If you’re craving a burst of flavor that’s not only healthy but comes together in a flash, you’re going to fall in love with this Easy Chicken Stir Fry. Vibrant veggies and juicy chicken pieces get tossed in a silky sauce that dances between sweet and savory, all finished in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a stir fry newbie or a seasoned weeknight cook looking for a dish that won’t let you down, this easy chicken stir fry has you covered—delivering serious satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is how simple, familiar ingredients come together to create something far greater than the sum of their parts. Each element adds color, fullness, or a little “pop” that sets this Easy Chicken Stir Fry apart from your average quick dinner.
- Chicken breast: Sliced thin for juicy, fast-cooking bites that let the sauce soak in.
- Broccoli florets: Bright and crisp, they add bulk and nutrition without overpowering.
- Bell peppers (any color): Sweet, vibrant, and perfect for both crunch and color.
- Carrots: Thinly sliced for a subtle earthy sweetness and a lovely pop of orange.
- Garlic: Finely minced to bring a deeply aromatic punch to the sauce.
- Ginger: Freshly grated for warmth and a fresh, slightly spicy kick.
- Soy sauce: The salty, umami backbone of your stir fry sauce.
- Honey: Adds a much-needed hint of sweetness that balances out the saltiness.
- Cornstarch: Just a little to thicken the sauce so it lightly coats every bite.
- Sesame oil: For silky smoothness and a lovely nutty flavor on the finish.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil for high-heat stir frying—canola or sunflower work well.
How to Make Easy Chicken Stir Fry
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken and Veggies
Start by slicing your chicken breast into bite-sized strips—this helps them cook quickly and evenly. Next, cut up your broccoli into small florets, slice bell peppers and carrots thinly, and have your garlic and ginger ready to go. Getting all your ingredients prepped before turning on the heat makes the whole process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Make the Stir Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, a splash of water, grated ginger, and a teaspoon of cornstarch. This sauce is the heart of your Easy Chicken Stir Fry, giving every ingredient that iconic sweet-savory glaze.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips in a single layer and let them sear without moving for a minute or two; this gets you that irresistible golden edge. Stir and cook until no longer pink, then transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Veggies
Add a touch more oil to the pan if it looks dry, then toss in your garlic and carrots, giving them a 30-second head start. Next, add broccoli florets and bell peppers. Stir fry for about 3–4 minutes, until they’re just tender but still brilliantly colorful and crisp.
Step 5: Combine & Add Sauce
Slide the chicken back into the pan with the veggies. Pour the sauce over everything, letting it bubble and thicken. Toss everything together so that every morsel is coated in that glossy, flavorful sauce. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil right before serving for a burst of fragrance and shine.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Stir Fry
Garnishes
Don’t skip a final flourish! Top your Easy Chicken Stir Fry with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, freshly sliced green onions, or even a handful of chopped cilantro. These little touches make the flavors pop and the dish look extra special.
Side Dishes
For a classic combo, serve your stir fry over steaming white rice or brown rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. If you prefer, try it over noodles, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for something a little lighter but just as satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun twists, scoop your stir fry into lettuce cups for hand-held wraps, spoon it over a baked sweet potato, or tuck it into meal prep bowls with rice and a soft-boiled egg for easy lunches all week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Chicken Stir Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, making the leftovers possibly even tastier the next day!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this! Transfer cooled stir fry to a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll keep its best quality for about a month—just expect the veggies to soften a bit when reheated. Label with the date so nothing gets lost in the freezer abyss.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Easy Chicken Stir Fry gently in a skillet over medium heat until hot; add a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave also works for quick lunches—just cover and heat until steaming.
FAQs
Can I swap the chicken for another protein?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced beef or pork, peeled shrimp, or tofu all work beautifully in this stir fry—just adjust cooking times accordingly and have fun with your favorite flavors.
Do I have to use the exact vegetables listed?
No way! This recipe is totally forgiving, so use whatever crisp, colorful veggies you have on hand: snap peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn all fit right in.
Is Easy Chicken Stir Fry gluten free?
To keep it gluten free, be sure to use a certified gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) in your sauce. Otherwise, this dish is naturally gluten-free!
Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Yes! This easy chicken stir fry is fantastic for meal prep. Just make a double batch, portion into containers, and you’ll have delicious lunches or quick dinners at the ready.
Will frozen vegetables work?
Definitely—they’re a convenient timesaver. Just add them straight from the freezer to your hot pan; keep in mind they may release a bit more liquid, so cook until any excess moisture evaporates.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a dish that’s fresh, colorful, and full of flavor, you can’t go wrong with Easy Chicken Stir Fry. It’s a dinner that’s quick enough for your busiest weeknights, but tasty enough to make again and again—give it a try and make it your own!
PrintEasy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy chicken stir fry recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces are stir-fried with colorful vegetables in a savory sauce, creating a delicious meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with a tablespoon of soy sauce and let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and chicken broth. Set aside.
- Stir-Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion, stir-fry for 1-2 minutes. Add marinated chicken and cook until no longer pink.
- Add Vegetables: Add bell peppers, broccoli, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Combine: Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Serve the chicken stir fry hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize this stir fry with your favorite vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or water chestnuts.
- Feel free to adjust the sauce to your taste by adding more or less soy sauce, sugar, or oyster sauce.
- For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the stir fry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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