Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables : Quick Stir-Fry Recipe

Bring bold flavors to your dinner table with this teriyaki chicken and vegetables recipe. Juicy chicken and colorful vegetables are coated in a savory-sweet teriyaki glaze that’s perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Whether served over rice, noodles, or enjoyed on its own, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why This Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables Recipe is a Must-Try

This teriyaki chicken and vegetables recipe combines tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a perfectly balanced homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s an easy, one-pan dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. For more quick and delicious meal ideas, explore our dinner category.

Not only is this dish versatile, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a fantastic addition to your rotation. For another flavorful option, try our Stuffed Peppers.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the best teriyaki chicken and vegetables:

The Chicken and Vegetables:

• 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp of vegetable oil
• 1 cup of broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

The Teriyaki Sauce:

• ¼ cup of soy sauce
• 2 tbsp of honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp of rice vinegar
• 1 tsp of sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp of grated ginger
• 1 tbsp of cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp of water (for thickening)

For more recipes that use fresh veggies and bold flavors, check out our lunch category.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

1. Prepare the Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
• Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry for thickening.

2. Cook the Chicken

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables

• In the same skillet, add the broccoli, bell pepper, carrot, zucchini, and garlic. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

4. Combine and Add Sauce

• Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the teriyaki sauce over the top.
• Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken and vegetables.

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the teriyaki chicken and vegetables over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

For a sweet and satisfying dessert to follow, try our French Napoleon Pastry Recipe.

Customizing Your Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables Recipe

This homemade teriyaki chicken recipe is easy to adapt. Here are some ideas:

• Switch the Protein:
  • Use shrimp, beef, or tofu instead of chicken for a new twist.
• Try Different Veggies:
  • Include snap peas, mushrooms, or bok choy to enhance the flavor and variety.
• Make It Spicy:
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a little heat.

For more creative recipes, visit our snacks category.

Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

1. Use Fresh Ingredients
   Crisp vegetables and fresh garlic and ginger bring the best flavor to this dish.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
   Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
3. Adjust the Sauce
   Add a little more soy sauce or honey to balance the saltiness and sweetness to your preference.
4. Serve Immediately
   Teriyaki chicken and vegetables are best enjoyed fresh for the perfect texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

This teriyaki chicken and vegetables pairs wonderfully with:

• Steamed white or brown rice for a classic pairing.
• Quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• A side of miso soup or a light cucumber salad for a balanced meal.

For another protein-packed option, try our Mediterranean Chicken Pita for a fresh and vibrant complement.

Nutrition Facts for Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

Per serving (based on 4 servings, approximate values):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugars: 10g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 900mg

Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables is a nutrient-rich dish that balances lean protein, fiber-packed vegetables, and a flavorful glaze. To make it lighter, opt for low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the sugar in the teriyaki sauce. Serve with brown rice or quinoa to boost fiber and add whole grains.

Regional Variations of Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

The classic Japanese-inspired teriyaki dish has evolved globally, incorporating local ingredients and flavors:

1. Traditional Japanese Teriyaki
   • Key Ingredients: Soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar.
   • Flavor Profile: Sweet and savory with a glossy, caramelized glaze.
   • Vegetables: Often served with steamed broccoli, carrots, and snow peas.
2. Hawaiian Teriyaki
   • Key Ingredients: Includes pineapple juice in the marinade for a tropical sweetness.
   • Vegetables: Grilled bell peppers, onions, and zucchini are common.
3. Korean-Style Teriyaki
   • Key Ingredients: Adds gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a spicy kick.
   • Vegetables: Features napa cabbage, scallions, and shiitake mushrooms.
4. Western Fusion Teriyaki
   • Key Ingredients: Uses honey or maple syrup as a sweetener and often includes garlic and ginger.
   • Vegetables: Incorporates asparagus, green beans, and cherry tomatoes for a fresh twist.
5. Plant-Based Teriyaki
   • Key Ingredients: Substitutes chicken with tofu or tempeh and uses tamari for a gluten-free option.
   • Vegetables: Focuses on bok choy, edamame, and water chestnuts.

Fun Cooking Techniques for Kids

Cooking Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables is a great way to introduce kids to healthy eating and basic culinary skills:

1. Mixing the Marinade
   • Activity: Let kids whisk together soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and garlic.
   • Learning Outcome: Introduces them to balancing flavors.
2. Chopping Vegetables
   • Activity: Under supervision, kids can use a safe knife to chop soft vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
   • Learning Outcome: Teaches knife safety and precision.
3. Stirring the Sauce
   • Activity: Allow kids to stir the teriyaki sauce as it simmers, watching it thicken.
   • Learning Outcome: Demonstrates how heat transforms liquids into a glaze.
4. Arranging Vegetables
   • Activity: Let kids arrange vegetables in the skillet or pan for cooking.
   • Learning Outcome: Encourages creativity and pride in presentation.
5. Serving the Dish
   • Activity: Kids can help plate the dish, adding rice and sprinkling sesame seeds on top.
   • Learning Outcome: Teaches the importance of presentation.

