Trader Joes Soyaki Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

This sticky, savory Trader Joes Soyaki Chicken Stir Fry is made with tender chicken thighs, crisp fresh vegetables, and ready in just 25 minutes. The rich ginger-sesame sauce hits the hot pan and bubbles up, creating a glossy glaze that perfectly coats every bite. I love how this simple pantry staple transforms basic ingredients into a meal that tastes better than your favorite takeout order.

Better Than Takeaway

I used to think using a bottled sauce meant settling for a boring dinner, but this specific Trader Joe’s item changed my mind completely. The secret isn’t just dumping the sauce in; it is searing the chicken first to get that golden, caramelized edge before the glaze touches it. When you let the meat brown properly, it adds a depth of flavor that mimics a restaurant wok.

My first attempt at this dish was actually a bit of a disaster because I threw everything into the pan at once, resulting in a soggy, steamed mess. Now, I always cook the protein and vegetables in stages to ensure the broccoli stays crisp and the sauce clings rather than pools. It takes five extra minutes but makes the difference between a sad reheat and a meal you actually want to eat.

Jump to Recipe

Trader Joes Soyaki Chicken Stir Fry Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Island Soyaki Sauce (shake well before measuring)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional garnish)
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

How To Make Trader Joes Soyaki Chicken Stir Fry

1. Prep The Ingredients: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut into bite-sized pieces. Chop all vegetables to uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Shake the Soyaki bottle vigorously to mix the settled sesame seeds.
2. Sear The Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken to a clean plate.
3. Stir Fry Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same hot pan. Toss in the onions, broccoli, and bell peppers. Stir fry for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and have slightly charred edges.
4. Glaze and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour the Trader Joes Soyaki Chicken Stir Fry sauce over the mixture. Toss constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce bubbles, thickens slightly, and coats everything in a shiny glaze. Serve immediately over rice.

Recipe Tips

• Shake The Bottle: The best part of the Soyaki sauce—the sesame seeds, ginger, and garlic puree—settles at the bottom. If you don’t shake it hard before pouring, you’ll get thin soy sauce instead of the full flavor profile.
• Don’t Crowd The Pan: If you add too much chicken at once, the temperature of the pan drops and the meat releases water, causing it to steam. For that restaurant-style sear, give the pieces room to breathe.
• Vegetable Size Matters: Cut your broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces. Large chunks take too long to cook and will leave you with raw stems while the peppers get mushy.
• Sauce Control: This sauce is flavorful but salty. Start with 1/2 cup and taste before adding more, especially if you are serving it over plain white rice.

What To Serve With Trader Joes Soyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice is the standard pairing here, soaking up the extra ginger-sesame sauce beautifully. For a more complete Trader Joe’s feast, I like to serve this alongside their frozen vegetable gyoza or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar. If you want to keep it low-carb, cauliflower rice works perfectly with the sticky glaze.

How To Store

This stir fry stores excellently in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, as the microwave can sometimes make the chicken rubbery. I don’t recommend freezing this dish once cooked, as the vegetables will lose their crisp texture upon thawing.

FAQs

Is Trader Joe’s Soyaki gluten-free?
No, the standard Island Soyaki contains soy sauce made with wheat. If you need a gluten-free option, you will need to buy a specific gluten-free teriyaki sauce or coconut aminos instead.

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, Trader Joe’s sells a great “Stir Fry Veggie Blend.” If using frozen, cook them on high heat until all the water evaporates before adding the chicken back in, otherwise, your sauce will be watery.

Is this sauce spicy?
The Soyaki sauce is sweet and savory with a hint of ginger, but it is not spicy. If you want heat, add a teaspoon of chili onion crunch or sriracha when you add the sauce.

Nutrition

• Calories: 345
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 24g
• Protein: 28g