Chicken Stir Fry

There’s something about a Chicken Stir Fry that brings back memories of weeknight dinners at home. My family was always buzzing in the kitchen, the sizzle of the pan mixing with laughter and conversation. This dish was our go-to, a quick and colorful way to use up whatever veggies we had lurking in the fridge. I still remember the first time I tried to make it myself. The aroma of garlic and ginger wafting through the air was intoxicating, and the vibrant colors of broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots dancing in the skillet felt like a culinary magic show. It’s an everyday meal that somehow feels special, and I love that it’s versatile enough to adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Let’s dive into why this Chicken Stir Fry deserves a spot on your dinner table.

Shopping List for Chicken Stir Fry

When it comes to a Chicken Stir Fry, the ingredients are essential for creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. This dish relies on a mix of vibrant vegetables, tender chicken, and a savory sauce to bring it all together. Let’s look at the key players in this colorful ensemble.

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups instant white rice
• ⅔ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
• 1 head broccoli, broken into florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into matchsticks
• 1 red pepper, cut into matchsticks

Instructions for Chicken Stir Fry

Let’s get cooking! Making a Chicken Stir Fry is a fun and engaging process. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve. Trust me, the aroma alone will have everyone in the house eagerly waiting for dinner.

1. Start by preparing the rice as directed on the box. This will serve as the perfect base for your stir fry. Keep an eye on it to ensure it’s fluffy and ready when your stir fry is done.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. This is where the magic happens. The sweet and salty combination will give your dish that irresistible flavor. Don’t forget to add the minced ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes and mix well.
3. Be sure to reserve about one-third of the marinade before mixing it with the sliced chicken. Stir to coat the chicken pieces, then cover and refrigerate for about thirty minutes to let those flavors soak in.
4. While waiting, heat one tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the broccoli, carrots, and both bell peppers. Cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are just tender but still vibrant in color. Remember to keep them moving in the pan!
5. Remove the veggies to a separate dish and set them aside. This step is key to getting that nice stir-fry texture and flavor.
6. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Now, add the marinated chicken (discarding the marinade) and cook for about five minutes. You want the chicken to turn golden brown and fully cooked, so keep an eye on it and stir occasionally.
7. Return the veggies to the skillet and pour in the reserved marinade. Bring everything to a boil—this will create a lovely sauce that coats everything beautifully. Cooking for an additional five to seven minutes will ensure that the chicken is cooked through, and the vegetables are tender.
8. Once done, serve your delicious Chicken Stir Fry over the fluffy prepared rice or noodles. The combination of flavors and textures will have everyone coming back for seconds!
9. Make sure to garnish with some sesame seeds or green onions if you have them on hand for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Tips and Tricks about Chicken Stir Fry

Here are some fantastic tips to enhance your Chicken Stir Fry experience. Each tip is designed to ensure your dish turns out beautifully every time you make it.

• Storage: To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for two to three days, making them a great option for meal prep.
• Freezing: You can freeze the stir fry for up to three months. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed dumplings or a refreshing salad to add balance to your meal.
• Vegetarian Option: You can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish by substituting the chicken with tofu and using vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
• Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil at the end of cooking can elevate the flavors and freshness of your stir fry.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes or incorporating fresh chopped chili peppers.

Great Combinations for Chicken Stir Fry

When serving your delicious Chicken Stir Fry, consider these ideas to create a well-rounded meal:

• Serve over rice: Fluffy steamed rice is a classic base that absorbs all the delicious flavors from your stir fry.
• Pair with noodles: For a change, serve it over warm noodles, such as lo mein or rice noodles, for an extra hearty dish.
• Accompany with a salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the stir fry.
• Great for lunch: This dish is perfect for lunch leftovers, offering a quick, satisfying meal that’s easy to reheat.
• Festive occasions: Serve this dish at gatherings or family dinners, as it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both vibrant and delicious.
• Seasonal vegetables: Incorporate seasonal vegetables to keep the dish fresh and exciting all year round. Think asparagus in spring or root veggies in winter!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Chicken Stir Fry is a true gem in the world of quick and easy meals. It’s vibrant, delicious, and packed with flavor, making it a wonderful option for busy nights or family gatherings. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. You can customize it to your liking, making every meal unique and satisfying.

Chicken Stir Fry

The ultimate comfort food for busy nights, this Chicken Stir Fry is a colorful mix of tender chicken and fresh vegetables coated in a savory sauce. It's quick, easy to make, and sure to satisfy your cravings. Make it tonight for a delightful weeknight dinner!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups instant white rice
• ⅔ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
• 1 head broccoli, broken into florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into matchsticks
• 1 red pepper, cut into matchsticks

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Skillet
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Prepare rice as directed on the box.
2. In a medium bowl, make sauce by whisking together soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Add ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes and mix to combine. Reserve ⅓ of the marinade before adding the chicken and stir to coat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. In a large skillet or wok, over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Add broccoli, carrots, and peppers and cook for about 5 minutes, or until just tender. Remove veggies to a dish and set aside.
4. Add remaining sesame oil in the skillet, and over medium-high heat, add chicken (minus the marinade) and cook for about 5 minutes, or until browned.
5. Add veggies and the reserved marinade, bringing to a boil. Cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
6. Serve over rice or noodles.

Notes

• Prep ahead: You can prep all the ingredients 1-2 days ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
• Store leftovers: in an airtight container(s) in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

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Meet Hailey Anderson

My passion is creating food that nourishes your body without sacrificing flavor. I’m our main recipe developer for vibrant salads, smoothies, and feel-good breakfasts. When I’m not blending or chopping, I’m right alongside Brooke and Jenna, helping to cook and test our new dinner and dessert recipes. I’m a firm believer in balance!