“Enjoy a vibrant dish featuring tender chicken and colorful veggies in just 30 minutes!”
This Chicken Stir Fry Recipe brings together the delightful flavors of tender chicken and fresh vegetables in a simple, quick-to-prepare dish. As I remember my mom whipping this up after busy school days, it’s a nostalgic favorite that fills my kitchen with enticing aromas. You can almost hear the sizzling in the pan as the garlic and ginger come together in this vibrant dish that’s perfect over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles. Plus, it’s packed with nutrient-dense vegetables, making it a wholesome meal for the entire family.
Table of Contents
Why is Chicken Stir Fry Perfect for Quick Family Dinners?
Chicken stir fry is a one-pan wonder that’s bustling with flavor and nutrients.
This Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is an ideal choice for busy weeknights, combining convenience with nutritional value. If you’re looking for a healthy and hearty meal that the whole family will love, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s colorful, enticing, and can be made in less than 30 minutes! Loaded with broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, this meal is more than tasty; it’s packed with vitamins and minerals. You can also sneak in different veggies based on what’s in season, ensuring fresh flavors year-round. Try pairing it with garlic Parmesan dinner galette for an exciting twist!
What Makes This Chicken Stir Fry Unique?
This recipe puts a twist on traditional stir fry with a sweet and savory sauce!
Sweet and Savory Sauce
This Chicken Stir Fry is unlike any store-bought versions due to its homemade sauce that strikes the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The combination of honey, low-sodium soy sauce, and sesame oil provides depth and character that starkly contrasts with processed sauces laden with preservatives.
Texture
The contrast between the crunchy fresh vegetables and the tender, flavorful chicken offers a delightful texture that keeps each bite exciting and satisfying. Tossing in crispy bell peppers and tender broccoli not only adds interest but showcases the beauty of fresh produce.
Easy Cooking Technique
This stir fry method allows for a quick cook, locking in flavors while keeping ingredients vibrant and fresh. Using high heat allows the chicken to sear beautifully, developing a slight caramelization that adds complex flavors, unlike longer cooking methods.
For more insights into the benefits of fresh ingredients, check out this article on Healthline. It emphasizes the importance of including fresh produce in your meals. Additionally, make sure to explore the variety of chicken Caesar wraps you can prepare!
What Ingredients Make This Chicken Stir Fry Recipe Shine?
This stir fry features simple yet vibrant ingredients that pack a nutritional punch.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast | 1 lb (cut into 1-inch cubes) |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp, divided |
| Broccoli florets | 2 cups |
| Yellow bell pepper | 1/2 (cut into 1-inch pieces) |
| Red bell pepper | 1/2 (cut into 1-inch pieces) |
| Baby carrots | 1/2 cup (sliced) |
| Minced ginger | 2 tsp |
| Garlic cloves | 2 (minced) |
| Corn starch | 1 tbsp |
| Cold water | 2 tbsp |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 1/4 cup |
| Low sodium soy sauce | 3 tbsp |
| Honey | 1/4 cup |
| Toasted sesame oil | 1 tbsp |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | 1/2 tsp |
In this stir fry, the chicken breast offers a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle recovery and overall health. Meanwhile, the colorful bell peppers are loaded with antioxidants, which protect your body from damage. There’s also the vibrant broccoli, a cruciferous vegetable high in fiber and vitamins K and C, adding nutritional value while keeping the dish light and refreshing.
How Do You Make Chicken Stir Fry Step-by-Step?
Getting this delicious Chicken Stir Fry on your table in about 30 minutes is entirely possible!
Step 1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the corn starch and cold water until smooth. Then add the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set this sauce aside for later; it’ll flavor your stir fry beautifully.
Step 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper, and cook them in the hot oil until no longer pink, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside while you prepare the veggies.
Step 3
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Stir-fry the broccoli florets, bell peppers, and sliced carrots for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. Add garlic and ginger and stir for an additional minute until aromatic.
Finally, return the chicken to the skillet, pour your prepared sauce over the chicken and veggies, then stir gently and bring to a boil. Allow it to simmer for another minute to let the sauce thicken before serving it over rice or noodles.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Store Time | Nutritional Values |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 3-4 days in the fridge | Approx. 300 calories per serving |
Pro tip: Make sure to heat the skillet properly before adding the ingredients, so you get that lovely sear on the chicken and retain the crunch in the vegetables. And remember, the aroma of ginger and garlic is the key to a good stir fry!
For more stir fry options, check out my chicken and cabbage stir fry recipe!
What Variations Can You Try with Chicken Stir Fry?
Chicken stir fry is versatile, feel free to mix in your favorites!
Diet Swaps
If you’re looking for a low-carb option, consider substituting chicken with tofu or shrimp as a protein source. Both provide crucial nutrients while decreasing carbs significantly. You can also add zoodles or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a veggie-packed alternative!
Flavor Variation
Feel free to experiment with different flavor profiles! Try adding a splash of orange juice or lime for a citrusy kick. Alternatively, spice things up with a dash of chili paste or mango chunks for a tropical twist. Mixing various sauces like teriyaki or garlic sauce can also elevate the dish!
Serving Ideas
Serve over fluffy jasmine rice or whole grain noodles for that comforting touch, or make it a fun wrap by using lettuce leaves to create bite-sized wraps! Pair with some stir-fried brown rice for a delightful balance of textures and taste.
| Suggested Pairings | Tips |
|---|---|
| Rice or noodles | Top with sesame seeds or green onions for garnish! |
| Steamed edamame | Serve with a side of miso soup for an Asian-inspired meal. |
Don’t forget to look at my recipe for high-protein chicken Alfredo bake, as it serves as a comforting companion dish!
Final Thoughts on this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
As you savor the bright colors and bold flavors of this Chicken Stir Fry, I hope you come to love it as much as my family does! It’s not just a meal; it’s a joyful experience that brings everyone to the table. Plus, the beauty of this dish is its adaptability, it can change with the seasons, keeping it fresh and exciting at every time of year. Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days; they heat up beautifully!
If you’re a fan of quick, flavorful meals, don’t hesitate to pin this for your dinner inspiration: My Pinterest Page!
FAQ
Can I make Chicken Stir Fry ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and chop all the vegetables in advance. When you’re ready to eat, simply stir-fry everything together with the sauce. It saves time during busy weeknights!
What can I substitute for chicken in this stir fry?
You can easily swap chicken for tofu, shrimp, or even beef slices. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
How long can I store leftover stir fry?
Leftover Chicken Stir Fry can be stored in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container for best results.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a great addition! Just toss them in with the chicken, but increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are heated thoroughly.
What’s the best way to serve Chicken Stir Fry?
Serve your Chicken Stir Fry over rice or noodles. For a low-carb version, you can use lettuce wraps or cauliflower rice instead.
Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
A quick and flavorful chicken stir fry packed with colorful veggies and a sweet and savory homemade sauce.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1/2 red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1/2 cup baby carrots (sliced)
- 2 tsp minced ginger
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the corn starch and cold water until smooth. Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add remaining olive oil. Stir-fry the broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots for about 4-5 minutes, until crisp-tender. Add garlic and ginger, and stir for an additional minute.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and veggies, stir gently, and bring to a boil. Simmer for another minute to thicken before serving over rice or noodles.
Notes
Make sure to heat the skillet properly for a nice sear on the chicken. Use fresh veggies for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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