The Best Chicken Stir Fry
The aroma of sizzling chicken, colorful vegetables, and a savory stir fry sauce dances through the kitchen, bringing a comforting sense of home. This Chicken Stir Fry is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that combines tender chicken with crisp veggies and a flavorful sauce that captures the essence of Asian cuisine. When you first taste this dish, the harmony of textures and flavors is sure to make you feel like a seasoned chef, all while knowing you whipped it together in under an hour.
Table of Contents
At its core, my version of the best chicken stir fry recipe is about ease and satisfaction. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. So, if you’re craving a hearty and vibrant meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or fun, I invite you to give this a try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 50 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious yet easy to prepare.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and toasted sesame oil delivers a sweet and salty punch that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Brightly colored vegetables like red bell peppers and broccoli make for a visually stunning plate that impresses.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this recipe can easily be doubled for gatherings or lunches.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets by using appropriate substitutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ⅓ cup soy sauce: Adds saltiness and rich umami flavor. Look for low-sodium versions if preferred.
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the savory components perfectly. Can substitute with honey or coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener.
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil: Infuses a warm, nutty aroma that enhances the stir-fry. Avoid using regular sesame oil for the best flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides essential flavor depth. Fresh garlic is always best, but pre-minced versions can work in a pinch.
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger: Adds a spicy warmth that brightens the entire dish. Use fresh ginger over powdered for optimal flavor.
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy finish. Arrowroot powder can serve as a substitute.
- ⅓ cup water: Thins the sauce to the desired consistency.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha: For a touch of heat, adjust based on your preference.
- ¾ lb. broccoli: Cut into small florets, it adds crunch and vibrant color. Fresh is best, but you can use frozen as a last resort.
- 2 carrots, sliced into thin matchsticks: Offers sweetness and texture contrast; you could also use bell peppers or snap peas.
- 1 red bell pepper: Sliced into strips to add sweetness and color.
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced: Sweetens when cooked and adds a layer of flavor. Yellow or green onions can be used as alternatives.
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish: Adds a fresh, crispy touch after cooking; keep the green parts for an extra pop of color.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb. total): Cut into bite-sized pieces, making them tender and easy to cook. You can also substitute with tofu or shrimp for variations.
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil, divided: For sautéing the chicken and vegetables. Use neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil to avoid overpowering flavors.
How to Make The Best Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine ⅓ cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon sriracha, 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch, and ⅓ cup water. Whisk until well blended, and set it aside.
Prepare the Vegetables: Chop ¾ lb. broccoli into small florets, and slice the red bell pepper, onion, and 2 carrots into thin, even matchsticks. Don’t forget to slice the green onions for garnish later!
Cut the Chicken: Take your 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and cut them into small ½-inch bite-sized pieces. This not only helps with cooking but also ensures everyone gets a taste of the delicious chicken.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and swirl it around to coat the surface. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Ensure not to overcook, as it will continue to cook later. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Stir-Fry the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil along with the carrots and broccoli. Stir-fry for about 1 minute, or until the broccoli turns bright green and crisp. It’s all about keeping that fresh crunch!
Add More Color: Toss in the red bell pepper and onion, then stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes. You want those veggies to be tender but still vibrant and colorful.
Bring it All Together: Give the sauce a quick stir to ensure everything is mixed, then return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the prepared stir fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 1-2 more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and turn glossy.
Serve it Up: Once the vegetables reach your desired tenderness, remove from heat. Garnish your delicious chicken stir fry with chopped green onions (and sesame seeds, if you wish). This dish is perfect over rice or noodles, so don’t forget those!
Storing & Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. You can store your chicken stir fry in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place the stir fry in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it will last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until heated. Note that the veggies may lose some crunch on reheating, but a quick stir can help bring back some of that freshness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of proper sautéing. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
- Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding chicken. It should sizzle upon contact; this helps secure that nice golden browning.
- Don’t be afraid to play with the vegetable ratio or types according to what you have on hand; bell peppers, snap peas, and zucchini could work wonderfully here.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Keep the heat up while cooking to ensure the sauce thickens properly and coats the chicken and veggies.
When done right, this chicken stir fry can become a staple in your cooking repertoire. With fresh ingredients and bold flavors, it’s a quick, satisfying meal that can effortlessly impress family and friends alike. I encourage you to make this classic dish your own by experimenting with different vegetables or sauces. Enjoying delicious, homemade stir fry is just a cooking session away!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this chicken stir fry recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chop your vegetables a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply sauté the chicken and veggies, then add the sauce. This will save you time and still yield a fresh-tasting meal.
What are some good substitutions for chicken?
If you wish to switch things up, boneless skinless chicken thighs offer a juicier alternative. Alternatively, tofu or shrimp are excellent choices for this stir fry, providing different textures and flavors while still being quick to cook.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free chicken stir fry, opt for tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is similar in flavor but gluten-free, ensuring you can enjoy this dish without any dietary concerns.
Can I add more vegetables?
Sure! This dish is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add snow peas, baby corn, zucchini, or even mushrooms. Just be mindful of the cooking times to keep everything perfectly tender-crisp.
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📖 Recipe Card
The Best Chicken Stir Fry
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Enjoy a quick and delicious meal with The Best Chicken Stir Fry, combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sauce for a satisfying dinner option.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 ½ tablespoon cornstarch
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- ¾ lb. broccoli, cut into small florets
- 2 carrots, sliced into thin matchsticks
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb. total), cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoon cooking oil, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the stir fry sauce by mixing soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, sriracha, cornstarch, and water in a bowl. Set aside.
- Chop broccoli into florets and slice bell pepper, onion, and carrots. Set them aside with the green onions.
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and coat the pan. Cook the chicken until browned, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining oil, then stir-fry carrots and broccoli for a minute until bright green.
- Add the bell pepper and onion, stir-frying for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Stir the sauce again and return cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the mixture and combine, allowing it to simmer for a couple of minutes until sauce thickens and vegetables soften to your liking.
- Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired, and serve.
Notes
For more flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
Feel free to add other vegetables like snow peas or snap peas for variety.
Serve with rice or noodles to complete the meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
