Easy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Whip up a delicious and healthy meal faster than ordering takeout! This homemade Chicken Stir-Fry is a perfect solution for busy weeknights, bringing vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients to your table. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, offering a satisfying and nutritious dinner that’s endlessly customizable. Get ready to create a fantastic meal that tastes incredible and is simple enough for any home cook.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stir-Fry

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: You can have a complete, flavorful dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Healthy, Fresh, and Customizable: Packed with colorful vegetables and lean protein, this recipe easily adapts to your family’s favorite produce and dietary needs. The North Dakota State University Extension highlights how stir-frying can contribute to a healthier diet.
• Better Than Takeout Flavors: Experience the authentic taste of a restaurant-quality Chicken Stir-Fry from the comfort of your own kitchen, often at a fraction of the cost.
• One-Pan Meal, Minimal Cleanup: Most of the cooking happens in a single skillet or wok, significantly reducing your post-dinner chores.
• Beginner-Friendly Recipe: Clear, step-by-step instructions make this a fantastic option for new cooks looking to master a fundamental dish.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Stir-Fry

Creating our fantastic Chicken Stir-Fry starts with fresh ingredients and a balanced, savory sauce. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into 1-inch cubes.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning the chicken.
• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided): For cooking the chicken and vegetables.
• 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds a lovely green color and texture.
• 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, offering a touch of sweetness.
• 2 tsp minced ginger: Fresh ginger provides essential aromatic warmth.
• 2 garlic cloves: Minced, for a pungent flavor base.
• 1 tbsp cornstarch: For the thickening slurry.
• 2 tbsp cold water: To mix with the cornstarch.
• 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth: Forms the base of your stir-fry sauce.
• 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce: For salty umami depth.
• 1/4 cup honey: Balances the savory notes with natural sweetness.
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil: Adds a nutty, rich aroma at the end.
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes: For a mild kick, adjust to your preference.

Notes & Substitutions

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are also excellent for this dish, offering a slightly richer flavor.
• Vegetables: Feel free to use your favorite stir-fry vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or bok choy.
• Oil: Peanut oil or vegetable oil are great alternatives for high-heat cooking.
• Soy Sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative.
• Honey: Maple syrup or brown sugar can be swapped in for similar sweetness.
• Spice: Increase or decrease the red pepper flakes to match your desired heat level.

Equipment You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes preparing this Chicken Stir-Fry even simpler. Gather these basic kitchen essentials before you begin:

• Large skillet or wok: Essential for achieving that perfect stir-fry sizzle.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: For prepping your chicken and vegetables efficiently.
• Small bowl: To whisk together your flavorful stir-fry sauce ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts for the best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create a delicious and satisfying Chicken Stir-Fry right in your own kitchen. This recipe is designed to be quick and straightforward, perfect for beginners!

