If you’re craving a dish that’s both vibrant and satisfying, you’re going to love this Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. It’s packed with tender chicken, crisp-tender veggies, and a sauce that hits the perfect balance of sweet and savory. What makes this dish so special is just how approachable it is—perfect for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without the fuss. From the colorful broccoli and bell peppers to the delectable honey-ginger sauce, every bite is a little celebration in your mouth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step to nailing this Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. Each item is carefully selected to build layers of flavor, texture, and color, making this dish as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
- Chicken breasts: The star protein, perfect when sliced into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Garlic powder: Adds a gentle depth of garlic flavor that enhances the chicken.
- Pepper: Freshly ground to season the chicken and bring out its natural taste.
- Cornstarch: Helps to create a silky coating on the chicken and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil: Used in stages to cook the chicken and vegetables, providing a fruity, mild base.
- Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation to the stir fry.
- Broccoli florets: Adds vibrant green color and a wonderful crunch when cooked just right.
- Bell pepper (orange recommended): Contributes a sweet crispness and bright splash of color.
- Matchstick cut carrots: Offers a hint of natural sweetness and a nice textural contrast.
- Uncooked rice (optional): A classic accompaniment that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Chopped scallions (optional): Fresh and slightly peppery topping to finish the dish with flair.
- Honey: Provides a subtle sweetness that balances savory and tangy notes.
- Fresh grated ginger: Adds a punch of warmth and fragrant spice to the sauce.
- Minced garlic: Used fresh here for a vibrant, zesty boost in flavor.
- Soy sauce: The salty umami backbone of the sauce that brings everything together.
- Apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar): Lifts the sauce with a delicate tang.
- Chicken broth: Adds body and moisture, enriching the sauce’s texture.
- Toasted sesame oil: Offers a nutty aroma and subtle depth at the finish.
How to Make Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you fire up the stove, it’s best to prep everything. Cut all veggies into bite-size pieces, focusing especially on making the broccoli small so it cooks evenly with the other vegetables. If you plan to serve your stir fry with rice, start cooking it first since it takes a bit longer.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, chicken broth, and toasted sesame oil. Whisk thoroughly so all those delicious flavors meld together, creating the vibrant sauce that will bring your stir fry alive.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Cut your chicken breasts into one-inch pieces and season them with garlic powder and pepper. Toss the chicken with cornstarch until evenly coated—this will give it that beautifully crisp exterior while locking in juiciness.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, preferably deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding the pan so they brown nicely. Cook about 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until golden and fully cooked through. Do this in two batches, adding the remaining tablespoon of oil for the second batch. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables
If your pan looks a bit dry, add a teaspoon of olive oil, then toss in the chopped onions and cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Next, add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots. Stir frequently and cook for about 3 minutes to achieve a tender-crisp texture—perfect for that delightful bite.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken to the pan, then pour in the sauce—give it a quick whisk again before adding. Stir constantly and let the sauce bubble and thicken for about one minute, coating every piece of chicken and vegetable with that sublime glaze. Remove from heat and prepare to serve.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped scallions over the top right before serving to add a pop of color and a subtle bite that complements the rich sauce beautifully. For an extra nutty touch, a few toasted sesame seeds can work wonders too.
Side Dishes
Serve your Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe over fluffy steamed rice or your favorite noodles to soak up all that joyful sauce. For a lighter option, try it alongside cauliflower rice or a simple green salad for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate this dish by serving it in a colorful bowl with a side of pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast. You can also plate it neatly in lettuce cups for a fun, handheld twist—perfect for casual gatherings or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The veggies will keep their delightful crunch if reheated gently, so avoid overheating.
Freezing
This dish isn’t the best candidate for freezing as the fresh vegetables may lose their texture and become soggy. If you do freeze it, separate the chicken and veggies from the sauce to retain better quality and thaw only once before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high power since that can overcook the chicken and make the veggies mushy.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein in this Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap chicken for beef, shrimp, or tofu based on your preference. Adjust cooking times accordingly, especially for seafood which cooks very quickly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure your chicken broth and other ingredients are free from gluten additives.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add a dash of red pepper flakes or a sliced chili pepper when sautéing the veggies to bring some heat to the dish.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be mixed a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before adding it to the stir fry to recombine any separated ingredients.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, arrowroot powder or potato starch are good substitutes that will give you a similarly silky sauce and crisp coating on the chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is such a fantastic go-to when you want something quick, wholesome, and packed with flavor. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that welcomes endless variations, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Once you try it, you’ll discover just how effortlessly delicious home-cooked meals can be—happy cooking!
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Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Easy Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken pieces and crisp vegetables tossed in a savory honey-ginger sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect served over rice or noodles and garnished with fresh scallions for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped into fairly small pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into fairly small pieces
- 1/2 bell pepper (orange), cut into bite-sized pieces or strips
- 1/2 cup matchstick cut carrots
- Chopped scallions for serving (optional, to taste)
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce thickening)
Seasoning and Coating
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch (for chicken coating)
Oils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Optional
- 1 cup uncooked rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces as indicated. If serving with rice, start cooking the rice according to package directions so it is ready when the stir fry is finished.
- Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, toasted sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Place in a bowl, sprinkle with garlic powder and pepper, then toss to combine. Add 3 tablespoons cornstarch and toss again until chicken pieces are evenly coated.
- Heat Oil & Cook Chicken (Batch 1): Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes until hot. Add the coated chicken pieces (shake off excess cornstarch) without crowding the pan; cook for about 4 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove to a plate.
- Cook Chicken (Batch 2): Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Repeat cooking chicken pieces in a second batch following the same process. Remove cooked chicken to the plate with the first batch.
- Cook Onions: If the pan is dry, add about a teaspoon of olive oil. Add chopped onions and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened.
- Cook Vegetables: Add broccoli florets, bell pepper pieces, and matchstick carrots to the pan. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender-crisp. Cook longer if you prefer softer vegetables.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Whisk the sauce quickly again and pour it in. Stir constantly as the sauce bubbles and thickens, about 1 minute, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Remove the pan from heat.
- Serve: Serve the stir fry immediately over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Notes
- Cut vegetables into consistent bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to get a nice golden sear.
- If you prefer softer vegetables, increase cooking time by a few minutes.
- Use fresh ginger for best flavor in the sauce.
- The recipe can be doubled easily for larger portions.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles as preferred.
