Chicken stir fry is one of the most versatile, healthy, and quick-to-make dishes that can easily become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent looking for an easy dinner option, or simply someone who loves a tasty, wholesome meal, this chicken stir fry recipe will quickly become your go-to dish. Bursting with colorful vegetables, succulent chicken, and a well-balanced sauce, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving.
Why This Chicken Stir Fry Recipe Is Perfect for You
This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also allows you to customize it to your liking. The stir fry process locks in the crunch of the veggies and the tenderness of the chicken, while the soy-based marinade enhances the dish with a savory, slightly sweet flavor. You can also throw in your favorite vegetables like snap peas, bamboo shoots, or bean sprouts to make it uniquely yours.
Whether you want to serve it with white rice, brown rice, or even noodles, this chicken stir fry recipe gives you options that cater to your preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients You Will Need
To prepare this delicious chicken stir fry, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 cups of water
- 2 cups of white rice (or brown rice as a healthier alternative)
- ⅔ cup of soy sauce
- ¼ cup of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of minced fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil (divided)
- 1 head of broccoli, broken into florets
- 1 large onion, cut into large chunks
- 1 cup of sliced carrots
- 1 (8-ounce) can of sliced water chestnuts, drained
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into matchsticks
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Chicken Stir Fry
1. Prepare Your Rice
Start by bringing the 4 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add your white or brown rice, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the rice to simmer for 20-25 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Once the rice is ready, set it aside.
2. Create the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the ⅔ cup of soy sauce, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until the mixture is smooth. Next, add the minced ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes for that extra punch of flavor.
Now, add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to soak in.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in your broccoli, onions, carrots, water chestnuts, and green bell pepper. Stir fry the veggies for about 5 minutes, or until they start to become tender but still have a bit of crunch.
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a plate and set aside while you prepare the chicken.
4. Cook the Chicken
In the same wok or skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade (but don’t discard the marinade—you’ll need it later). Place the marinated chicken pieces in the skillet and cook them for 2 minutes on each side, just until they start to brown.
5. Combine Everything
Now that the chicken is browned, add the cooked vegetables back into the skillet. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and vegetables and stir the mixture until everything is evenly coated. Let the sauce come to a boil, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables reach your preferred level of tenderness.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Your chicken stir fry is now ready to be served! Spoon the stir fry over your prepared rice or noodles, and dig into a delicious, well-balanced meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Best Chicken for Stir Fry: Breasts or Thighs?
Both chicken breasts and chicken thighs work wonderfully in this stir fry recipe. The key to a perfect stir fry is cutting the chicken into thin, uniform pieces so that they cook quickly and evenly. If you’re looking for a slightly more tender and juicy option, chicken thighs can be an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a leaner cut, chicken breasts offer a lighter, equally delicious alternative.
Additional Veggies to Consider
While this recipe already includes an impressive variety of vegetables, feel free to experiment with different kinds. Here are a few more suggestions to elevate your stir fry:
- Snow peas
- Bean sprouts
- Zucchini
- Asparagus
- Baby corn
- Mushrooms
- Bamboo shoots
Adding these veggies will not only make the dish more vibrant but also increase its nutritional value.
What to Serve with Chicken Stir Fry
While this dish is perfectly filling on its own, if you want to add a little extra flair to your meal, consider serving it with:
- Pork dumplings for an appetizer
- Fresh spring rolls as a light, crunchy side
- Hot and sour soup for a warming complement
These side dishes can help transform your stir fry dinner into a full-scale Asian-inspired feast.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in a shallow, airtight container. The chicken stir fry will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat your stir fry either in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s piping hot.
Pro Tip: If you’re worried about the rice drying out during reheating, add a small splash of water before microwaving it.
Community Tips and Variations
One of the best things about chicken stir fry is how adaptable it is. Here are some tips from cooks who’ve tried and loved this recipe:
- Jen says, “This is a quick, easy, and delicious way to use any leftover vegetables you may have in your fridge.
- Rita raves about the sauce, calling it, “Sweet, with just the right amount of spice.”
- Lauretta Jean Campbell made a great swap, “I used asparagus instead of broccoli because that’s what I had on hand, and it turned out fantastic!”
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own!
Conclusion
Chicken stir fry is more than just a meal—it’s a versatile, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With its customizable veggie options, tender chicken, and savory sauce, you can make this recipe your own. Plus, it’s quick to make and full of wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this chicken stir fry recipe will be a surefire hit.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables work great in stir fry. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the wok.
What’s the best oil to use for stir frying?
Sesame oil is commonly used for its flavor, but you can also use vegetable or peanut oil for higher heat cooking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken, and you’re good to go.