Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful dinner that’s ready in a flash and packed with wholesome ingredients, this Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender chicken pieces with crisp vegetables and a perfectly balanced sauce, it delivers a delightful mix of textures and savory-sweet notes that will quickly become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to making this Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe a winner. Each item is simple, fresh, and plays a crucial role in creating that perfect harmony of flavor, color, and texture in your dish.

• 3 boneless chicken breasts (diced into 1 inch pieces): Choose fresh chicken for juicy, tender bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Just enough to bring out the natural flavors without overpowering.
• 1/2 tsp pepper: Adds a light kick and complements the seasoning perfectly.
• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided): Essential for a good sear and sautéing the vegetables to maintain a crispy texture.
• 2 cups broccoli florets (bite-size pieces): Brings vibrant green color and a satisfying crunch.
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper (cut into 1 inch pieces): Adds sweetness and a pop of sunny color.
• 1/2 red bell pepper (cut into 1 inch pieces): Offers a mild tang and balances the flavors visually and taste-wise.
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots: Brings natural sweetness and a subtle earthiness with every bite.
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger: Adds warmth and a little zing to the dish, tying the flavors together.
• 2 tsp minced garlic: Provides a fragrant, savory underpinning essential to any stir fry.
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds: For a delicious nutty crunch as a finishing touch.
• 1 tbsp cornstarch: Key for thickening the sauce to that perfect glossy finish.
• 1/4 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and helps meld the sauce ingredients nicely.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty, umami backbone of the stir fry sauce.
• 2 tbsp honey: Balances the savory elements with a natural, subtle sweetness.

How to Make Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Sauce

Start by whisking together the cornstarch, chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey in a small bowl. This sauce is the magic binder that will coat your chicken and veggies with a delicious, thick glaze. Setting it aside now means it’s ready to go when the stir fry hits the pan.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 3 to 5 minutes, allowing it to brown beautifully and cook through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate so the skillet is ready for the vegetables.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and toss in the broccoli florets, yellow and red bell peppers, and shredded carrots. Stir occasionally, cooking them until they’re tender yet still maintain a satisfying crispness. This balance is essential for that authentic stir fry experience.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

Stir in the ground ginger and minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the spices bloom. This step infuses the dish with those warm, aromatic notes that make your kitchen smell irresistible.

Step 5: Combine and Thicken

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook for about 1 minute, allowing the sauce to thicken to a glossy, mouthwatering consistency.

Step 6: Final Touch

Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top for a lovely nutty crunch and a hint of texture contrast. Your Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is now ready to serve!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can elevate this dish wonderfully—think chopped green onions or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness. Toasted sesame seeds offer a little extra crunch and nutty flavor, while a handful of chopped cilantro adds a fresh herbal touch.

Side Dishes

This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice for an earthy balance. You can also opt for noodles to soak up every bit of that tasty sauce or add a side of simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast to the warm stir fry.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe in colorful bowls or over a bed of spiralized vegetables to keep things light and vibrant. For a fun twist, stuff the stir fry into lettuce cups for a hand-held treat that’s both healthy and super satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover stir fry into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect choice for quick lunches or next-day dinners that don’t skimp on flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind the texture of some vegetables might soften upon thawing. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it looks dry to help loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwaving works well—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts to avoid overcooking the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables in this Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or green beans to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check other ingredients like broth to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Chicken thighs add more richness and stay juicy during cooking, which many people love. Just dice them the same way and adjust cooking time if needed.

How spicy is this Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?

This recipe is mild and family-friendly, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha while cooking for a spicy kick.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot or potato starch work well as thickening agents and will create a similar glossy sauce texture.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again, thanks to its vibrant veggies, tender chicken, and that irresistible sauce. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to share with family and friends. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a fast favorite in your kitchen!

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