How to Make Delicious Chicken Teriyaki Stir-Fry

The aroma of chicken teriyaki stir-fry fills the kitchen as it simmers in a savory sauce. This beloved dish is a perfect choice for dinner, especially when you're looking to enjoy something quick and delicious. Let’s dive into how you can make this tasty meal yourself at home!

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 2 tablespoons of mirin or sweet rice wine
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening (optional)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3-4 green onions or scallions, sliced diagonally on the bias
• Vegetable oil for stir-frying
• Fresh vegetables of your choice such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, etc.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Start by pounding the chicken breasts with a meat mallet or flat side of a frying pan to ensure even cooking. Place the pounded chicken in a shallow dish and add soy sauce, honey, mirin, sugar, and teriyaki sauce. Stir well until everything is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes but ideally overnight.
2. Prepare Vegetables: While your chicken is soaking, prepare the vegetables by slicing them into bite-sized pieces. This will help ensure they cook properly during stir-frying. You can also steam some of these veggies to save time later.
3. Stir-Fry Chicken and Vegetables: Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat with enough vegetable oil for cooking. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are browned and fully cooked through. Set aside.
4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, sauté the vegetables with garlic until just tender but not overcooked. This should take around 5 to 7 minutes depending upon the type of vegetable you're using.
5. Combine Everything: Once the chicken and vegetables are ready, add them all back into the pan along with the cornstarch mixture if desired for a thicker sauce. Stir everything together gently over low heat until the sauce thickens to your liking. Cook this for another 2-3 minutes so that flavors meld together.
6. Serve: Garnish with green onions or scallions and serve hot. Serve this dish alongside rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations:

• If you want to add more flavor, consider adding some ginger root to your stir-fry. Grate about 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger and mix it into the sauce before cooking.
• For a healthier version, use less oil during cooking or switch to olive oil which has added health benefits like heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
• To make this dish spicier, add some red pepper flakes towards the end of your stir-fry process. Adjust according to taste preference - from mild heat to extra spicy.

Conclusion:

Chicken teriyaki stir-fry is an easy yet delightful dinner option that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. The preparation time isn't long, and it's a perfect way to use up any leftover chicken or vegetables you might have on hand. Whether you're having this for dinner tonight or want to prep some ahead of time, you'll find this versatile dish both satisfying and tasty!