Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure with a dish that sizzles and excites your taste buds? Let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Chicken Stir Fry Recipe! This colorful and nutritious meal is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknight dinners. Packed with vibrant veggies and tender chicken, smothered in a savory sauce, this recipe promises satisfaction in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This Chicken Stir Fry Recipe takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy nights.
- Nutritious: Packed with fresh vegetables, you’re getting a meal filled with vitamins and crunchy goodness.
- Flavorful Sauce: The homemade stir fry sauce blends sweet, savory, and a hint of spice for a truly mouthwatering experience.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your taste preferences with different vegetables or a spice level of your choosing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Stir Fry Recipe keeps things simple with essential ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Each one plays a key role in creating a vibrant and tasty dish you’ll love.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into 1-inch cubes for quick cooking and even seasoning.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Provides a healthy crunch and vibrant green color.
- 1/2 yellow and red bell pepper (each): Adds sweetness and a pop of bright color.
- 1/2 cup baby carrots, sliced: Offers subtle sweetness and loads of vitamins.
- 2 tsp minced ginger and 2 garlic cloves, minced: Essential for rich, aromatic flavors.
- Stir Fry Sauce: A balanced mix of corn starch, cold water, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes creates a delightful coating.
Variations
Feel free to put your personal spin on this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe! It’s incredibly adaptable, so don’t hesitate to substitute ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha if you prefer more heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based twist.
- Nuts & Seeds: Sprinkle some toasted cashews or sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.
How to Make Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the corn starch and cold water until smooth. Then add the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until well combined and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until it’s cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the broccoli, bell peppers, and sliced carrots, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are crisp-tender, then add the minced ginger and garlic for that aromatic boost, cooking for one more minute.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet, stirring everything together. Give the sauce another whisk and pour it over the mixture. Stir gently to coat everything well. Let it come to a boil, stirring occasionally, and allow it to boil for about a minute. Serve your delightful Chicken Stir Fry over rice or chow mein as desired.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Ingredient Selection: Use fresh vegetables for a vibrant taste and better texture.
- Perfect Temperature: Keep your skillet hot to ensure the chicken and veggies sear nicely without steaming.
- Sauce Consistency: Make sure the water and cornstarch are fully dissolved to prevent clumps in the sauce.
- Meal Prep: You can cut the vegetables and marinate the chicken ahead of time for quicker cooking.
How to Serve Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your Chicken Stir Fry with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a handful of fresh cilantro. For added texture, you might like to top it with some toasted sesame seeds.
Side Dishes
This delightful dish pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, brown rice, or fluffy jasmine rice. For something different, try it with a side of chow mein or stir-fried noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Chicken Stir Fry in a large bowl or platter for a family-style dinner. Alternatively, dish it onto individual plates with a dome of rice on the side, letting the vibrant colors of the vegetables shine through.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld beautifully, making next-day stir fry even more delicious!
Freezing
To freeze, let the stir fry cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quick single-portion heat-up. Just be sure to stir occasionally to heat evenly.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen vegetables in this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them and pat dry to prevent excess water from making your stir fry soggy.
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What can I use instead of chicken in this recipe?
You can easily substitute tofu or sliced beef for the chicken. If using beef, adjust cooking times for the preferred doneness.
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How do I prevent the chicken from being tough?
Ensure you’re cooking the chicken on medium-high heat without overcrowding the pan. This helps to sear the meat quickly, keeping it tender.
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Can I make the stir fry sauce spicier?
Absolutely! You can add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat to your liking.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe as I am to share it with you! It’s a delightful, colorful, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!
Print
Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stir Fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This delicious chicken stir fry combines tender chicken cubes with vibrant vegetables in a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. Quick to prepare, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that packs a flavorful punch with fresh ginger, garlic, and a honey-soy glaze. Serve over rice or chow mein for a complete, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup baby carrots, sliced
Sauces and Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 tsp minced ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Stir Fry Sauce
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Stir Fry Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes, whisking until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Add one tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet or wok and heat over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until cooked through and browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, then add the broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just crisp tender, about 4-5 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Whisk the stir fry sauce again and pour over the mixture. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
- Finish Cooking: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot over cooked rice or chow mein noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, garnish with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds.
- You can substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp for different protein options.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 343 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 72 mg