1. Prep Chicken: Start by patting your chicken breast cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them brown beautifully. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper to taste. Set the seasoned chicken aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Make Stir-Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This is your cornstarch slurry. Then, add the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes to the same bowl. Whisk everything until well combined and set aside. This is the secret to a perfectly saucy Chicken Stir-Fry.
3. Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. It should no longer be pink in the center. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate.
4. Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the broccoli florets, yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper, and sliced baby carrots. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are crisp-tender. You want them cooked but still with a slight crunch.
5. Add Aromatics: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet, creating a space in the center. Add the minced ginger and minced garlic to the cleared area. Sauté the ginger and garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This infuses the dish with incredible flavor.
6. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and aromatics. Give everything a quick toss to combine the flavors.
7. Thicken Sauce: Stir the prepared stir-fry sauce one last time, then pour it over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. The cornstarch in the sauce will begin to thicken it almost immediately. Continue to simmer for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon and reaches your desired consistency.
8. Serve Immediately: Remove the skillet from the heat. Your perfect Chicken Stir-Fry is ready to enjoy! Garnish with sesame seeds or extra red pepper flakes if desired.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Crowding the Pan: Avoid overcrowding your skillet when cooking the chicken or vegetables. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure everything browns properly instead of steaming.
• High Heat is Essential: Stir-frying requires high heat. Ensure your pan is hot before adding ingredients to achieve that signature sear and crisp-tender texture. Understanding the culinary science of high-heat cooking is key, as explained by America’s Test Kitchen on the science of stir-frying in a wok.
• Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables and chicken, and mix your sauce, before you start cooking. This “mise en place” makes the actual stir-frying process incredibly fast and smooth.
• Don’t Overcook: Vegetables should be crisp-tender, not soggy. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the heat once they reach your desired doneness. Chicken should be cooked through but still juicy.
• Sauce Too Salty: If your sauce tastes too salty, you can dilute it slightly by adding a tablespoon or two of water or extra chicken broth.
• Sauce Too Thin: If your sauce isn’t thickening enough, quickly make an extra small slurry with 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water. Stir it into the simmering sauce and cook for another minute.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile Chicken Stir-Fry is a fantastic meal on its own, but also pairs wonderfully with several sides. You can also easily adapt it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Serving Suggestions: Serve your freshly made Chicken Stir-Fry hot over steamed white rice, brown rice, fluffy quinoa, or your favorite stir-fried noodles. It’s a complete meal by itself, too!
• Make Ahead: To save time on busy evenings, prep all your vegetables and mix your stir-fry sauce in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Storage: Refrigerate any leftover Chicken Stir-Fry in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
• Freezing: Stir-fries generally do not freeze well, as the vegetables can become mushy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge within a few days.
• Vegetable Variations: Experiment with different vegetables like sliced snap peas, water chestnuts, baby corn, mushrooms, or thinly sliced cabbage.
• Protein Swaps: This recipe is fantastic with other proteins! Try swapping chicken for sliced firm tofu, shrimp, or thinly sliced beef.
• Spice Level: Kick up the heat by adding a dash of Sriracha sauce to your finished dish, or include extra crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce.

Nutrition Information

Enjoying a homemade Chicken Stir-Fry means you control the ingredients, making it a wholesome choice for your family. This dish is generally rich in lean protein and dietary fiber from the abundant vegetables.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information provided is an estimate based on ingredients and cooking methods. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, portion sizes, and preparation techniques.

This healthy Chicken Stir-Fry offers a balanced meal, providing essential nutrients to fuel your day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How long does chicken stir-fry last? Cooked chicken stir-fry stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal taste and texture.
• Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, you can! Add frozen stir-fry vegetables directly to the hot skillet after cooking the chicken, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re tender.
• What makes stir-fry sauce thick? Cornstarch, when mixed with cold water to form a slurry and then heated, is the key ingredient that thickens the stir-fry sauce, giving it a glossy coating.
• How to prevent chicken from being dry? Pat the chicken dry before cooking, avoid overcrowding the pan, and cook it quickly over medium-high heat until just done. This ensures tender, juicy chicken every time.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? This Chicken Stir-Fry recipe can easily be made gluten-free by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Conclusion

You now have everything you need to create a truly spectacular and easy Chicken Stir-Fry right in your own kitchen! This recipe proves that incredibly flavorful meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s a healthy, customizable, and delicious option that’s perfect for any night of the week, especially for busy parents and beginner cooks. We encourage you to try this versatile dish and make it a new family favorite. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the satisfaction of a homemade meal!

Easy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

This fast and flavorful Chicken Stir-Fry is packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a glossy homemade sauce. It’s a healthy, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights — ready in under 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 0.5 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 0.5 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 0.5 cup baby carrots, sliced
• 2 tsp minced ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp cold water
• 0.25 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 0.25 cup honey
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok For high-heat cooking and searing.
• Knife & cutting board For prepping chicken and vegetables.
• Small bowl For mixing the sauce and slurry.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons Ensures accuracy in ingredient amounts.

Method

 

1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Add chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
3. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook 3–5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil. Stir-fry broccoli, peppers, and carrots for 3–5 minutes until crisp-tender.
5. Push veggies to one side. Add ginger and garlic to empty space and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Return chicken to pan and toss everything together.
7. Pour in the prepared sauce. Simmer 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened and glossy.
8. Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Swap chicken breast with thighs for richer flavor. Use your favorite veggies — mushrooms, snap peas, or bok choy work great. Tamari or coconut aminos make this dish gluten- or soy-free. Prep all ingredients ahead for the fastest cook time.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com