When you’re craving a takeout-style dinner that bursts with flavor but skips the heavy grease, this Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry is the ultimate go-to. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a sweet-savory homemade teriyaki sauce, it’s both nourishing and satisfying. Paired over nutty wild rice, every bite gives a perfect balance of texture and taste.

This dish is ideal for busy weeknights but elegant enough to impress guests. Plus, it’s fully customizable—switch out veggies based on season or preference, and make it as saucy as you like. The bold glaze clings to each bite of chicken and veggie, making it a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring out the full flavor and texture of this Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference:

Wok or Large Skillet: A non-stick wok distributes heat evenly and gives you that signature stir-fry char. If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet with high sides will work too.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for cutting the chicken and vegetables into bite-sized, uniform pieces.
Cutting Board: Use separate boards for meat and veggies to keep things safe and clean.

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of bowls—one for marinating the chicken, another for mixing the sauce.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: These tools help toss the ingredients gently without scratching your cookware.
Rice Cooker or Pot: For cooking the wild rice to tender perfection. Wild rice can take longer than white, so plan accordingly.

Once your tools are prepped, you’re halfway to dinner nirvana.

Ingredients for the Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

Every element in this stir-fry brings flavor, color, and texture to the table. Here’s what makes this dish shine:

Chicken Breast or Thighs: Lean, protein-packed chicken is the heart of this stir-fry. Thighs offer more juiciness, but breasts are great for a lighter option.

Red and Yellow Bell Peppers: These add a crisp bite and a pop of natural sweetness.
Broccolini: More tender than traditional broccoli, broccolini soaks up the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
Snap Peas: For a fresh crunch and a touch of green.

Garlic & Ginger: These aromatic staples are essential for building bold flavor from the start.
Soy Sauce: The salty, umami-rich base of our teriyaki sauce.
Brown Sugar or Honey: Adds that sweet contrast to the soy, creating the perfect glaze.

Rice Vinegar: Brightens up the sauce and balances out the sweetness.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings to every bite.
Wild Rice Blend: Nutty, chewy, and a great base for the savory stir-fry topping.

Sesame Oil: A few drops give a delicious, toasty finish.

How To Make the Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized chunks and chop all your veggies into uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Mince garlic and ginger finely.

Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and a teaspoon of cornstarch. Set it aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the bell peppers, broccolini, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender but still vibrant.

Step 5: Combine and Glaze

Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the teriyaki sauce and stir well to coat. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is glossy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the stir-fry over a bed of warm wild rice. Drizzle with a touch of sesame oil and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if you like.

Best Ways to Serve and Store Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

This Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It pairs beautifully over wild rice, but you can also try it with jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions on top for extra flavor and presentation.

For storage, let the stir-fry cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. This recipe also freezes well—just separate into portions and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to rehydrate the sauce and maintain that glossy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of chicken?

You can easily swap chicken for tofu, shrimp, or beef. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to suit your protein of choice.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce.

How do I keep the veggies crisp?

Stir-fry the vegetables on high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. This keeps them vibrant and crisp-tender.

Is wild rice necessary?

Not at all. Wild rice adds a nutty texture, but you can use any rice you prefer—white, brown, or even noodles.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the teriyaki sauce up to 5 days in advance. Store it in the fridge in a sealed jar and give it a shake before using.

Is this dish spicy?

The base recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily add a kick with red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha if you like some heat.

Want More Stir-Fry Ideas?

If this Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry hit the spot, you’ll love trying these other easy and delicious dinner ideas from Life With Olivia:

One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken with Potatoes & Green Beans for a rustic, hearty twist.
Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot when you want that flavor without standing over the stove.

Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini for a bold beef alternative.
One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta to change things up with smoky-sweet flavors.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini if you’re craving creamy comfort food.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you use different veggies or toss in pineapple chunks? Maybe a dash of chili flakes? I’d love to hear your spin.

Have questions? Drop them below and let’s help each other cook smarter and tastier meals.

Delicious Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with Colorful Veggies and Wild Rice

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry is a quick, colorful, and flavorful dinner featuring juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce served over wild rice. It’s perfect for weeknights and easy to meal-prep or freeze for later.