Name: Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup snap peas or carrots; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; ¼ cup soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce); 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil

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If you are looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor, vibrant colors, and comes together in no time, this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a delicious dance of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce that you can whip up in about 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights. The combination of fresh ingredients with a luscious stir-fry sauce brings a satisfying balance of savory, sweet, and slight tang that will have you coming back for seconds, no matter the day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows raw ingredients laid out on a white marbled surface for a dish, including a clear round bowl with two pieces of pale pink raw chicken at the bottom center. Next to it are green celery stalks and long green onions positioned horizontally on the right. At the top right, there is a fresh red bell pepper and a piece of ginger. Several small clear bowls contain different liquids and powders: a large bowl with creamy white cashew nuts on the top left, a bowl with dark soy sauce just right of the cashews, a bowl with white powder (likely cornstarch) above the chicken, and smaller bowls with golden honey, light brown sauces, and clear liquids scattered around. Two garlic cloves and a mix of salt and pepper in a small separate bowl are placed near the celery. The whole setup is clean and arranged neatly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering a handful of simple but essential ingredients is all it takes to create this delightful dish. Each item plays a crucial role, adding texture, flavor, and a colorful pop that makes the Chicken Stir Fry Recipe both appetizing and nourishing.

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced: Provides tender, juicy protein that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil: A hot, aromatic base for cooking that adds depth; sesame oil gives a nutty flavor.
1 red bell pepper, sliced: Sweet and crisp for vibrant color and crunch.
1 green bell pepper, sliced: Adds freshness with a slight bite and balances the sweetness.
1 cup broccoli florets: Nutritious and crunchy, delivering a satisfying texture contrast.
1 cup snap peas or carrots: Brings natural sweetness and a crisp snap to every bite.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Intensifies flavor with a fragrant, savory punch.
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds a warm, zesty zing that elevates the entire dish.
¼ cup soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce): The salty, umami base of the stir-fry sauce.
2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Deepens the savory notes, creating a rich, layered taste.
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar: Balances savory with a touch of natural sweetness.
1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Offers a mild tang to brighten the flavors.
1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, making it cling perfectly to the ingredients.

How to Make Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Mix the Sauce

Before heating up your pan, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, and cornstarch in a small bowl. This simple but flavorful sauce is the magic that ties all the ingredients together, ensuring every bite is perfectly coated with a silky, glossy finish.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat your vegetable or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the pan and set it aside so you can focus on the vegetables next.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, toss in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds to release their fragrant oils and build the foundation for your stir-fry’s amazing aroma. This step adds an essential burst of flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Add the red and green bell peppers, broccoli florets, and snap peas or carrots to the pan. Stir-fry these colorful veggies for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until they become crisp-tender. You want them to retain their crunch and vibrant hue, which gives the dish that delightful texture contrast.

Step 5: Combine Everything with Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour in the sauce you prepared. Keep stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes as the sauce thickens and clings to every piece of chicken and vegetable. This step brings all the components together, ensuring the flavor glazes the dish beautifully.

Step 6: Serve Hot and Fresh

Once the sauce is thickened and everything is coated, your Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is ready to serve. It’s best enjoyed immediately while hot, fresh, and bursting with bold flavors.

How to Serve Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

Adding the right garnishes takes this dish from great to unforgettable. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top for extra crunch and fresh flavor. A handful of chopped cilantro or a few red chili flakes can add a pop of color and a subtle spicy kick that complements the savory sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

This chicken stir fry shines beautifully over steaming jasmine rice or fluffy noodles. Both absorb the rich sauce wonderfully and round out the meal. For a lighter option, serve it with cauliflower rice or a simple side salad aiming for more freshness and crunch alongside the warm stir fry.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your meal feel extra special by serving the stir fry in individual mini woks or charming bowls. You can also pile it on top of crispy lettuce leaves for a fun wrap-style presentation. Another playful idea is to stuff the stir fry inside warm pita pockets or flatbreads for a handheld twist perfect for casual dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken Stir Fry Recipe leftovers store nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a fantastic way to have a nutritious, flavorful meal ready to go during busy times.

Freezing

While freezing stir fry is possible, it’s best to freeze the chicken and vegetables separately from the sauce to prevent sogginess. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat gently in a skillet, and then add fresh sauce to maintain the dish’s vibrant texture and flavor.

Reheating

For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to warm the stir fry evenly, stirring frequently to avoid drying out. You may add a splash of water or soy sauce if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving for best texture, but if you must, cover loosely and heat in short bursts.

FAQs

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken in this stir fry?

Absolutely! This Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is versatile. Feel free to swap chicken for beef, shrimp, tofu, or even tempeh depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times accordingly for the best results.

What vegetables work best if I want to switch things up?

While bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots are classic choices, you can experiment with mushrooms, baby corn, bok choy, zucchini, or snow peas. Just keep in mind different veggies have varying cooking times.

Is this recipe spicy?

The base recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily add heat by tossing in chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh sliced chilies. It’s a great way to customize the dish to your taste buds.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce to make sure the Chicken Stir Fry Recipe suits gluten-sensitive diets without sacrificing flavor.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If you want a thicker sauce, simply add a little more cornstarch mixed with water before cooking. For a thinner sauce, reduce the amount of cornstarch or add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

Final Thoughts

Making this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is like inviting a burst of bright, savory joy into your kitchen in less than half an hour. It’s an effortlessly satisfying meal that balances wholesome goodness with irresistible flavor. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you just want something delicious without the fuss, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to favorites. Give it a try, and watch how it transforms simple ingredients into a meal everyone will love!