Teriyaki Chicken & Vegetable Stir-Fry

When it comes to quick, satisfying, and nutritious meals, few dishes rival the bold taste and simplicity of Teriyaki Chicken & Vegetable Stir-Fry. This dish combines tender chicken with crisp, vibrant vegetables, all coated in a glossy, savoury-sweet teriyaki sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect option for busy weeknights or when you crave a homemade alternative to takeaway. With minimal effort, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality results, making this a staple in your meal rotation.

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• The Teriyaki Sauce
• Why Chicken Thighs Work Best
• Achieving the Ideal Stir-Fry Texture
• The Importance of High Heat Cooking
• Versatility and Customisation
• More Teriyaki Recipes

Ingredient Breakdown

• Chicken thigh fillets: Tender, juicy, and packed with flavour, these absorb the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
• Light soy sauce: Adds umami depth while keeping the sauce balanced and not overly salty.
• Mirin: A Japanese cooking wine that provides subtle sweetness and enhances the teriyaki glaze.
• Sugar: Helps balance the salty soy sauce and caramelises slightly in the sauce.
• Corn flour: Thickens the teriyaki sauce to create a glossy, clingy coating.
• Ginger paste: A warming, fragrant ingredient that complements the sauce’s sweetness.
• Garlic paste: Infuses the stir-fry with rich, savoury depth.
• Spring onions: Offers a mild onion flavour and a pop of colour.
• Red chilli (optional): Provides gentle heat for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
• Bell peppers: Adds crunch, sweetness, and a vibrant colour contrast.
• Fine green beans: A crisp, fresh addition that enhances the dish’s texture.
• Vegetable oil: Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking in the pan.

The Teriyaki Sauce

A great Teriyaki Chicken & Vegetable Stir-Fry relies on an exceptional sauce. The balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavours makes teriyaki sauce one of the most beloved condiments in Japanese cuisine. Unlike store-bought versions, homemade teriyaki sauce is free from unnecessary preservatives and has a fresher taste. 

The combination of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar creates a well-rounded sauce that thickens to a beautiful glaze. The trick lies in the corn flour slurry, which helps the sauce coat every piece of chicken and vegetable evenly. Simmering the sauce gently ensures the sugar dissolves completely, preventing any graininess. If you prefer a richer flavour, allow the sauce to reduce slightly before adding it to the stir-fry. This intensifies the umami depth and enhances the dish’s overall taste.

Why Chicken Thighs Work Best

In many stir-fry recipes, chicken breast is a popular choice, but chicken thighs are the real star of Teriyaki Chicken & Vegetable Stir-Fry. Their higher fat content means they stay tender and juicy during high-heat cooking, whereas chicken breast can dry out quickly. Chicken thighs also absorb marinades and sauces better, making them ideal for teriyaki dishes. 

When cut into strips or chunks, they cook evenly and develop a lightly golden exterior while remaining succulent inside. Another advantage is that chicken thighs don’t require velveting, a technique used to keep leaner cuts tender, saving you an extra step in preparation. If you prefer chicken breast, you can still use it in this recipe, but be sure to slice it thinly and cook it quickly over high heat to prevent it from becoming tough.

Achieving the Ideal Stir-Fry Texture

A great stir-fry is all about contrast: tender meat, crisp vegetables, and a glossy sauce that binds everything together. The key to achieving this lies in how you cook each component. Stir-frying requires high heat and quick cooking, so having all your ingredients prepped beforehand is crucial. 

Start by cooking the chicken first, then remove it from the pan to avoid overcooking. Next, stir-fry the aromatics, garlic, ginger, and spring onions, until fragrant. Then, add the vegetables, cooking them just enough to retain their crunch. Finally, return the chicken to the pan and toss everything together with the sauce. The result? A stir-fry with perfectly cooked ingredients that retain their natural textures and flavours, rather than turning soggy or mushy.

The Importance of High Heat Cooking

Stir-frying is all about using high heat to create deep, complex flavours in a short amount of time. This technique, often associated with Chinese and Japanese cuisine, ensures the ingredients cook quickly while retaining their texture and nutritional value. Cooking over high heat also enhances caramelisation, giving the chicken and vegetables a slight char that adds depth to the dish. 

If your pan isn’t hot enough, the ingredients will steam rather than fry, leading to a lacklustre stir-fry. Using a wok or a large sauté pan allows for even heat distribution, preventing overcrowding and ensuring that each ingredient gets the right amount of direct heat. To maximise efficiency, add ingredients in batches rather than all at once, allowing each to develop the perfect texture.

Versatility and Customisation

One of the best things about Teriyaki Chicken & Vegetable Stir-Fry is its adaptability. 

• You can easily switch up the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Broccoli, carrots, courgettes, and mushrooms all work well in place of or in addition to bell peppers and green beans. 
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or even chickpeas. 
• Adjusting the sauce is another way to customise the dish. Add a splash of rice vinegar for extra tang, a drizzle of honey for more sweetness, or a pinch of sesame seeds for a toasty finish. 

More Teriyaki Recipes

If you’re looking for more recipes that pack the same punch as these Teriyaki Chicken & Vegetable Stir-Fry, then here you go:

• Teriyaki Wings: Crispy chicken wings baked to golden brown perfection and coated in a delicious homemade teriyaki sauce.
• Teriyaki Ribs: Sweet, sticky and delicious! These melt-in-your mouth baby back ribs are incredibly easy to make. They’re slow-cooked until super tender then coated in a tasty homemade teriyaki sauce.
• Spicy Teriyaki Tofu Burger: This bold creation combines crispy sesame-crusted tofu, a rich and spicy teriyaki glaze, charred pineapple, and a tangy sriracha slaw, all packed into a toasted bun.
• Teriyaki Beef & Vegetable Stir Fry:  This quick and satisfying meal delivers tender, flavourful beef, crisp vegetables, and a glossy, umami-rich sauce. It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a favourite for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

See how I make these recipes and more over on my Instagram!