Description
A delicious teriyaki chicken stir fry with snap peas, bell peppers, and a flavorful sauce, perfect for a quick meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup (100g) snap peas, fresh, bright green and crisp
- 1 cup (120g) bell peppers, sliced, mix of colors preferred
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon (5g) fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 Tbsp (30ml) teriyaki sauce
- 1 Tbsp (15ml) toasted sesame oil
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk together teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl until fully combined. Set aside.
- Step 2: Preheat your large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until very hot. Test readiness by flicking a few drops of water onto the surface; they should sizzle immediately.
- Step 3: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the hot skillet. Cook until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes total. Pat chicken dry with paper towels before cooking if not browning well, to aid caramelization. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Step 4: Add snap peas and sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender-crisp and colors are bright. To maintain snap peas’ crunch, add them during the last 2 minutes of cooking if preferred.
- Step 5: Return cooked chicken to the skillet with vegetables. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over everything. Stir constantly and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water or low-sodium chicken broth to reach the desired consistency.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the thinly sliced green onions and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil over the stir fry just before serving for added aroma and fresh crunch. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 hours to maintain freshness without spoilage.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave before serving.
- Pack in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels before cooking to achieve better browning and more flavor.
- Add vegetables at staggered times if concerned about overcooking; snap peas can be added last to keep their crunch.
- Constant stirring when adding the sauce prevents sticking and ensures even coating.
- Cook rice noodles al dente according to package instructions (typically 5-7 minutes) if using in place of rice, then transfer to stir fry for serving.
- Serve with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a filling meal.
- Pair with sautéed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad for contrasting textures.
- Use the stir fry as a filling for lettuce wraps or rice paper rolls for a refreshing variation.
- Top with chopped scallions or sesame seeds to enhance presentation and flavor.
- Drizzle a homemade peanut sauce over the finished dish for extra nuttiness.
- Substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Use snow peas or edamame in place of snap peas to vary texture and flavor.
- Swap honey in the sauce for maple syrup to accommodate vegan preferences.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness and flavor over breasts; select firm pieces without discoloration.
- Choose fresh snap peas that are firm and vividly green to ensure crispness in cooking.
- Fresh garlic and ginger provide essential flavor and should be finely minced or grated to maximize taste release.
- Use a thick, rich teriyaki sauce brand such as Kikkoman for better coating and a deeper flavor profile.
- Toasted sesame oil should be added at the end of cooking to preserve its aroma and richness.
- Green onions should be firm with vivid green tops for a fresh, crunchy garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg