Name: Next-Level Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with Rainbow Veggies & Wild Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 3 cups cooked wild rice; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 orange bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup sugar snap peas; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 large carrot, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup green peas; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp water (for slurry); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 green onions, sliced (optional); 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional); 2 tbsp neutral oil (for cooking)

I’m absolutely obsessed with this Next-Level Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with Rainbow Veggies & Wild Rice. It all started as a way to use up leftover rice and whatever veggies I had in the fridge—but it’s now one of my go-to meals for busy weekdays and meal prep Sundays. What makes it “next-level” isn’t just the flavor-packed homemade teriyaki sauce, but the vibrant mix of bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, and carrots that give it color, crunch, and nourishment.

The balance between the savory glazed chicken, nutty wild rice, and those slightly crisp veggies is just chef’s kiss. I’ve fine-tuned this stir-fry so it’s easy to make, deeply satisfying, and totally customizable. Whether you’re craving a comforting dinner or prepping for the week ahead, this dish has your back.

Why You’ll Love This Next-Level Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with Rainbow Veggies & Wild Rice

This stir-fry checks all the boxes: it’s colorful, quick, and outrageously flavorful. The homemade teriyaki glaze is sticky, sweet, and tangy—clinging perfectly to tender chicken and caramelizing beautifully on the veggies. It’s also a great way to eat a full spectrum of vegetables without feeling like you’re just chewing through a salad.

I also love that it’s meal-prep friendly. Make a big batch, portion it out, and enjoy a wholesome lunch or dinner all week. Plus, it’s easy to make gluten-free or vegetarian if needed. This is more than a stir-fry—it’s a crave-worthy, power-packed bowl of comfort and color.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For this stir-fry, I usually go with boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook quickly and stay tender when stir-fried. However, chicken thighs are also a fantastic option—they’re juicier and more forgiving if you tend to overcook. Just make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces so they sear evenly and soak up the teriyaki glaze.

If you’re looking for a shortcut, rotisserie chicken can work in a pinch, though it won’t absorb the sauce the same way freshly cooked chicken does. Still, it’s a great time-saver and a smart use of leftovers.

Options for Substitutions

The beauty of this stir-fry is its flexibility. If you don’t have one ingredient, you can almost always find a swap that works just as well:

Vegetables: Feel free to swap out any of the veggies for what’s in season or already in your fridge. Zucchini, mushrooms, or even baby corn work beautifully.
Protein: Tofu, shrimp, or even sliced beef can take the place of chicken. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Rice: Wild rice has a lovely chewy texture, but brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa can step in as the base.
Teriyaki Sauce: If you’re short on time, store-bought teriyaki works fine. Just look for one without added high-fructose corn syrup. Or spice things up with a Korean-style Gochujang glaze instead.

This recipe was made for personalization—don’t be afraid to get creative!

Ingredients for This Next-Level Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with Rainbow Veggies & Wild Rice

Chicken breast – The main protein, it soaks up the teriyaki sauce and stays tender with a quick stir-fry.

Wild rice – Adds a nutty, chewy base that’s more flavorful and textured than plain white rice.

Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers – These bring a sweet crunch and beautiful color to the dish.

Sugar snap peas – Their crisp texture contrasts perfectly with the soft rice and tender chicken.

Broccoli florets – They soak up the sauce and add fiber and nutrients.

Carrots – Slightly sweet and vibrant, they offer color and crunch.

Green peas – A pop of green and a subtle sweetness that blends into the mix.

Garlic & ginger – Aromatic essentials for building depth and umami into the stir-fry.

Soy sauce – The salty backbone of the teriyaki glaze.

Honey or brown sugar – For that sticky-sweet signature teriyaki flavor.

Rice vinegar – Adds brightness to balance the sweet and savory tones.

Cornstarch – Helps thicken the teriyaki glaze so it clings to every bite.

Sesame oil – Just a drizzle for bold, nutty aroma that finishes the dish with flair.

Green onions & sesame seeds (optional) – For garnish, freshness, and a little extra texture.

Step 1: Cook the Wild Rice

Start by cooking the wild rice according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 40–45 minutes, so get it going first. You can cook it ahead of time and refrigerate it, which actually helps it stir-fry better.

Step 2: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of water. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Add it to the sauce mix and set aside.

Step 3: Prep the Chicken and Veggies

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes and season lightly with salt and pepper. Chop all your veggies: bell peppers into strips, broccoli into small florets, carrots into thin slices, and trim the snap peas.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Veggies

In the same pan, add a bit more oil and toss in the carrots, broccoli, and snap peas. After a couple of minutes, add the bell peppers and green peas. Stir-fry everything until crisp-tender—about 5 minutes total.

Step 6: Add Sauce and Combine

Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and veggies. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and glazes everything—this should take 1–2 minutes.

Step 7: Add the Rice

Toss in the cooked wild rice and stir everything together until evenly coated and heated through. Let the rice absorb the sauce for 2–3 minutes on low heat.

Step 8: Finish and Garnish

Drizzle a little sesame oil, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot!

How Long to Cook the Next-Level Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with Rainbow Veggies & Wild Rice

The actual cook time for this stir-fry is about 20 to 25 minutes, not including the rice if you’re making it fresh. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Wild rice: 40–45 minutes (but you can prep this ahead)
Chicken: 5–6 minutes
Veggies: 5 minutes
Simmering with sauce and rice: 5–7 minutes

If you have pre-cooked rice on hand, you’ll have dinner ready in under half an hour.

Tips for Perfect Next-Level Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with Rainbow Veggies & Wild Rice

Use pre-cooked rice: Cold, leftover rice stir-fries better and doesn’t clump like fresh rice.
Don’t overcook the veggies: Keep them slightly crisp for better texture and color.
Marinate the chicken (if time allows): Even 15 minutes in a little soy sauce and ginger will deepen the flavor.
Cook in batches if needed: If your pan is small, sear the chicken in two rounds so it browns instead of steams.
Keep the heat high: Stir-frying is all about quick cooking over high heat—this locks in texture and flavor.
Use fresh garlic and ginger: They make a noticeable difference in building the bold, aromatic base.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcrowding the pan: This causes steaming instead of stir-frying. Work in batches if needed to get that nice sear on the chicken and veggies.
Using raw rice: Wild rice takes time—don’t try to cook it alongside the stir-fry. Always have it ready before starting the stir-fry steps.
Skipping the cornstarch slurry: Without it, your sauce won’t thicken properly and won’t coat the ingredients the way it should.
Overcooking the veggies: They should be bright and crisp-tender, not soft and dull.
Adding sesame oil too early: It’s a finishing oil—add it at the end to keep its flavor punch.
Not prepping everything in advance: Stir-frying moves fast. Have all your ingredients chopped and ready before you turn on the heat.

What to Serve With Next-Level Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with Rainbow Veggies & Wild Rice?

Steamed Dumplings

Soft, juicy dumplings are a perfect complement to this saucy stir-fry—especially if you’re feeding a hungry crowd.

Asian-Style Cucumber Salad

Light and tangy, this quick salad cools down the heat and adds crunch on the side.

Soft-Boiled Soy Eggs

Marinate boiled eggs in soy sauce and mirin for a rich, savory topping that pairs beautifully with wild rice.

Miso Soup

A warm, umami-rich bowl of miso soup makes for a cozy, balanced meal alongside your stir-fry.

Edamame with Sea Salt

Quick to make, protein-packed, and fun to snack on—edamame makes a great finger food side.

Grilled Pineapple

A sweet, smoky contrast to the savory stir-fry that totally elevates the whole meal.

Spring Rolls

Whether fresh or fried, they add variety in texture and make the whole plate feel more festive.

Storage Instructions

This stir-fry stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigerator: Let the stir-fry cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just know that the texture of the veggies may soften a bit when reheated.
Reheating: Warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between until heated through.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings total):

Calories: 470
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 6g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 780mg
Sugar: 10g

These numbers may vary based on portion size, specific brands, and ingredient swaps. For lighter options, you can reduce the rice portion or use low-sodium soy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to keep veggies crisp in a stir-fry?

Cook them quickly over high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan. That way, they retain texture and vibrant color instead of steaming and turning soggy.

Can I use frozen vegetables in this stir-fry?

Yes, just thaw them first and pat dry. They may be softer than fresh, but still delicious and convenient for weeknights.

Is wild rice the same as regular rice?

Nope! Wild rice is actually a seed with a chewy texture and nutty flavor. It has more fiber and protein than white rice and adds depth to the dish.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or even chickpeas. Just make sure to sear your protein first so it gets that lovely golden edge.

How spicy is this stir-fry?

It’s not spicy at all unless you add chili flakes or hot sauce. You can easily make it mild, medium, or spicy depending on your taste.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes—and honestly, I often do. If you like extra sauce to soak into the rice or drizzle on top, make 1.5x or 2x the teriyaki mixture.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

Add a bit more cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) and simmer while stirring until the sauce thickens up.

What’s the best pan to use for this recipe?

A large wok or a high-sided skillet works best. Just make sure it gets nice and hot before you start cooking to get those delicious sear marks.

Conclusion

This Next-Level Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry with Rainbow Veggies & Wild Rice is a perfect mix of flavor, color, and wholesome goodness. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-quality, without the takeout bill. With vibrant vegetables, tender chicken, and a rich, homemade glaze, this stir-fry brings variety and satisfaction in every bite.

Make it once, and you’ll keep coming back to it—whether you’re meal prepping or just craving something bold and comforting on a busy night.