This Chicken & Veggie Teriyaki Skillet is a flavorful and simple dish that skips the additives found in store-bought sauces. Instead, it uses a homemade teriyaki sauce to create a fresh, wholesome meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner. Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a nutritious and delicious option that the whole family can enjoy.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1 cup carrots, sliced

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional for garnish)

• For the Teriyaki Sauce:

  • ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Directions

1. Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

4. Add the Sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce into the skillet and stir to combine. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

5. Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve hot.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 300 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 16g

• Protein: 32g

• Fat: 14g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 8g

The Importance of Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

One of the standout features of this recipe is the homemade teriyaki sauce. Many store-bought teriyaki sauces are loaded with preservatives, added sugars, and artificial flavors, but this recipe skips all of that. By making your own sauce, you can control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives, creating a cleaner, healthier version of this popular dish. The base of the sauce is a blend of soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option), honey, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, and garlic. This combination results in a balanced flavor profile that’s both savory and sweet with a hint of tanginess from the vinegar. The addition of cornstarch mixed with water helps thicken the sauce, giving it a nice consistency that clings to the chicken and vegetables beautifully.

Homemade teriyaki sauce not only elevates the flavor but also provides the flexibility to adjust sweetness and saltiness to your preference. For example, you can reduce the amount of honey for a less sweet version or swap soy sauce with tamari to suit dietary restrictions. The simplicity of the sauce ensures that it complements the dish without overpowering the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.

Healthy Protein Source: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast

The choice of chicken breast as the primary protein in this dish adds lean protein while keeping the meal light and nutritious. Chicken breasts are known for being low in fat but high in protein, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain or build muscle. The protein content of this dish is substantial, providing 32 grams of protein per serving, which is crucial for muscle repair and overall body function. Moreover, chicken breasts are incredibly versatile, making them a perfect protein to pair with a variety of vegetables, as it absorbs the flavors of the homemade teriyaki sauce without being too heavy.

Cooking the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat ensures that the pieces get nicely browned on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. Since chicken breasts can easily dry out if overcooked, it’s important to monitor the cooking time and avoid overcooking the chicken, which ensures that it retains its moist texture and delicious flavor.

A Colorful Medley of Vegetables

This dish features a vibrant array of vegetables that not only provide nutritional benefits but also enhance the visual appeal of the meal. The red bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots are rich in vitamins and minerals, adding both flavor and texture to the skillet. Red bell peppers are packed with vitamin C, which supports immune health, while broccoli is a great source of fiber, vitamin K, and antioxidants. Carrots add a natural sweetness to the dish, complementing the savory teriyaki sauce perfectly.

The vegetables are sautéed just enough to maintain their tender-crisp texture, allowing them to retain their nutritional value while still being flavorful. Stir-frying them in the same skillet as the chicken helps infuse them with the sauce, creating a unified dish where each ingredient complements the other. The result is a balance of flavors and textures, with the tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and sweet-savory sauce all coming together in one harmonious bite.

Quick and Easy Cooking

One of the main reasons this Chicken & Veggie Teriyaki Skillet is so appealing is its simplicity and speed. The entire meal can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option when you’re pressed for time but still want a healthy, satisfying meal. The recipe requires only one skillet, which makes cleanup a breeze, and there’s no need for elaborate preparation or complex cooking techniques.

To prepare, the chicken is quickly browned in the skillet, followed by the vegetables, which are sautéed for just a few minutes to retain their crunch. Finally, the homemade teriyaki sauce is added, and the dish is simmered briefly to allow the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. This quick cooking method ensures that the vegetables remain vibrant and full of nutrients, while the chicken stays juicy and tender.

A Balanced Meal: Protein, Vegetables, and Healthy Fats

Chicken & Veggie Teriyaki Skillet is a well-rounded meal that provides a healthy balance of macronutrients. The 32 grams of protein per serving make it a filling dish that supports muscle recovery and growth, while the vegetables add fiber and essential vitamins. The meal also contains a moderate amount of fat (14 grams per serving), which primarily comes from the olive oil used to cook the chicken and vegetables. Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.

This balance of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables makes the dish an excellent option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet while enjoying a flavorful meal. Additionally, with only 16 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of fiber, this dish is low in carbs, making it suitable for those following a low-carb or keto diet.

The Versatility of the Dish

One of the most appealing aspects of the Chicken & Veggie Teriyaki Skillet is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe by swapping out vegetables based on personal preference or what you have on hand. For example, you could use snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms instead of the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots. The dish can also be made with other proteins, such as shrimp, tofu, or even beef, allowing you to adapt the recipe to different dietary preferences and needs.

Furthermore, this dish can be served with a variety of sides. For a low-carb option, it pairs perfectly with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables. For a more filling meal, you can serve it with a small portion of brown rice or quinoa. The dish is also great on its own if you’re looking for a lighter meal that’s still full of flavor and nutrients.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What sets Chicken & Veggie Teriyaki Skillet apart from other skillet recipes is its balance of convenience, nutrition, and flavor. The homemade teriyaki sauce adds an authentic and fresh touch, and the use of high-quality, natural ingredients ensures that the dish is both delicious and healthy. By skipping the store-bought sauces, you avoid unnecessary additives and preservatives, giving you a cleaner, more wholesome meal. The combination of lean chicken, vibrant vegetables, and savory sauce creates a dish that is both satisfying and nutritionally balanced.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chicken & Veggie Teriyaki Skillet is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that delivers on both taste and nutrition. With its homemade teriyaki sauce, lean protein, and colorful vegetables, it offers a satisfying and balanced meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a quick and healthy dinner. The simplicity of the recipe, combined with the versatility of the ingredients, makes it a dish that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb meal, a family-friendly dinner, or a flavorful weeknight option, this Chicken & Veggie Teriyaki Skillet is sure to become a go-to favorite.