If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and a delightful sticky sweetness, then this Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Bowl Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken strips glazed with a luscious teriyaki sauce, paired perfectly with crisp bell peppers, broccoli florets, and sweet corn, all served over fluffy steamed rice. This dish brings together the best of savory, sweet, and umami in one irresistible bowl that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to share with friends or family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of fresh, colorful ingredients that create a perfectly balanced dish. Each component, from the crunchy vegetables to the tender chicken and sticky sauce, plays a crucial role in delivering a satisfying stir-fry experience.
- Chicken breast strips: Opt for fresh, lean pieces to keep the stir-fry tender and protein-packed.
- Bell peppers (red & green): Their bright colors and sweet crunch add freshness and a pop of color.
- Broccoli florets: They bring a pleasant bite and vibrant green that balances the dish.
- Corn kernels: Sweetness from corn cuts through the savory sauce for extra depth.
- Fresh green onions: Adds a sharp, fresh finish as a garnish.
- Olive oil or sesame oil: Provides the foundation for stir-frying with a subtle nuttiness.
- Soy sauce: Adds salty umami punch, essential for teriyaki flavor.
- Teriyaki sauce: The star of the dish that binds flavors with sweetness and savory notes.
- Garlic: Gives the stir-fry a warm, aromatic base.
- Ginger: Adds a zesty, pungent kick that complements the sweet sauce.
- Honey or brown sugar: Helps achieve that irresistible sticky glaze on the chicken.
- Cornstarch: Vital for thickening the sauce and making it cling perfectly to every ingredient.
- Steamed white rice: The comforting bed that soaks up all the sauce, making each bite heavenly.
How to Make Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by chopping your bell peppers into strips and breaking broccoli into bite-sized florets. This prep ensures quick cooking and perfect texture in your stir-fry. Having everything ready before you heat your pan keeps the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Heat Your Oil
Warm a splash of olive or sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until it just starts to shimmer. This step is key for achieving that classic stir-fry sear on the chicken without sticking or burning.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add your chicken strips to the hot oil and cook them until they turn golden and are cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This ensures juicy pieces that soak up the sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Add Your Veggies
Toss in the chopped bell peppers, broccoli, and corn kernels, stir-frying everything together for 3 to 4 minutes. The goal here is to soften the vegetables slightly while keeping that satisfying crispness that adds great texture contrast.
Step 5: Whisk the Sauce
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and honey or brown sugar with cornstarch. Whisk until smooth to ensure a perfect blend of flavors and that magical sticky consistency.
Step 6: Coat and Simmer
Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky glaze that clings delectably to every bite.
Step 7: Serve Over Steamed Rice
Ladle your sticky teriyaki chicken and vibrant veggies over freshly steamed white rice. This simple step completes the bowl with a comforting base perfect for soaking up all those rich flavors.
How to Serve Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Top your dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and some finely chopped green onions. These garnishes not only add a lovely crunch but also brighten the flavors and lend an authentic touch that elevates your meal visually and in taste.
Side Dishes
Pair this stir-fry bowl with a light cucumber salad or steamed edamame for a refreshing contrast. These sides help balance the richness of the teriyaki glaze and add extra vegetables to your plate for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir-fry in individual bowls lined with crispy lettuce leaves or use colorful grain varieties like quinoa or brown rice instead of white rice. You could also add a fried egg on top for extra richness and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers of this Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Bowl Recipe into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners on busy days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the dish, it’s best to keep the stir-fry without the rice to maintain the best texture. Freeze in suitable containers or bags for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen up the sauce. This will revive the luscious, sticky texture without drying out the chicken or veggies.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Bowl Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breast is ideal for its tenderness, you can substitute with beef strips, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything stays juicy and flavorful.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free soy sauce and teriyaki sauce brands, which are widely available. This simple swap keeps the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without sacrificing any of the delicious flavors.
What’s the best way to get the sauce sticky and glossy?
The key is cornstarch. Mixing it with the sauce ingredients helps thicken and give that beautiful sheen. Make sure to simmer the sauce a couple of minutes after adding it so it clings perfectly to the chicken and veggies.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep and chop all your veggies and marinate the chicken ahead for a faster cooking experience. However, it’s best to cook and combine the stir-fry just before serving to keep the fresh textures intact.
What kind of rice works best with this stir-fry?
Steamed white rice is the traditional choice because its subtle flavor and light texture complement the rich sauce. Jasmine rice is a popular pick, but you can also try brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Bowl Recipe has a special place in my kitchen because it effortlessly brings together taste, texture, and color in a way that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding family and friends, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and add it to your regular dinner rotation for those nights when you want something quick, nourishing, and downright delicious.
Print
Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Sticky Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breast strips and crisp vegetables tossed in a glossy, sweet teriyaki sauce. Perfectly paired with steamed white rice, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that balances savory, sweet, and umami flavors with a delightful sticky texture.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb chicken breast strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 fresh green onions, chopped (for garnish)
For Stir-Frying
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
Sauce Ingredients
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
For Serving
- Steamed white rice (about 3 cups cooked)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the red and green bell peppers into strips and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger to prepare for the sauce.
- Heat the Oil: Heat olive oil or sesame oil in a wok over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering, indicating it’s hot enough for stir-frying.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breast strips to the hot wok and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in the sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, and corn kernels. Stir-fry the mixture for 3-4 minutes, ensuring vegetables remain tender yet crisp.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey or brown sugar, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Combine Sauce and Stir-Fry: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the wok. Stir well and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat everything with a sticky, glossy finish.
- Serve: Serve the sticky teriyaki chicken stir-fry hot over a bed of steamed white rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped fresh green onions for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use sesame oil for a more authentic, nutty flavor or olive oil for a milder taste.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase cornstarch to 1½ teaspoons.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Vegetables can be customized according to preference or seasonal availability.
