I can hardly contain my excitement as I tell you about one of my all-time favorite go-to meals: Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with Veggies. This dish has a special place in my heart because it’s a meal that reminds me of my college days, when my friends and I decided to throw a “stir-fry night”—what a delightful chaos it was! Picture all of us bustling about in a tiny kitchen, chopping veggies, tossing up chicken, and laughing as we tried not to burn anything. Good times!
What I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can mix and match your favorite vegetables or even throw in some tofu if you’re feeling adventurous. The sweet, savory teriyaki sauce coats everything beautifully, making every bite absolutely delicious. It’s quick, healthy, and perfect for weeknight dinners when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Let’s get cooking!
What’s in Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with Veggies?
Chicken Breast: I usually go for boneless, skinless chicken breast because it’s lean and cooks up beautifully. If you want to make it a little more interesting, dark meat works great too!
Teriyaki Sauce: This is the star of the show! A good quality teriyaki sauce can make or break your stir-fry. I recommend using a low-sodium variety to keep it balanced, and look for one that uses real ingredients sans all those processed fillers.
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for a colorful dish. They add sweetness and crunch that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets not only add gorgeous green colors but also a wonderful amount of nutrients and fiber.
Carrots: Sliced thinly, they bring a natural sweetness and ensure they cook quickly. They’re also great for adding a pop of color!
Onion: I like using yellow onions for their mild sweetness. They add flavor without overpowering the dish.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for that aromatic flavor that fills the kitchen!
Sesame Oil: A little drizzle adds a nutty flavor that completes the stir-fry. Plus, it’s excellent for stir-frying at high heat.
Is Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Good for You?
Absolutely! This dish is packed with lean protein from the chicken, plenty of colorful veggies, and a lovely homemade teriyaki sauce that can be adjusted to taste.
Chicken Breast: As mentioned, it’s lean protein that’s low in fat and high in nutrients, great for keeping you full and satisfied.
Vegetables: The bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots are all low-calorie yet nutrient-dense options. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that contribute to good health.
Teriyaki Sauce: While store-bought options can have added sugar and sodium, making your own can help reduce these factors.
Just keep in mind, if you’re watching your sodium intake, be cautious with the sauce and choose low-sodium versions.
Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (preferably low-sodium)
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 large carrot, thinly sliced
– 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Serves:** 4
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry?
1. **Prep Your Ingredients:** Start by slicing your chicken and veggies. Having everything ready to go will make the actual cooking process super quick and easy!
2. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a bowl, mix the sliced chicken with the teriyaki sauce. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes, if you have the time (this adds lots of flavor!).
3. **Heat the Pan:** In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
4. **Cook the Chicken:** Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and starting to brown.
5. **Add the Garlic and Onions:** Toss in the minced garlic and sliced onions. Stir-fry for about a minute until fragrant.
6. **Add the Veggies:** Add the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
7. **Final Touches:** If needed, add a splash more teriyaki sauce to taste, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another minute.
8. **Serve:** Serve hot over rice or noodles and enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade stir-fry!
Stir-Fry Secrets and Suggestions
– **Cook Quickly:** Stir-frying should be a fast process! Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can steam the ingredients rather than give them that beautiful stir-fried texture.
– **Add Noodles:** If you want to turn this stir-fry into a more hearty meal, consider tossing in some cooked noodles; udon or rice noodles work beautifully.
– **Get Creative:** Feel free to swap out the veggies based on what you have at home or what’s in season. Zucchini, snap peas, and mushrooms are great alternatives!
Oh, I genuinely hope you give this Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry a try! It’s one of those comforting, feel-good meals that’s perfect for making new kitchen memories. I’d love to hear how it turns out or see your own variations! Happy cooking!