesome Recipes

I love whipping up this Healthy Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry when I want something delicious yet easy to prepare. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the sweet, savory sauce make this dish a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. With tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a homemade teriyaki sauce, I find it satisfying to know that I'm enjoying a dish packed with flavor and nutrition. Plus, it takes less than 30 minutes to put together, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Created by

Quincy Harper

Last updated on 2026-02-23T20:21:37.089Z

Every time I make this Healthy Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry, I remember the first time my family tried it. They were amazed that a dish so tasty could be made so quickly! The secret lies in the homemade teriyaki sauce, which is not only healthier but also bursts with flavor, elevating this dish to new heights. I've learned that using fresh ingredients makes all the difference in achieving that authentic taste.

Another tip I've picked up along the way is to prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking. Having everything pre-chopped and ready to go allows for a smooth cooking process and ensures that the veggies retain their crispiness. It’s a delightful meal that everyone enjoys!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
Packed with colorful vegetables and lean protein
Homemade teriyaki sauce that's healthier and more flavorful
Great for meal prep or a simple weeknight dinner

Perfecting the Teriyaki Sauce

The homemade teriyaki sauce is the star of this dish, creating a glossy finish that clings beautifully to the chicken and vegetables. The balance of low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar creates a deep umami flavor that is bold yet not overpowering. Ensure you whisk the cornstarch thoroughly with the sauce mixture to avoid any lumps; this will help the sauce thicken properly during cooking, achieving that ideal sticky consistency.

If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can easily adjust the honey to taste. Another substitution worth considering is using maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan version. Additionally, for a savory kick, try adding a splash of sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. This flexibility allows the sauce to cater to your taste buds, enhancing your stir fry experience.

Cooking Techniques for Tender Chicken

To achieve perfectly cooked chicken, it’s crucial to ensure the skillet or wok is adequately heated before adding the meat. A medium-high heat setting is ideal; this allows for a nice sear, which enhances the flavor. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Look for golden edges and a firm texture as visual cues that the chicken is done.

If you’re working with larger pieces of chicken, consider cutting them into uniform slices to promote even cooking. An alternative method is to marinate the chicken in a portion of the teriyaki sauce for about 15-30 minutes before cooking. This infuses the meat with flavor and can help tenderize it, resulting in a more delicious and juicy bite in your stir fry.

Vegetable Variations and Storage Tips

This stir fry is incredibly versatile, allowing for a variety of vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For an extra nutrient boost, consider adding bok choy, zucchini, or even baby corn. The key is to maintain a colorful mix that not only looks inviting but also offers diverse textures and flavors. Aim for vibrant hues and choose firm vegetables that can withstand stir frying without losing their crunch.

If you plan to make this dish ahead of time, store the stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For quick reheating, use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to help revitalize the flavors without drying out the chicken. Leftovers can also be frozen for up to three months, making it a great candidate for meal prep.

Ingredients

For the Teriyaki Sauce

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

For the Stir Fry

1 pound chicken breast, sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 carrot, julienned
1 cup snap peas
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Cooked rice or quinoa for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked and browned.

Add the Vegetables

Add the garlic, ginger, bell pepper, broccoli, carrot, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 5 minutes until the veggies are tender yet crisp.

Combine and Serve

Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Serve over cooked rice or quinoa.

Pro Tips

For an extra pop of flavor, feel free to add sesame seeds or chopped green onions as a garnish before serving.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve this healthy teriyaki chicken stir fry over a bed of fluffy written outline rice or quinoa, which absorbs the extra sauce and adds a satisfying texture. Garnishing with sesame seeds and chopped green onions can elevate the dish’s appeal, adding a touch of freshness and color. These extra touches not only enhance the presentation but also provide additional flavor layers.

Another great idea is to serve this stir fry in lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Simply spoon a generous portion of chicken and vegetables into large lettuce leaves, creating a delightful, mess-free eating experience. This approach adds a crunchy texture and an exciting twist to the classic stir fry.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your sauce isn't thickening as desired, it may be due to not whisking the cornstarch properly at the beginning. Make sure to blend it thoroughly with the sauce ingredients before cooking. Another reason could be cooking on too high heat; while you want to achieve a boil for thickening, excess heat may cause the sauce to evaporate too quickly. Keeping an eye on the heat levels will help achieve that perfect consistency.

In case you accidentally make the stir fry too salty, adding a touch of sugar or honey to the mixture can counterbalance the flavors. If you have diced pineapple, toss in a few chunks to introduce sweetness while enriching the dish with fruit, which complements the savory elements beautifully. Adjustments like these can save your dish and enhance overall flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use tofu instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Tofu is a great vegetarian option. Just ensure to press it before cooking to remove excess moisture.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables, like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers!