This Easy Chicken Stir Fry makes dinner a total breeze without sacrificing any of the vibrant flavors or crisp textures that make stir fries so irresistible. Tender, golden bits of chicken mingle with a rainbow of veggies, all cloaked in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce that comes together in minutes. Whether you’re craving a fast weeknight classic or a nourishing, crowd-pleasing meal, Easy Chicken Stir Fry is your ticket to delicious, foolproof success every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Easy Chicken Stir Fry is how a handful of bright, basic ingredients blend into something truly special. Each component brings unique flavor, color, or crunch, making every bite both exciting and comforting.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these cook up juicy and soak up the savory sauce beautifully.
- Vegetable oil: Use two tablespoons to make sure your stir fry sizzles and the chicken browns perfectly without sticking.
- Broccoli florets: Their crunch and lovely green hue bring freshness and balance to the dish.
- Red bell pepper: Bright, sweet, and eye-catching, they add color and a juicy sweetness.
- Snow peas: These crisp pods add snap and a delicate, garden-fresh flavor.
- Garlic: Just two cloves minced infuse the dish with irresistible aroma and flavor depth.
- Fresh ginger: Grated ginger brightens and perfumes the entire stir fry with a little zing.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: This forms the backbone of your sauce, delivering savory, umami flavor without overpowering saltiness.
- Honey or brown sugar: Choose your favorite to balance the savory notes with gentle sweetness.
- Rice vinegar: A splash of vinegar brings tang and livens up the sauce.
- Cornstarch slurry: Mixing cornstarch with water helps thicken the sauce so it clings to every ingredient.
- Cooked rice: Serving the stir fry over fluffy rice makes it a satisfying complete meal.
- Sesame seeds and green onions (optional): For garnish, these add a nutty aroma and pop of color.
How to Make Easy Chicken Stir Fry
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok set over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and let them sizzle, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes. Once each bite is perfectly browned, take them out of the pan and set aside. This step seals in all that juicy flavor and gives your Easy Chicken Stir Fry its delicious protein base.
Step 2: Stir Fry the Veggies
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to your skillet. Toss in the broccoli, red bell pepper, and snow peas. Give everything a good stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the veggies are vibrantly colored and starting to soften but are still a bit crisp. That quick cooking keeps the colors bright and the textures just right for your Easy Chicken Stir Fry.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Sprinkle the minced garlic and grated ginger over the veggies, letting them cook for just one more minute. This quick hit of heat releases their beautiful aroma and builds a flavor-packed base for your sauce to come.
Step 4: Return Chicken and Add the Sauce
Pop the cooked chicken back into the hot skillet with the vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar if you prefer), and rice vinegar. Pour this over everything in the pan and stir well. As soon as it hits the pan, it sizzles up into a fragrant, glossy sauce that brings the whole Easy Chicken Stir Fry together.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Stir in the cornstarch slurry you prepped earlier (just cornstarch mixed with water) and watch as the sauce thickens in about 1 to 2 minutes. It goes from thin and runny to irresistibly glossy, clinging to every piece of chicken and vegetable. Serve hot over your favorite rice, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you want to really dress it up.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Stir Fry
Garnishes
For that final flourish, sprinkle your Easy Chicken Stir Fry with toasted sesame seeds and a handful of sliced green onions. They provide a gentle crunch and a little extra color, instantly elevating the meal and making it “takeout-worthy” at home. If you’re feeling bold, a dash of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha adds zing and heat for spice lovers.
Side Dishes
The classic pairing has to be fluffy white or brown rice, soaking up all that glossy sauce deliciously. But don’t stop there! Try your Easy Chicken Stir Fry alongside cauliflower rice for a lighter option, or steamed noodles for slurpy satisfaction. If you want more veggies, toss together a crisp cucumber salad or steamed edamame on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Pile the stir fry onto a big serving platter and let everyone help themselves family-style, or go for stylish individual rice bowls topped with extra sesame seeds. For lunchboxes, pack the stir fry in a divided container over rice, or wrap it up inside lettuce leaves for a crunchy, hand-held option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Easy Chicken Stir Fry into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. The flavors continue to mellow and mingle, making the next-day leftovers a real treat for lunch or an even speedier dinner.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Easy Chicken Stir Fry, let it cool completely first. Pack it into freezer-safe containers and tuck it away for up to two months. When you need a quick homemade dinner, thaw it overnight in the fridge for easy reheating the next day. Note that the veggies may soften slightly upon reheating, but the flavors will still be spot-on.
Reheating
To reheat, toss the stir fry back into a skillet over medium heat, letting it warm through gently and adding a splash of water if the sauce looks too thick. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, using short bursts and stirring in between to ensure it reheats evenly. Serve with fresh garnishes for that just-cooked feel.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly juicier and bring even more flavor to your Easy Chicken Stir Fry. Just trim any excess fat and cut them into bite-sized pieces, cooking as directed in the recipe.
How do I keep the vegetables crisp and not soggy?
The secret is to stir-fry the veggies quickly over high heat and not overcrowd your pan. Work in batches if necessary, and stop cooking while the vegetables are still brightly colored and a little crisp for the best texture.
Can I make Easy Chicken Stir Fry gluten-free?
Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Check that your other sauces and ingredients are also gluten-free, and you’ll have a dish that’s perfect for gluten-sensitive guests.
Which other vegetables work well in this stir fry?
This dish is incredibly flexible. Try adding sliced carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, snap peas, bok choy, or even baby corn. Use what you love or need to use up in the fridge—Easy Chicken Stir Fry always shines with variety.
Can I double this recipe for meal prep?
Definitely! Just use a very large skillet or wok, or cook in two batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Cool the stir fry completely before packing into meal prep containers over rice for grab-and-go lunches during the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, colorful meal that always delivers, you can’t go wrong with Easy Chicken Stir Fry. It’s endlessly adaptable, fuss-free, and full of flavor—and once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of those go-to recipes you can count on any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to savor every bite!
Print
Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce come together in this Asian-inspired stir-fry that will satisfy your cravings for takeout without leaving your home. Serve over rice for a complete meal!
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 cup snow peas
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
For Serving:
- cooked rice
- sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Add the remaining oil to the skillet along with the broccoli, bell pepper, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the chicken to the skillet. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to combine. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
- You can use any vegetables you have on hand like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups stir fry
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
