Name: Chicken Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 small onion, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 carrot, julienned; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening); Cooked rice or noodles, for serving; Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken stir-fry is a quick and healthy dish that combines tender chicken with colorful vegetables in a savory, flavorful sauce. The beauty of stir-fry lies in its simplicity—just a few key ingredients come together in minutes to create a balanced, delicious meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, and can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. The best part? It’s healthy, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying!

Chicken Stir-Fry

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 carrot, julienned or sliced thin
1 zucchini, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced or grated
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prep the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Thinly slice the chicken breasts (or thighs) against the grain into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare all the vegetables by slicing the bell pepper, carrot, zucchini, and onion. Mince the garlic and ginger.
Make the Stir-Fry Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil (if using), and cornstarch (if using). The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce. Set the sauce aside.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken to the pan and season with a little salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the onion, bell pepper, carrot, and zucchini. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Add Garlic and Ginger:
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the vegetables, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the stir-fry sauce over everything and toss to coat. If you’ve used cornstarch, the sauce should begin to thicken as it cooks. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened.
Serve:
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve the chicken stir-fry over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Total time: 25 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

Variations

Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies like broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn for extra color and flavor.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes, sliced chilies, or a dash of sriracha to the stir-fry sauce for a spicy kick.
Vegan Version: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use a plant-based soy sauce for a vegetarian or vegan option.
Noodles: Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice noodles for a hearty twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out, or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for stir-fry?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it fully before slicing and cooking. It’s best to thaw chicken overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with beef, shrimp, or pork. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the protein you choose.

3. Can I make this stir-fry sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stir-fry sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just shake it well before using.

4. What can I serve with chicken stir-fry?

Chicken stir-fry pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of crispy spring rolls or dumplings.

5. Can I add more sauce to the stir-fry?

If you prefer more sauce, feel free to double the stir-fry sauce ingredients to coat everything in more flavor. You can also add a splash of water or broth if the sauce gets too thick.

6. Can I use frozen vegetables in stir-fry?

Frozen vegetables can be used, though fresh vegetables will give a better texture. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the skillet.

7. Can I make this stir-fry in advance?

While stir-fry is best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time by slicing the chicken and vegetables and storing them separately. When ready to cook, it only takes about 15-20 minutes.

8. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, low-sodium soy sauce can be used to reduce the salt content. You can adjust the seasoning to taste if you go this route.

9. Can I make this stir-fry gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make the stir-fry gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

10. Can I make this stir-fry without sesame oil?

Yes, you can skip the sesame oil, but it does add a distinctive flavor. You can substitute with additional vegetable oil or peanut oil if you prefer.

Conclusion

Chicken stir-fry is a quick, versatile, and delicious meal that can easily be customized to suit your tastes. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, this dish is a great option for a healthy, satisfying dinner. Whether you’re cooking for one or a whole family, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for busy nights. Try it today and enjoy a tasty, wholesome meal in just 25 minutes!

Jane