Easy Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry with RiceLife can be hectic, but that doesn’t mean your meals have to suffer. This Easy Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry with Rice recipe is designed for those busy days when you crave something flavorful, wholesome, and incredibly simple to prepare. Using just a handful of readily available ingredients, you can create a meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for packing into lunch containers for the week ahead. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to a homemade stir fry that’s both satisfying and delicious.This recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant stir-fry vegetables, and fluffy jasmine rice, all coated in a savory teriyaki sauce. It’s a balanced meal that delivers on taste without requiring hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it to your liking. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find this teriyaki chicken stir fry recipe to be a fantastic addition to your meal rotation.Why You’ll Love This RecipeSpeed and Simplicity: From start to finish, this meal comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings.Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few core components, many of which you might already have on hand.Healthy and Balanced: Packed with protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, it’s a complete and nutritious meal.Great for Meal Prep: Easily portion out leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week, as shown in the image.Customizable: Feel free to swap out vegetables or add extra ingredients to suit your taste.Delicious Flavor: The teriyaki sauce provides a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making every bite enjoyable.IngredientsThe magic of this easy teriyaki chicken stir fry lies in its straightforward ingredient list. We’re focusing on convenience without sacrificing flavor.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into 1-inch cubes1 (12 oz) pouch instant jasmine rice1 (12 oz) bag frozen broccoli stir fry vegetables (typically includes broccoli, carrots, snap peas, water chestnuts, and red peppers)½ cup teriyaki marinade and sauce (such as Kikkoman)1 tablespoon olive oil or other cooking oilIngredient NotesChicken Breast: Using pre-diced chicken breast can save you a few minutes, but dicing it yourself is also quick and easy. Ensure the pieces are roughly uniform in size for even cooking.Instant Jasmine Rice: This is a key component for speed. Follow the package directions for cooking. If you prefer, you can use regular jasmine rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.Frozen Stir Fry Vegetables: These bags are a lifesaver for convenience. They typically contain a good mix of colorful and nutritious vegetables. No washing or chopping required!Teriyaki Sauce: A good quality teriyaki sauce is essential for flavor. Kikkoman is a popular choice, but feel free to use your favorite brand. You can also make your own if you have time, but for an easy meal, store-bought works wonderfully.How to Make Easy Teriyaki Chicken Stir FryFollow these simple steps to create your delicious stir fry:Cook the Rice: Prepare the instant jasmine rice according to package directions. Typically, this involves boiling water, adding the rice, covering, and letting it sit for a few minutes. Fluff with a fork once done and set aside.Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.Sauté the Vegetables: Add the frozen stir fry vegetables to the same skillet. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender-crisp. If needed, you can add a tablespoon of water to help them steam.Combine and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through and slightly thicken.Mix with Rice: Add the cooked jasmine rice to the skillet. Gently fold everything together until the rice, chicken, and vegetables are well combined and coated in the teriyaki sauce.Serve: Serve immediately, or portion into meal prep containers for later enjoyment.Helpful Cooking TipsDon’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, ensure you don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary to allow the chicken to brown properly rather than steam.High Heat for Stir Fry: Stir-frying works best with high heat to cook ingredients quickly and retain their crispness.Season to Taste: While the teriyaki sauce provides plenty of flavor, feel free to add a pinch of salt or a dash of black pepper if desired.Meal Prep Efficiency: Cook a larger batch of rice at the beginning of the week to make this recipe even faster on the day you prepare it.Ingredient SubstitutionsChicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a slightly richer flavor. Tofu or shrimp are also great alternatives for a different protein source.Rice: Brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice can be swapped for jasmine rice, depending on your dietary preferences.Vegetables: If you don’t have a stir fry blend, use any fresh or frozen vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or green beans.Teriyaki Sauce: If you’re out of teriyaki, a mix of soy sauce, a touch of honey or brown sugar, ginger, and garlic can create a similar flavor profile.VariationsSpicy Teriyaki: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.Garnish Galore: Top your stir fry with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added flavor and visual appeal.Nutty Crunch: For extra texture, add some chopped cashews or peanuts during the last minute of cooking.Serving SuggestionsThis Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a side of extra steamed vegetables or a light cucumber salad for added freshness. It’s fantastic for lunch or dinner, and the leftovers are just as delicious.Storage and ReheatingThis recipe is excellent for meal prepping. Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or warm in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.Frequently Asked QuestionsCan I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?Absolutely! If using fresh vegetables, cut them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet after the chicken is cooked. Cook them until they are tender-crisp before adding the sauce.How can I make the sauce thicker?If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the teriyaki sauce in the skillet during the last minute of cooking, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.Is this recipe gluten-free?To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce and check that your instant rice is also gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free versions of these ingredients.Final Recipe NotesThis Easy Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry with Rice is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a truly satisfying and flavorful meal. It’s a versatile dish that caters to busy schedules and diverse palates, making it a perfect go-to for anyone looking for a delicious homemade option without the fuss. Enjoy the ease and taste of this fantastic stir fry!Thank you for trying this recipe! I’m always cooking up new, easy meal ideas to share. To keep getting my latest recipes and meal prep inspiration, make sure to follow along and connect!Ingredients1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into 1-inch cubes1 (12 oz) pouch instant jasmine rice1 (12 oz) bag frozen broccoli stir fry vegetables½ cup teriyaki marinade and sauce1 tablespoon olive oil or other cooking oilInstructionsCook the instant jasmine rice according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside.Add the frozen stir fry vegetables to the same skillet. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through and slightly thicken.Add the cooked jasmine rice to the skillet. Gently fold everything together until well combined and coated in the teriyaki sauce.Serve immediately or portion into meal prep containers.Prep time: 10 minutesCook time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutesServings: 4 servings
Easy Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry with Rice
