Healthy Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Name: Healthy Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, sliced; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 carrot, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening); 1 tablespoon water (optional for thickening)

Highlighted under: Wholesome Ideas

I absolutely love preparing this Healthy Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry on busy weeknights. It’s a vibrant dish bursting with colors and flavors, and the best part is that it's both quick to make and healthy. I can whip it up in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for those nights when I come home tired but still want something nutritious. The homemade teriyaki sauce is a game changer; it’s rich, sweet, and tangy without all the preservatives of store-bought options.

Created by

Adriana Whitaker

Last updated on 2026-02-23T19:49:36.816Z

When I first made this Healthy Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry, I was amazed at how simple it was to create a restaurant-quality dish in my own kitchen. I carefully chose fresh vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli, which add both color and nutrition. The key to a delicious stir fry is high heat and constant movement to achieve that perfect tender-crisp texture.

As I experimented with the homemade teriyaki sauce, I discovered the balance of soy sauce, honey, and ginger worked wonders together. It coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully while still keeping it light. Now, this recipe is a staple in our household!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Wholesome ingredients that nourish the body.
Homemade teriyaki sauce that beats store-bought any day.
Quick preparation that fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle.

Mastering the Teriyaki Sauce

The homemade teriyaki sauce is the essence of this dish, delivering a balanced flavor profile that enhances the chicken and vegetables. Using soy sauce as the base provides umami depth, while honey adds natural sweetness that complements the savory elements. The ginger's warmth and garlic's pungency bring a complexity that you won't find in bottled alternatives. When whisking the sauce, aim for a consistent blend; it should be glossy and slightly viscous if thickened with cornstarch.

If you're looking for ways to customize your teriyaki sauce, try adding a splash of sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor or incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also swap honey for maple syrup to adapt the recipe for vegans. Remember to taste for seasoning and adjust according to your preference - a little extra soy sauce can elevate the savory notes, while more honey could enhance sweetness.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Chicken

Cooking the chicken properly is key to achieving a juicy and flavorful stir fry. When heating the olive oil, allow it to reach a shimmer before adding the chicken; this ensures a good sear and helps lock in moisture. I recommend using a large skillet or wok for more surface area, which encourages even cooking. Aim for a golden-brown color and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to guarantee it's fully cooked.

If you find that the chicken sticks to the pan, it may not be hot enough, or the chicken may be overcrowded. Cooking in batches can remedy this, allowing each piece to brown beautifully without steaming. The resulting texture should be golden edges and a tender bite, making it a perfect match for the crisp-tender vegetables added later.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

This Healthy Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. I love pairing it with fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the savory sauce, but it also works wonderfully over whole grain noodles or quinoa for added nutrition. For an extra crunch, sprinkle roasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions on top before serving; they add fresh flavor and a lovely visual touch.

If you're planning to make this dish ahead of time, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheating on the stovetop over medium heat helps retain the texture of the vegetables. For longer storage, consider freezing the stir fry; simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop. This way, you can enjoy a quick, nutritious meal even on the busiest of nights.

Ingredients

Gather the following fresh ingredients for your stir fry:

For the Chicken and Vegetables

1 lb chicken breast, sliced
2 cups broccoli florets
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 carrot, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Teriyaki Sauce

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
1 tablespoon water (optional for thickening)

Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before starting your stir fry.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a delicious stir fry:

Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. For a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water in another bowl and combine them.

Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until vegetables are tender yet crisp.

Combine Sauce

Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to coat. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated.

Serve

Serve the stir fry hot, over cooked rice or noodles if desired.

Enjoy your healthy and delicious meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or add some cashews for a delightful crunch.

Ingredient Interchangeability

While the recommended vegetables add great color and nutrition, you can definitely swap them based on what you have on hand. Feel free to use snap peas, zucchini, or asparagus for a delightful twist. Just keep in mind the cooking times—more delicate vegetables like snow peas may only need a couple of minutes to cook, while heartier options like carrots might take a little longer, so chop them into smaller batons for even cooking.

For the chicken, boneless, skinless thighs could be used as a flavorful alternative. They offer a richer taste and tend to stay moist during cooking. Alternatively, for a plant-based option, cubed tofu can be marinated in the teriyaki sauce before cooking, allowing it to absorb all those delicious flavors.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your teriyaki sauce isn't thickening as expected, ensure that your heat level is appropriate and give it a bit more time in the skillet. If you added cornstarch but it doesn’t thicken, make sure to dissolve it completely in water before adding it to the sauce; lumps can prevent proper thickening. Alternatively, you can simmer the sauce for a few more minutes until it achieves your desired consistency.

Another common pitfall is overcooking the vegetables, leading to a mushy texture rather than a vibrant crunch. When preparing the stir fry, keep a watchful eye and stir frequently. A bright green color and a slight crispness indicate that they are perfectly cooked. This balance maintains both the aesthetic appeal and the nutritional benefits of your dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Tofu, shrimp, or beef can work wonderfully with this teriyaki sauce.

→ Is the teriyaki sauce gluten-free?

You can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can chop veggies and marinate chicken in advance for a quicker cooking process.

→ What can I serve with this stir fry?

It pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, quinoa, or even noodles for a heartier option.