If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dinner that comes together quickly, this Teriyaki Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute winner. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes from the homemade teriyaki sauce, tender ground chicken, and crisp vegetables, it’s designed to satisfy your taste buds and brighten up any weeknight meal. Plus, it’s adaptable enough to serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or in lettuce wraps, making it a versatile staple you’ll want to keep returning to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Teriyaki Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavors and textures that come together seamlessly in one pan.
- 1 lb ground chicken: Provides a lean, tender protein base that soaks up the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables with a subtle fruity aroma.
- 1/2 onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and savory depth as it softens during cooking.
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped: Brings vibrant color and a fresh sweetness that balances the savory chicken.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Key for thickening the sauce to the perfect sticky consistency.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty, umami foundation of the teriyaki sauce.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: Provides caramelized sweetness that enhances the sauce’s rich flavor.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic punch without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger: Offers a subtle zing that livens up the sauce.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (plus more for garnish): Introduces a toasty crunch and nutty flavor.
- Cooked white rice, lettuce wraps, or cauliflower rice (for serving): Provides a base to soak up the sauce and complement the stir fry.
How to Make Teriyaki Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then add the ground chicken, chopped onion, and red bell pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the vegetables soften just a bit. Use a spatula to break apart the chicken, and keep cooking until the chicken is nicely browned and fully cooked through, which usually takes around 6 to 8 minutes. This step builds that wonderful savory base for the stir fry.
Step 2: Mix the Teriyaki Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, grab a small bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, black pepper, and cornstarch. This simple sauce blend is what makes this Teriyaki Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipe shine, balancing sweet and salty with a delightful depth of flavor and that lovely sticky texture.
Step 3: Combine Sauce and Chicken
Pour the freshly mixed teriyaki sauce straight into the skillet with your cooked chicken and peppers. Stir everything well to coat each bite in that luscious sauce. This moment is when all the ingredients start to come together into the dish you’re craving.
Step 4: Simmer Until Thickened
Reduce the heat to low and let the stir fry simmer gently for 4 to 6 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and help the sauce thicken just right so it clings to the chicken and veggies. When it reaches that perfect glossy consistency, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sesame seeds for a lovely nutty addition.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Teriyaki Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is now ready to be served! Pile it on warm white rice, scoop it into crunchy lettuce wraps, or spoon it over cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Either way, get ready for a deliciously satisfying meal that you’ll want to make again and again.
How to Serve Teriyaki Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding extra garnishes can elevate your Teriyaki Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipe to restaurant-quality. Sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds, or toss on some thinly sliced green onions or chopped fresh cilantro for bursts of fresh herbal flavor that brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple and fresh sides. Steamed jasmine rice or a side of stir-fried greens like bok choy or snap peas complement the savory-sweet flavors wonderfully. For a lighter twist, crispy lettuce leaves or shredded cabbage offer textural contrast for wrap-style servings.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or switch things up? Serve the stir fry over a vibrant bed of spiralized veggies or rice noodles for a noodle bowl vibe. You can also fill baked sweet potatoes or enjoy it stuffed inside pita pockets for a fun, handheld meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Teriyaki Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It holds up nicely, making it perfect for lunch the next day or a quick dinner.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the stir fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the sauce evenly distributed and avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ground meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground chicken is lean and mild, ground turkey or pork can be great substitutes. Just adjust cooking times as needed and be mindful of the fat content.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The key to making this gluten-free is using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Everything else is naturally gluten-free, making this dish easy to adapt.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some snap peas, shredded carrots, or chopped broccoli to boost the nutrition and add extra color and crunch to your stir fry.
How spicy is this stir fry?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly, but you can spice it up with red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil if you like a little heat.
What’s the best way to store leftovers to maintain texture?
Store the stir fry separately from any rice or lettuce wraps if possible. Keep everything in airtight containers and refrigerate promptly to keep veggies crisp and chicken juicy.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Teriyaki Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels both special and effortless. It’s packed with flavor, super versatile, and perfect for busy days when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you make it, it just might become one of your go-to family favorites too!
Print
Teriyaki Ground Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Teriyaki Ground Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender ground chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a sweet-savory homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight, it pairs wonderfully with white rice, lettuce wraps, or cauliflower rice for a customizable and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
- Cooked white rice, lettuce wraps, or cauliflower rice for serving
Instructions
- Cook the chicken and vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken, chopped onion, and red bell pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened. Break the chicken apart with a spatula and continue cooking until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Prepare the teriyaki sauce: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, black pepper, and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth and combined.
- Add the sauce to the skillet: Pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer and thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 4-6 minutes. Stir occasionally as the sauce thickens and coats the chicken thoroughly. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sesame seeds.
- Serve: Spoon the teriyaki ground chicken mixture over warm cooked white rice, or serve it in lettuce wraps or with cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Garnish with additional sesame seeds if desired and enjoy!
Notes
- Use ground chicken with a lean to moderate fat content for best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust brown sugar according to your preferred sweetness level.
- Ground ginger powder can be replaced with fresh grated ginger if available (about 1 teaspoon fresh).
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
- This dish can be served with steamed vegetables to bulk up the meal.
