If you are searching for a delightful weeknight dinner that comes together in a flash, this Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with vibrant veggies, tender chicken, and a savory-sweet sauce, it effortlessly balances flavors and textures, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser any night of the week. Whether you’re short on time or just want a wholesome, home-cooked meal, this recipe has your back with simple steps and ingredients that never compromise on taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s bringing crunch, color, or that irresistible depth of flavor. With just a handful of staples, you can whip up something incredibly satisfying and wholesome.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced: Lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided: Neutral oil ideal for high heat stir-frying without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and a lovely pop of red color.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced: Brings vibrant yellow hues and a mild fruity crunch.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Provides a fresh, green crunch and packs in extra nutrients.
- 1/2 cup sugar snap peas: Sweet snap and a satisfying texture contrast.
- 1 small carrot, julienned: Adds sweetness and a crisp bite that balances the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential aromatic that lifts the whole stir fry.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Offers a warm, zesty undertone to the sauce and veggies.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The backbone of the sauce, giving that umami-rich base.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Balances the saltiness with a hint of natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a mild tang that brightens the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce just right for coating chicken and vegetables.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water: Helps to create a silky sauce consistency.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional): For that authentic toasted flavor that makes this stir fry special.
How to Make Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, chicken broth, and sesame oil in a small bowl. This sauce blends sweet, salty, and tangy elements with a perfectly smooth texture once cooked, setting the tone for the entire dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the thinly sliced chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for about 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken turns golden and is fully cooked through. Then, remove it from the pan and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Throw in your broccoli, red and yellow bell peppers, carrot, and sugar snap peas, cooking them for 3 to 4 minutes until they become crisp-tender. Their bright colors and fresh crunch make this dish as lively to look at as it is to eat.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Now stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger into the vegetables, cooking for just 30 seconds until their fragrant aromas fill the kitchen. This step is crucial as it infuses the dish with warm, inviting scents that whet your appetite.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet, then pour in your prepared sauce. Mix everything thoroughly, making sure each piece of chicken and vegetable is evenly coated with that luscious sauce.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Let the stir fry cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. This final simmer ensures every bite bursts with that perfect mix of savory and sweet goodness.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Serve your Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe hot, ideally over a bed of steamed rice or alongside your favorite noodles. Just a few finishing touches will take this dish from delicious to unforgettable.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the flavors and presentation, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions on top. These simple garnishes add an extra layer of crunch and freshness, brightening up each bite.
Side Dishes
While this stir fry shines on its own, consider pairing it with fluffy jasmine rice, garlic fried rice, or even soba noodles for a more indulgent experience. Light vegetable spring rolls or a crisp Asian-style slaw would complement the meal beautifully, rounding out your dinner plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the stir fry inside crispy lettuce cups or wrapped in warm steamed buns for an interactive and hands-on experience. You can also plate it in colorful bowls or on rustic wooden boards to bring a casual, vibrant vibe to your table setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, transfer them into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. Stir fry tastes great as a next-day lunch or quick dinner with just a little reheating.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables separately from the sauce for up to two months. Just thaw properly in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it on medium power. Adding a splash of water or chicken broth helps revive the sauce and prevents the chicken from drying out, keeping that delightful tender bite intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful cut. Just be sure to slice them thinly for even cooking when stir-frying.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the sauce to keep it vegetarian-friendly while maintaining that savory punch.
How spicy is this Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?
This version is mild and friendly for all palates. If you want to add some heat, consider tossing in sliced chili peppers or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes during cooking.
What type of rice pairs best with this stir fry?
Jasmine or basmati rice work beautifully thanks to their aromatic qualities and fluffy texture. Brown rice is also a nutritious, fiber-rich choice if you prefer something heartier.
Can I prep any of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can slice the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them wrapped in the fridge so when it’s time to cook, the process is even quicker and more stress-free.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe truly feels like a kitchen hug in a bowl. Its quick prep and cooking time make it a go-to meal that doesn’t sacrifice freshness or flavor. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you might just find it becoming one of your favorite family dinners that everyone asks for again and again.
Print
Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Easy Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner packed with colorful vegetables and tender chicken breasts. The savory-sweet sauce featuring low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and ginger perfectly coats the stir-fried ingredients, making it a family favorite that is both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup sugar snap peas
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Sauce
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, chicken broth (or water), and sesame oil if using. Set this mixture aside to use later.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts, season with salt and black pepper, and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet onto a plate and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in the broccoli florets, red and yellow bell peppers, julienned carrot, and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry these vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until they are crisp-tender but still vibrant and slightly crunchy.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger to the vegetables and cook for about 30 seconds until you can smell their fragrant aroma.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything together well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Thicken the sauce: Continue cooking the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens properly and everything is heated through.
- Serve: Serve the hot chicken stir fry over cooked rice or noodles, and optionally garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce.
- Feel free to substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein.
- You can customize the vegetable selection based on seasonality or preference.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine or brown rice.
