Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? This Quick Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is just what you need. In just a few simple steps, you can have a mouthwatering meal ready for your family. With easy-to-find ingredients and a fast cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into the world of stir-frying and make your dinner fun and delicious!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients List
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 bell pepper, sliced into strips
– 1 cup fresh broccoli florets
– 1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned
– 1 cup sugar snap peas
– 3 green onions, chopped (keep whites and greens separate)
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced
– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
– Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Optional Garnishes
You can add more color and flavor with these garnishes:
– Chopped green onion greens
– Additional toasted sesame seeds
– A sprinkle of chili flakes for heat
Cooking Equipment Needed
To make this dish, gather these tools:
– A large pan or wok
– A sharp knife for cutting
– A cutting board
– Measuring spoons and cups
– A small bowl for mixing the cornstarch slurry
– A whisk or fork for mixing sauces
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into small cubes. This helps it cook evenly. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken pieces. Cook for about 4-5 minutes. Make sure to stir often so the chicken cooks on all sides. It’s ready when it’s brown and no longer pink inside.
Next, add minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Stir well and cook for another minute until you smell a nice aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can taste bitter.
Cooking the Vegetables
Now it’s time to add the vegetables. Toss in sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, julienned carrot, and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry them for 3-4 minutes. You want them to be crisp and bright in color. This keeps them tasty and healthy.
As you cook, keep an eye on the heat. You can increase it slightly for a better stir-fry. When the veggies are vibrant and tender, they are ready for the next step.
Combining Sauce and Ingredients
In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil. Whisk until everything is well combined. Pour this sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the pan.
Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes. This helps the flavors come together. Then, add the cornstarch slurry. This will thicken the sauce. Stir quickly to blend it all in and get a shiny sauce.
Finally, add the chopped green onion whites and mix everything together. Cook for one more minute to heat it through. Now your Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is ready to serve. Enjoy it with toasted sesame seeds on top for a nice crunch!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Stir Fry
To make a great stir fry, you need high heat. This cooks the food quickly and keeps it crisp. Use a large pan or wok. It gives you enough room to move the food around. Keep your ingredients ready before you start. This helps you work fast and keep everything fresh.
Timing for Cooking Ingredients
Cook the chicken first. It takes about 4-5 minutes to brown. Stir it often to cook all sides evenly. After the chicken is done, add garlic and ginger. They only need a minute to bring out their flavors. Next, add the veggies. Cook them for 3-4 minutes. You want them vibrant and still crunchy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you add too much food, it will steam instead of fry. This makes everything soggy. Watch the heat; if it’s too low, your food will cook slowly. Also, don’t forget the cornstarch slurry. It thickens the sauce and gives it a nice shine. Lastly, don’t skip the garnish. Toasted sesame seeds add a nice crunch and flavor.
Variations
Protein Substitutes
You can swap chicken for many proteins in this stir fry. Try shrimp for a quick cook. Pork is another tasty choice. For a plant-based option, use firm tofu. Just remember, cook shrimp for 3-4 minutes until pink. Pork needs about 5-6 minutes. Tofu should brown nicely for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
Vegetable Alternatives
Feel free to mix up the veggies in this stir fry. Broccoli can be swapped for bok choy. Zucchini adds a nice crunch too. You can use snow peas instead of sugar snap peas. If you like mushrooms, add them for extra flavor. Carrots can be replaced with bell pepper strips or snap peas. The key is to keep the colors bright and fresh.
Sauces and Seasoning Modifications
You can change the sauce to fit your taste. Swap honey for maple syrup if you want a vegan option. For more heat, add chili sauce or red pepper flakes. Try adding a splash of rice vinegar for tang. You can also mix in hoisin sauce for a sweeter flavor. Experimenting with sauces makes it fun and unique!
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftovers
You can store leftover teriyaki chicken stir fry in the fridge. First, let it cool down. Then, place it in an airtight container. This dish stays fresh for up to three days. When ready to eat, check for any off smells or colors before reheating.
Freezing Tips
Freezing is a great option for this stir fry. Portion the dish into freezer bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. The stir fry can last up to three months in the freezer. Label your bags with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, you can use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, put the stir fry in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For stovetop, heat a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water to help steam it. Stir for about 5 minutes until hot. Enjoy your quick meal!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Cook the chicken and veggies, then cool them down. Store the stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last for up to three days. When ready to eat, just reheat it in a pan until warm. You can also make the sauce ahead and store it separately.
What can I serve with Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry?
You have many tasty options! Here are some great sides:
– Fluffy jasmine rice
– Cooked noodles
– Steamed rice or cauliflower rice
– A fresh green salad
– Crispy egg rolls
These options add flavor and texture to your meal. Choose what you love best!
How do I make it gluten-free?
To make this stir fry gluten-free, simply swap the soy sauce. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this dish without worry. Always check labels to be safe!
This blog post covers Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry from start to finish. You learned the key ingredients, options to add flavor, and how to prepare the dish. We also discussed tips for the perfect stir fry and ways to customize it. Storage tips help keep your leftovers fresh, and FAQs offer quick answers to common questions.
Experiment with the variations to make this dish uniquely yours. Enjoy your cooking journey and have fun in the kitchen!
