Chicken stir fry recipe
This chicken stir fry recipe stands out as not only incredibly easy to prepare but also far superior to any takeout option! It’s cooked with an irresistible mixture of spices that perfectly blends with the rich umami of soy sauce, complemented by just a hint of brown sugar to strike that ideal balance between sweet and savory flavors.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious way to impress your guests, this chicken stir fry recipe promises to deliver mouthwatering results that will leave everyone craving for more.
A good stir fry recipe is something we should all have in our back pocket! It’s the perfect meal to make when you only have a couple of random ingredients in your refrigerator and it’s perfect when you are craving something delicious but want to keep it on the healthier side.
The best thing about this easy chicken stir fry is that’s also really quick to make! You only need a handful of ingredients and some pantry staples to get it done. Best of all? Takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. Even takeout takes longer to arrive!
How to make Chicken stir fry recipe
Ingredients:
- Boneless chicken breast: Chicken breast is a lean, versatile protein that works well in stir fry recipes. It cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce well.
- Vegetables (bell peppers, onions, broccoli): A good stir fry should have a variety of colorful vegetables to make it more nutritious and visually appealing. You can use any combination of your favorite vegetables, but bell peppers, onions, and broccoli are classic choices.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms add a savory, meaty flavor to the stir fry and are packed with nutrients.
- Soy sauce: This is the base of the stir fry sauce. It adds a savory, salty flavor to the dish.
- Brown sugar: A small amount of brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the stir fry and balances out the flavors from the soy sauce.
- Garlic clove: Fresh minced garlic adds depth and flavor to the dish.
- Onion powder: Similar to garlic powder, this adds a subtle onion flavor without the need for chopping onions.
- Ginger: Fresh grated ginger adds a zingy, spicy flavor to the stir fry. It pairs well with the soy sauce and brown sugar for a delicious balance of flavors.
- Chicken broth: This adds some liquid to the stir fry and helps to create a sauce when combined with the soy sauce.
- Vinegar: A splash of vinegar, such as rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, adds a tangy element to the sauce.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken and vegetables in the stir fry.
Substitutes
If you don’t have some of the ingredients on hand, you can easily substitute with what you have available. For example, use regular sugar instead of brown sugar or swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp.
Mushrooms can be substituted with other types of vegetables such as snow peas, carrots, or bok choy. You can also use different types of sauces for the stir fry, such as teriyaki or hoisin sauce. Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations!
Equipment
- Wok or large skillet: A wok is a traditional tool for stir frying, but a large skillet works just as well.
- Knife and cutting board: You’ll need these to prep all the ingredients before cooking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure out the ingredients for the sauce.
- Spatula: Used for stirring and flipping the ingredients in the stir fry.
- Bowls: You’ll need a few bowls for marinating the chicken and storing the prepped vegetables.
Instructions:
- Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until just browned, about 3 minutes.
- Add carrots, broccoli and mushrooms and cook for 2 more minutes.
- In a small bowl combine the rest of the ingredients.
- Pour over the chicken and veggies.
- Cook, stirring constantly until the sauce has reduced and thickened and the chicken is completely done.
- Serve over noodles or rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Customize the vegetables to your liking, such as adding snow peas, water chestnuts, or bok choy.
Recipe variations
- Swap out the chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu to make a different protein stir fry.
- Use different types of sauces like teriyaki or hoisin sauce for a twist on the classic soy sauce-based stir fry.
- Add fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, or green onions for added flavor and freshness.
What to serve this stir fry recipe with
This recipe is great on itself but it’s also delicious when served with rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. You can also serve it over a bed of greens for a lighter option. A refreshing salad or a side of steamed vegetables will balance out the meal and add some nutrients to your plate.
Finish off with some sliced fruit or a light dessert for a complete and satisfying meal.
Frequently asked questions
- How can I make this stir fry vegetarian?
Simply swap out the chicken for tofu or add more vegetables instead.
- Can I make this stir fry gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free soy sauce and noodles and double check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- What kind of pan should I use to make the stir fry?
A non-stick skillet or a wok works best for stir fry recipes. Make sure to heat it up before adding the ingredients.
More chicken recipes you will love:
- Lemon fried chicken
- Baked balsamic chicken
- Pineapple chicken with quinoa & pineapple salsa
- Apple chicken with prosciutto & onions
- Slow cooker orange chicken
- Thai chicken curry
- Easy Kung Pao chicken
Storing and reheating leftovers
Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
You can also freeze this stir fry recipe by placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag and freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Enjoy this delicious and easy chicken stir fry for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend meal prep! It’s versatile, customizable, and sure to be a hit with the whole family. Experiment with different ingredients and sauces to create your own unique version of this classic Asian dish. Happy cooking!
Chicken stir fry recipe
Ingredients
- ½ Pound chicken breasts diced
- 1 ½ Cups carrots cut into matchsticks
- 2 Cups broccoli florets
- 1 Cup mushroom sliced
- 3 Tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
- 1 Garlic clove minced
- ⅓ Cup chicken broth
- ¼ Cup soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- ½ Tsp ginger powder
- 1 Tsp garlic powder
- 1 Tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until just browned, about 3 minutes.
- Add carrots, broccoli and mushrooms and cook for 2 more minutes.
- In a small bowl combine the rest of the ingredients. Pour over the chicken and veggies and cook, stirring constantly until the sauce has reduced and thickened and the chicken is completely done.
- Serve over noodles or rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Nutrition
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ABOUT PETRO
Hi, I’m Petro, author and founder of Easy Peasy Creative Ideas. Sewist, crafter, avid DIY-er, foodie, photographer, homemaker and mommy to one. I’m an expert at coming up with quick, clever sewing tips, recycling crafts and simple, easy recipes! You can find my ideas featured in reputable publications such as Country Living, Good House Keeping, Yahoo News, WikiHow, Shutterfly, Parade, Brit & Co and more. Thanks for stopping by and hope you’ll stay for a while, get to know me better and come back another time. Stick around for real fun projects! Read more…