If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that comes together in a flash, this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with colorful vegetables, tender chicken, and a sauce that balances savory, sweet, and a hint of spice, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular dinner. Whether you’re whipping it up after a busy day or impressing friends with your kitchen skills, this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe promises a perfect harmony of textures and flavors every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the best out of your Chicken Stir Fry Recipe starts with straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one brings its own magic, creating that memorable blend of crunch, tenderness, and rich umami that makes this dish so addictive.
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced: Lean and quick-cooking protein that soaks up all the flavorful sauce.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides the essential salty depth that lifts the dish.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps tenderize the chicken while creating a velvety sauce consistency.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for high-heat cooking that keeps vegetables crisp.
- 1 bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Offers satisfying bite and nutritional goodness.
- 1 cup snap peas: Delivers a fresh pop and bright green hue.
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced: Brings natural sweetness and a delightful texture contrast.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth that awakens the palate.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Adds a zingy, fresh note for complexity.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Gives the sauce a flavorful base and smooth finish.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Deepens the umami flavor with a subtle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Brings a tangy-sweet dimension to the mix.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a toasty, nutty aroma just before serving.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick without overpowering.
- Sesame seeds, for garnish: Provides a lovely crunch and visual appeal.
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish: Brightens the dish and adds a fresh bite.
How to Make Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your thinly sliced chicken breast in soy sauce and cornstarch. This simple marinade not only flavors the meat but also gives it a beautiful, tender texture once cooked. Letting it sit even for a few minutes helps the chicken soak up all the tasty goodness.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok until shimmering hot. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it’s cooked through with a slight golden edge. Cooking the chicken first ensures it stays juicy and allows you to set it aside while you prepare the veggies.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan, toss in bell pepper, broccoli florets, snap peas, and carrot slices. Stir-fry until they turn tender-crisp, maintaining that fresh snap and vibrant color that makes the dish so visually inviting and texturally delightful.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Next, add minced garlic and ginger to the mix. Cooking these just until fragrant will release their beautiful aroma without burning, layering the flavor profile with warmth and zest.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in chicken broth, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and cook just until the sauce thickens slightly, coating every piece with a glossy, flavorful sheen.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish the dish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions on top. These garnishes add texture and a fresh pop of color that takes this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe to the next level.
How to Serve Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sesame seeds and fresh green onions are more than just pretty toppings — they add a satisfying crunch and subtle flavor contrast that brighten every bite. You can also consider a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for an extra aromatic touch.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Stir Fry Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice to soak up the luxurious sauce. For a low-carb option, serve it alongside cauliflower rice or a simple noodle dish like rice noodles or soba for an Asian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to elevate your presentation? Serve the stir fry in individual shallow bowls and garnish with edible flowers or sliced fresh chili for a pop of color and heat. Alternatively, use colorful serving platters to showcase the vibrant mix of veggies and chicken, turning your meal into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers just as delicious—perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners on busy days.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, Chicken Stir Fry Recipe also freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and enjoy within two months. Just be aware the texture of certain vegetables may soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain the crispness of the vegetables and prevent the chicken from drying out. Avoid the microwave if possible, but if using one, reheat in short bursts stirring in between to maintain the dish’s freshness.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to swap or add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, baby corn, or water chestnuts depending on your preferences and what’s in season.
What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, hoisin sauce alone can work, or a mixture of soy sauce and a little brown sugar for sweetness. There are also vegetarian oyster sauce alternatives made from mushrooms.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes for a gentle heat that complements the flavors without overwhelming. Adjust the amount to your taste, or omit entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce substitutes to keep the dish safe for a gluten-free diet without compromising on flavor.
How important is the sesame oil?
Sesame oil adds a distinct, nutty aroma that really elevates the dish, but it’s best added at the end of cooking to preserve its flavor. If you don’t have it, you can omit it, though it does add a special touch.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is a vibrant, satisfying dish that makes weeknight cooking a joy rather than a chore. Its perfect balance of flavors and colors is sure to please everyone at your table. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again—trust me, it’s a keeper!
Print
Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A vibrant and quick Chicken Stir Fry featuring tender chicken breast and a colorful mix of vegetables tossed in a flavorful Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken breast with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate briefly to infuse the flavors.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the marinated chicken until it is cooked through and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, snap peas, and thinly sliced carrot. Stir-fry the vegetables until they are tender-crisp, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic and ginger to the vegetables and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Sprinkle the red pepper flakes on top. Stir everything together and cook until the sauce thickens slightly and coats all the ingredients, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles if desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini based on preference.
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to control the spiciness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor impact.
