Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with Rainbow Veggies & Wild Rice

After a long day, have you ever stared at your fridge hoping something quick, colorful, and satisfying would magically appear? Well, good news! This vibrant Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with colorful veggies and wild rice is exactly that kind of magic—done in under 30 minutes, loaded with flavor, and bursting with color.

The tender chicken glazed in sticky teriyaki sauce, paired with rainbow veggies and hearty wild rice, makes this dish not just a meal but a mood lifter. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet pretty enough to impress even picky eaters. Plus, it’s one of those meals that makes you feel like you’re nourishing yourself and treating yourself at the same time.

Equipment you’ll need

(Handpicked essentials to make cooking easier. Tap to check them.)

• 🍳 12-inch Non-Stick Wok or Deep Skillet – wide enough to toss everything easily
• 🔪 Stainless Steel Knife Set with Shears – for clean, colorful veggie chops
• 🥣 Nested Mixing Bowls with Lids – great for sauce prep and storing leftovers
• 🍚 Microwaveable Rice Cooker & Steamer – wild rice made effortless
• 🥄 Silicone Stir-Fry Spatula – safe on pans and ideal for sautéing

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Sauce

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
• 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
• ½ cup teriyaki sauce (bottled or homemade)
• 1 tsp garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

For the Rainbow Veggies:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 carrot, julienned
• ½ cup broccoli florets
• ¼ cup red cabbage, shredded (optional for color)

For the Base:

• 1½ cups cooked wild rice or brown rice
• Optional: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or chili flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients.

First, chop all your veggies and slice the chicken into strips. You’ll thank yourself later when everything’s ready to toss in.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Next, heat the oil in your non-stick wok over medium-high. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes until golden and almost cooked through.

Step 3: Add Sauce & Simmer

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix teriyaki sauce, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Pour over the chicken. Let it simmer for 3 minutes. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Once thickened, the sauce should coat the chicken nicely.

Step 4: Toss in the Veggies

Once the sauce has thickened and coated the chicken, it’s time to bring in the color. Add the chopped bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, broccoli, and red cabbage directly into the skillet. Then, toss everything together using your spatula, making sure the veggies get a nice glaze of the sauce. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender-crisp—still bright in color but cooked through. If needed, lower the heat slightly to avoid overcooking or drying out the chicken.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Finally, scoop a serving of warm wild rice into your bowl, and top with the chicken and veggie stir-fry. Finally, garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or chili flakes for a kick.

Tips for Success 

• Use a high-heat oil like avocado or sesame for better stir-frying.
• Slice all ingredients evenly to ensure quick, uniform cooking.
• Want extra sauce? Double the teriyaki mix and store it in the fridge!
• Swap chicken with tofu or shrimp for variation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make teriyaki chicken stir-fry without a wok? 

Yes, a deep non-stick skillet works just as well for high-heat stir-frying.

Q2: Is wild rice rich in fiber & healthier than white rice?

Wild rice is not only rich in fiber but also in antioxidants, making it a more nutrient-dense option.

Q3: Can I use frozen vegetables in stir-fry?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry to avoid sogginess.

Q4: How do I thicken teriyaki sauce naturally?

A simple cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) will do the trick.

Q5: How long can I store leftovers?

Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop for the best texture.

Best Served With

• A glass of iced green tea or cucumber mint cooler
• Light miso soup or egg drop soup
• A side of seaweed snacks for added crunch
• Quick pickled carrots or kimchi

Conclusion

When life gets too chaotic, meals like this bring balance—beautiful to look at, also easy to make, and nourishing to the core. It’s not only just food but also a little therapy in a bowl.

If this recipe brought some calm or joy to your kitchen, share your version @VivaLouraRecipes on Pinterest. You never know who you might inspire. 💛