The Best Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is an exciting, vibrant dish that brings together tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a delectable sauce that packs a flavorful punch. Each bite offers a delightful crunch from the fresh vegetables and a savory taste that is so satisfying, it’s hard to believe you made it yourself in under an hour. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or you want to impress friends at a gathering, this dish has you covered.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make The Best Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
The Best Chicken Stir Fry

I first discovered this chicken stir fry while seeking something quick yet savory on a busy weeknight. The moment the sizzling chicken hit the pan and the aroma filled the kitchen, I knew I’d struck gold. Unlike takeout, this homemade stir fry is customizable to your taste, budget-friendly, and loaded with nutrition. So grab those ingredients—you’re going to want to try this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only 15 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes of cooking, this dish comes together in less than an hour.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil creates an umami explosion, making every bite a flavor adventure.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful medley of broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots makes the dish visually stunning.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, brunch gatherings, or health-conscious meal prepping.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapts for gluten-free diets by substituting soy sauce; packed with veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

⅓ cup soy sauce: This adds the essential umami flavor. Choose low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter option.
3 tablespoons brown sugar: It balances the saltiness and enhances the overall depth of flavor.
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil: Adds a delightful nutty aroma. If you can’t find it, regular sesame oil can be used, though the flavor may differ slightly.
2 cloves garlic, minced: For that punch of flavor! Fresh garlic is best, but jarred minced garlic can work in a pinch.
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger: Adds warmth and spice. If fresh ginger isn’t available, use ground ginger but reduce the amount.
1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch: Serves as a thickening agent for the sauce, giving it a luscious, glossy finish.
⅓ cup water: Thins the sauce to the right consistency so it coats the chicken and veggies nicely.
1 teaspoon sriracha: A little heat to spice things up. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
¾ lb. broccoli, cut into small florets: Broccoli adds crunch and a nutrient boost. Feel free to substitute with snow peas or snap peas.
2 carrots, sliced into thin matchsticks: Adds sweetness and color; you could also use bell peppers or zucchini.
1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips: Its sweet crunch makes it a perfect contrast to the other ingredients.
1 small onion, thinly sliced: Provides aromatic sweetness and depth to the stir fry.
2 green onions, chopped: For garnish; adds a fresh, crisp flavor touch.
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb. total, cut into small bite-sized pieces): Lean protein that soaks up the flavors wonderfully.
3 tablespoons cooking oil, divided: For sautéing; can use canola oil or avocado oil for a higher smoke point.

How to Make The Best Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon sriracha, 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch, and ⅓ cup water until smooth. Set the sauce aside as it will be the backbone of our flavor.

Prep the veggies: While the sauce is resting, chop the broccoli into small florets, slice the red bell pepper and onion, and create thin matchsticks out of the carrots. Don’t forget to slice the green onions for garnish—set those aside as well.

Cut the chicken: Take your 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces of approximately ½ inch. This size cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors beautifully.

Sauté the chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil, swirling it around to evenly coat the pan. Once hot, toss in the chicken pieces and cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned on all sides. Be careful not to overcook; you want it juicy! Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Stir-fry the veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil along with the carrots and broccoli. Stir-fry everything for about 1 minute, just until the broccoli turns a beautiful bright green. This quick cooking maintains its crunch and vibrant color.

Add more veggies: Now it’s time to toss in the sliced red bell pepper and onion. Stir-fry everything together for another 1-2 minutes, letting the flavors meld, and the veggies soften slightly.

Combine with sauce: Stir the sauce one last time to ensure it’s well mixed, then add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Pour the flavorful stir-fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring everything until the sauce coats every piece beautifully. Allow it to simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and gets that glossy finish.

Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few sesame seeds added here make it look extra fancy. Serve immediately, letting the fragrant aroma fill your dining space!

Storing & Reheating

If you have leftovers (a rarity with this dish!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For refrigeration, keep tightly sealed in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’re considering freezing, place the stir fry in a freezer-safe container and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes or until heated through. Be aware that textures may slightly change, but a splash of water or additional cooking oil can help revive the dish.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking the chicken; this can lead to steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if needed.
Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor—fresh garlic and ginger truly make a difference.
If the sauce is too thick, simply add a splash of water; if it’s too thin, let it simmer longer for thickening.
Prepare all ingredients before starting the cooking process. This makes it easier to manage the quick cooking stages.
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

This Chicken Stir Fry is a surefire winner that’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe repertoire. The blend of flavors and textures provides something for everyone, whether you’re craving comfort food or looking for a quick yet satisfying meal. Experimenting with different veggies or proteins can keep it fresh every time you make it. Enjoy preparing and savoring this vibrant dish!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the sauce and cut the vegetables in advance. Store in separate containers in the refrigerator and cook when you’re ready to enjoy. Just keep in mind that reheating may change the texture slightly.

Is this chicken stir fry recipe gluten-free?

Yes, to make it gluten-free, simply replace the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative, like tamari. This way, you can enjoy all the flavors without concern!

What other proteins can I use?

This recipe is versatile! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for a plant-based option. Just adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose to ensure it’s cooked through.

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

While fresh veggies provide a lovely texture and flavor, you can absolutely use frozen vegetables in a pinch. Just add them directly to the skillet from frozen, but adjust the cooking time as they may need a little longer to become heated through.

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The Best Chicken Stir Fry

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Stir Fry
Cuisine: Asian

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Description

Enjoy the mouthwatering taste of The Best Chicken Stir Fry, featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner or a healthy meal option, this dish is ideal for anyone seeking easy and comforting flavors at home.

Ingredients

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⅓ cup soy sauce
3 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
2 cloves garlic minced
2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 ½ tablespoon cornstarch
⅓ cup water
1 teaspoon sriracha
¾ lb. broccoli cut into small florets
2 carrots sliced into thin matchsticks
1 red bell pepper sliced into strips
1 small onion thinly sliced
2 green onions chopped
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into small bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoon cooking oil divided

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, sriracha, cornstarch, and water to make the sauce and set aside.
Chop broccoli into florets, slice red bell pepper, onion, and carrots, then set aside.
Cut chicken breasts into ½-inch pieces.
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil, and cook chicken until browned. Remove and set aside.
Add remaining cooking oil in the skillet and stir-fry carrots and broccoli for about 1 minute until the broccoli is bright green.
Add red bell pepper and onion, stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes.
Stir the sauce again and add chicken back to the skillet, then pour in the sauce, mixing well. Allow to simmer for 1-2 minutes until vegetables are tender and the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired, and serve.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand.
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and ginger before cooking.
Serve this stir fry over rice or noodles for a complete meal.