stir fry chicken recipe

The Best stir fry chicken recipe

I’ve been making this stir-fry chicken recipe for years, and it’s one of those dishes that just never gets old. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, which is exactly what I need on busy weeknights when I don’t have time to fuss over dinner. My kids absolutely love it—even the picky ones—and it’s become a regular request at our house. The best part? It’s versatile enough to work for a simple family meal or even a casual dinner with friends.

What I love most about this recipe is how balanced it is. The chicken is lean and protein-packed, the veggies add crunch and nutrients, and the sauce brings everything together without being too heavy. It’s a great way to get a healthy meal on the table fast, and I always feel good about serving it to my family. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that tastes just as good reheated the next day, so leftovers are never a problem. If you’re looking for a go-to recipe that’s simple, satisfying, and good for you, this stir-fry is a winner.

Quick and Easy Chicken Stir Fry

4.8 from 1841 votes

A flavorful and healthy chicken stir fry packed with colorful vegetables and a savory sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

🖨️ Print Recipe📌 Pin Recipe❤️ Add to Collection

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time30 mins

Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Vegetables

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cup snap peas
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, sliced

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For Serving

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice or noodles
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1 In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken with 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Mix well and let marinate for 10 minutes.
2. 2 In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients (soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes). Set aside.
3. 3 Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4 In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. 5 Add the bell peppers, broccoli, carrot, and snap peas. Stir fry for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. 6 Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over everything. Stir well to coat and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. 7 Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro (if using). Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.

🔧Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra flavor, add a splash of lime juice before serving. You can also swap in your favorite vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Stir-fried chicken is one of those recipes I always keep in my back pocket because it’s quick, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, the mix of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a simple sauce makes it easy to scale up or down without any fuss. Plus, everyone loves a dish that comes together in minutes but still feels special—it’s the kind of meal that works for any occasion without ever letting you down.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Quick and Chicken Stir Fry

1. What type of chicken is best for stir fry?

The best cuts of chicken for stir fry are boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Thighs are more flavorful and tender, while breasts are leaner. Cut the chicken into thin, even strips to ensure quick and even cooking.

2. How do I prevent my stir fry chicken from becoming dry?

To keep chicken juicy, avoid overcooking it. Cook the chicken in small batches over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until just done. Marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a little oil before cooking also helps retain moisture.

3. Can I use frozen vegetables for stir fry chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but fresh vegetables are preferred for better texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture, which can make the stir fry soggy. Add them later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking.

4. What’s the best sauce for stir fry chicken?

A classic stir fry sauce includes soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey or brown sugar for sweetness. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar or chili paste for extra flavor. Mix the sauce before cooking and add it at the end to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.

5. How do I thicken the stir fry sauce?

To thicken the sauce, mix 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce during the last minute of cooking and let it simmer until the sauce thickens. Avoid adding cornstarch directly to the hot pan, as it can clump.