Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

This easy Chicken Stir Fry recipe is a delightful and healthy meal that takes just 20 minutes to prepare. It’s packed with fresh vegetables and a tantalizing sauce made from honey, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this dish showcases vibrant colors and flavors that will surely wow your family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of only 8 minutes and cook time of 10, you can have dinner on the table in no time.
• Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with lean chicken and a variety of colorful veggies, this stir fry is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Delicious Sauce: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that enhances every bite.
• Versatile Option: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your family’s taste buds.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping during the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on this Chicken Stir Fry recipe, gather some essential kitchen tools to make the cooking process smooth.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Wok or large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowl

Why These Tools Matter

• Wok or large skillet: Ideal for stir frying as they allow quick cooking at high heat while providing ample space for ingredients to move around.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and preparing chicken ensures safety and efficiency in your prep work.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes slicing through chicken and vegetables easier, saving time and effort.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining sauces or marinating chicken before cooking.

Ingredients

This easy Chicken Stir Fry recipe is loaded with fresh veggies and the most delicious sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil!

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1 inch cubes)
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)

For the Vegetables

• 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)

For the Sauce

• 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

How to Make Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Rinse and chop all your vegetables as specified above. Set everything aside to streamline your cooking process.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Toss in broccoli florets, yellow bell pepper pieces, red bell pepper pieces, and sliced baby carrots. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine minced ginger, minced garlic, corn starch mixed with cold water, low sodium chicken broth, low sodium soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with vegetables. Pour the sauce over everything. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from heat and serve your delicious Chicken Stir Fry over rice or noodles if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

This Chicken Stir Fry recipe is not only quick to prepare but also versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it in various ways that enhance its flavors and presentation.

Over Rice

• Steamed White Rice: A classic choice that absorbs the delicious sauce.
• Brown Rice: Adds a nutty flavor and more fiber for a healthier option.
• Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that’s light yet satisfying.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Butter Lettuce: Fresh and crisp, perfect for holding the stir fry mix.
• Romaine Leaves: Offers a sturdy base for a delightful handheld meal.

With Noodles

• Rice Noodles: Soak them briefly and toss with your stir fry for a tasty twist.
• Whole Wheat Noodles: A nutritious option that complements the dish well.

On Its Own

• Garnished with Green Onions: Adds a fresh crunch on top of the stir fry.
• Sprinkled with Sesame Seeds: Provides an extra layer of flavor and texture.

How to Perfect Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

To make your Chicken Stir Fry even better, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance both the taste and presentation of your dish.

• Bold Ingredients Choice: Use fresh, colorful vegetables for added nutrients and visual appeal.
• Bold High Heat Cooking: Cook on high heat to achieve that signature stir-fry sear while keeping veggies crisp.
• Bold Prepping Ingredients Ahead: Chop all ingredients before cooking to streamline the process and ensure even cooking.
• Bold Marinating Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate chicken in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before cooking.
• Bold Adjusting Spice Level: Modify the crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference for tailored heat.
• Bold Timing Vegetables Addition: Add vegetables based on their cooking times; harder veggies like broccoli should go in first.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Stir Fry can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Bold Steamed Broccoli: Complements the stir fry’s flavors while adding more greens.
2. Bold Fried Rice: A flavorful mix of rice, eggs, and vegetables that pairs beautifully with stir fry.
3. Bold Miso Soup: A light soup that brings warmth and balances out the meal nicely.
4. Bold Garlic Breadsticks: Simple yet delicious, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
5. Bold Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side that adds crunch and acidity to balance the dish’s richness.
6. Bold Quinoa Salad: Nutritious and filling, packed with protein to round out your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Chicken Stir Fry, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are common mistakes that can affect your dish:

• Skipping the marinating step: Marinating the chicken enhances its flavor and tenderness. Take a few minutes to let it soak in the sauce before cooking.
• Overcrowding the pan: If you add too much chicken or vegetables at once, they will steam instead of fry. Cook in batches to ensure everything gets that perfect sear.
• Not prepping ingredients beforehand: Stir fry is quick! Failing to have your ingredients chopped and ready can lead to overcooked food. Prep everything beforehand for better results.
• Using high heat too soon: While high heat is essential for stir frying, starting too hot can burn the oil. Heat your pan gradually for even cooking.
• Neglecting fresh veggies: Fresh vegetables add crunch and nutrition. Avoid using frozen options if possible; they often lack the texture needed for a great stir fry.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient varies in saltiness and flavor. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings accordingly for a balanced dish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days.
• Allow to cool before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Label with the date for better tracking.

Reheating Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until heated thoroughly.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent sticking while reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to serve Chicken Stir Fry?

Serve Chicken Stir Fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Can I use different vegetables in this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies like snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.

How do I make my Chicken Stir Fry more flavorful?

Increase flavor by adding fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions at the end of cooking. You can also experiment with different sauces and spices.

Is this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe healthy?

Yes! This recipe is packed with protein from chicken and loaded with nutritious vegetables. It’s a balanced meal option that’s both delicious and wholesome.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately until you’re ready to cook for optimal freshness.

Conclusion

This Chicken Stir Fry recipe is not only quick but also bursting with flavor! Its versatility allows you to customize it with various veggies or proteins according to your preference. Give it a try and enjoy a healthy dinner that your family will love!

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