Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

Name: Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/4 cup water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 head broccoli, cut into florets; 2 carrots, thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 onion, sliced; 2 cups cooked white rice, for serving

Author: Tessa

Published: September 17, 2025

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Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables has been my go-to for a quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying weeknight meal for years. I first stumbled upon a variation of this dish during my college days, looking for something beyond instant ramen that wouldn’t break the bank or take hours to make. What I discovered was a revelation: a perfectly balanced meal that combined tender, savory chicken with vibrant, crisp-tender vegetables, all coated in that irresistible sweet and umami teriyaki glaze.

As someone who loves exploring Asian cuisine and creating balanced meals, I’ve refined this recipe to maximize flavor without complicating the process. It’s truly amazing how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something so delicious and versatile. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find this Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables recipe to be a fantastic addition to your cooking repertoire, easily adaptable to whatever fresh veggies you have on hand.

Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables Recipe

This Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s a culinary win! You’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again because:

It’s incredibly quick to prepare, perfect for busy evenings.
It’s packed with healthy proteins and vibrant vegetables.
The flavors are perfectly balanced—sweet, savory, and utterly delicious.
It’s easily customizable with your favorite seasonal produce.
It’s fantastic for meal prep, making healthy eating a breeze all week.

The Appeal of Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

The universal appeal of Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables lies in its harmonious blend of tastes. That rich, glossy teriyaki sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken and crisp vegetables, delivering a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and umami in every bite. It’s a dish that genuinely pleases almost everyone, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser and a versatile staple.

Essential Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

Crafting the perfect Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables starts with gathering the right components. You’ll need 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking. For the luscious teriyaki sauce, have on hand 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. To thicken our beautiful sauce, prepare a slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1/4 cup of water. Finally, for those vibrant veggies, we’ll use 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 head of broccoli cut into florets, 2 thinly sliced carrots, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1/2 a sliced onion. Don’t forget 2 cups of cooked white rice for serving!

Key Components of Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

Each ingredient plays a starring role in our Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are chosen for their lean protein and quick cooking time, making them ideal for stir-frying. Fresh ginger and garlic aren’t just flavor enhancers; they provide an aromatic depth that powdered versions can’t match. The medley of broccoli, carrots, red bell pepper, and onion not only adds a beautiful spectrum of color and essential nutrients but also provides a delightful textural contrast—crisp-tender perfection against the soft chicken and rice.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

Making delicious Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables is a straightforward process, but paying attention to a few details will elevate your dish from good to absolutely fantastic. I’ll walk you through each step, ensuring you get that perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and glossy, flavorful sauce. The key is to work efficiently and have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking.

First, we create our marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until everything is well combined and the brown sugar has dissolved. This aromatic blend is the heart of our teriyaki flavor. Next, add your 1-inch chicken pieces to this marinade. Make sure every piece is thoroughly coated. For the best flavor penetration, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator will yield even more tender and flavorful chicken. While the chicken marinates, prepare your cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. This slurry is what will thicken our sauce at the end, giving it that beautiful, rich consistency.

Now, let’s get cooking! Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This hot pan is crucial for getting a good sear on your chicken and crisp-tender vegetables. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off (discard the remaining marinade). Add the chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside. Add your broccoli, carrots, red bell pepper, and onion to the same skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, keeping them moving, until they’re vibrant and tender-crisp. You want them to still have a little bite. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Give your cornstarch slurry another quick whisk, then stir it into the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully. Serve immediately over fluffy white rice!

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Preparing Your Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

The initial preparation for your Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables is all about building flavor and setting yourself up for success. Whisk together your soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger for that essential marinade. Add your chicken, ensuring each piece is fully covered, and let it soak up all that deliciousness for at least 30 minutes. Don’t forget to prepare your cornstarch slurry; it’s the secret to a perfectly thickened sauce.

Cooking Your Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

When it’s time to cook, heat your skillet well. Sear the marinated chicken until golden and cooked through, then set it aside. Next, stir-fry your prepped vegetables—broccoli, carrots, bell pepper, and onion—until they are bright and tender-crisp, maintaining that satisfying bite. Finally, combine the chicken and vegetables, then stir in your cornstarch slurry, cooking quickly until the sauce transforms into a glossy, irresistible coating. It’s a quick dance of heat and flavor!

Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

Achieving truly perfect Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables comes down to a few key techniques. First, always make sure your wok or skillet is screaming hot before you add any ingredients. This high heat is essential for developing that delicious sear on the chicken and getting your vegetables tender-crisp without them becoming soggy. Another crucial tip is to avoid overcrowding the pan. If you try to cook too much chicken or too many vegetables at once, the temperature of your pan will drop, and everything will steam instead of stir-fry. Cook in batches if necessary! Finally, don’t be afraid to taste and adjust your sauce consistency. If it’s too thick, a splash of water or broth will thin it out; if it’s too thin, a tiny bit more cornstarch slurry can fix it. These small adjustments make a big difference.

Customizing Your Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

One of the best things about this Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies like snap peas, sliced mushrooms, or zucchini for variety. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the marinade or during the stir-fry will give it a fantastic kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Frequently Asked Questions About Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

I get a lot of questions about this Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables recipe, especially regarding prep, serving, and storage. It’s great to know you’re thinking ahead and want to make the most of this delicious dish! Here are some of the most common questions I hear, along with my best advice to ensure your Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables experience is always a success. From meal prepping to finding the perfect side dish, I’ve got you covered. This recipe is designed to be flexible and fit into your busy life, so let’s dive into making it work for you!

Can I Prepare Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance in the refrigerator, which actually deepens the flavor. The vegetables can be chopped and stored in airtight containers for a few days. Once cooked, store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making for quick and easy lunches or dinners.

What Can I Serve with Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables?

While white rice is a classic pairing for Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables, feel free to get creative! Brown rice, quinoa, or even a healthier cauliflower rice are all excellent choices. For noodles, try serving it over udon, ramen, or rice vermicelli. If you want to add some extra greens, a simple side salad with a ginger-sesame dressing or some steamed edamame would be perfect additions.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables

Please note that the nutritional information provided for this Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables recipe is an estimate. Values can vary significantly based on the specific brands of ingredients used, exact portion sizes, and any modifications you make to the recipe. It’s always best to calculate nutritional content with your precise ingredients for the most accurate figures. For more recipe ideas, visit Simply Recipes.