Kitchen Tools to Elevate Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

1. Nonstick Skillet or Wok
   • Perfect for evenly cooking chicken and stir-frying vegetables.
2. Chef’s Knife
   • Essential for chopping chicken and slicing vegetables into uniform pieces.
3. Microplane Grater
   • Ideal for grating fresh ginger and garlic into the marinade.
4. Mixing Bowls
   • Useful for combining the teriyaki sauce and marinating the chicken.
5. Silicone Spatula
   • Ensures easy stirring without scratching nonstick cookware.
6. Steamer Basket
   • Helpful for steaming vegetables before tossing them in the teriyaki sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the Pan
   • Crowding the pan prevents proper searing and results in steamed chicken and soggy vegetables.
2. Using Unbalanced Sauce Ratios
   • Overly sweet or salty teriyaki sauce can overwhelm the dish. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
3. Overcooking Vegetables
   • Cook vegetables until crisp-tender to retain their texture and nutrients.
4. Skipping the Marination
   • Marinating the chicken enhances flavor and tenderness. Aim for at least 30 minutes.
5. Not Thickening the Sauce Properly
   • Ensure the sauce is cooked down to a glossy consistency for proper coating.

Creative Add-Ins

1. Spicy Twist
   • Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the teriyaki sauce for a hint of heat.
2. Citrus Zest
   • Incorporate orange or lime zest for a bright, tangy flavor.
3. Nuts and Seeds
   • Top with toasted sesame seeds or crushed cashews for extra crunch.
4. Herbal Accents
   • Garnish with fresh cilantro or scallions for added freshness.
5. Extra Protein
   • Mix in shrimp, tofu, or edamame for a protein boost.

How to Double or Scale Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

1. Double the Ingredients
   • Multiply all ingredients proportionally while ensuring your cookware can handle the larger quantity.
2. Cook in Batches
   • Cook chicken and vegetables in separate batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
3. Marinate in Larger Bags
   • Use resealable gallon-sized bags for marinating large quantities of chicken.
4. Serve Family-Style
   • Arrange the chicken and vegetables on a large platter with rice or noodles for an easy, shareable presentation.

How to Store Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

1. Refrigeration
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing
   • Freeze cooked chicken and vegetables in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. Reheating Tips
   • Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or teriyaki sauce to restore moisture.

Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables in Culture

Teriyaki, originating in Japan, refers to a cooking technique where foods are glazed with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar before grilling or broiling. This technique has become a global favorite, with Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables evolving into a versatile, health-conscious dish enjoyed worldwide.

In Japanese culture, teriyaki symbolizes balance, combining umami-rich ingredients with fresh produce. In the West, the dish has been adapted into quick weeknight meals and restaurant staples, showcasing its universal appeal.

How to Adapt Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables for Special Diets

1. Gluten-Free
   • Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce for the teriyaki glaze.
2. Low-Sodium Option
   • Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt in the recipe.
3. Dairy-Free
   • The recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
4. Keto-Friendly
   • Serve with cauliflower rice and replace sugar with a keto-approved sweetener like erythritol.
5. Vegan Version
   • Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and increase the vegetable variety.

How to Adapt Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables for Special Occasions

1. Elegant Dinner Party
   • Serve on a platter garnished with edible flowers and paired with jasmine rice.
2. Family Gatherings
   • Make it a DIY teriyaki bar, allowing guests to customize their bowls with proteins and vegetables.
3. Holiday Meals
   • Add festive colors by including red bell peppers and green snap peas.
4. Romantic Date Night
   • Pair with a bottle of sake and serve in individual portions with decorative garnishes.
5. Casual Weeknight Dinner
   • Simplify the process with pre-chopped vegetables and quick-cooking chicken strips.

FAQs About Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance. Store them separately and cook everything fresh when ready to serve.

2. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought sauce works well if you’re short on time, but homemade provides fresher flavor.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Explore More Recipes

If you enjoyed this teriyaki chicken and vegetables recipe, explore our dinner category for more hearty meals or visit our baking category for creative sides and accompaniments. From Asian-inspired dishes to modern classics, our site has something for every craving.

Every dish you prepare is an opportunity to create, experiment, and nourish not only your body but also your soul. Whether it’s a comforting breakfast, a delicious dessert, or a meal to share with loved ones, remember that cooking is first and foremost an adventure — a journey of discovery. Don’t be afraid to add your personal touch, improvise, and have fun in the kitchen. After all, the best recipes are the ones that come from the heart. So, put on your apron, let your imagination run wild, and savor every moment, because in the kitchen, every minute spent creating a dish is one step closer to happiness. Enjoy and see you soon for more delicious inspirations!

Happy cooking! 😊