A quick and flavorful weeknight dinner is a must for any busy household, and this chicken stir fry recipe ticks all the boxes. It’s not just quick and easy; it’s also bursting with vibrant colors and flavors that make it an absolute must-try. Imagine tender chicken pieces sautéed to golden perfection, crisp-tender vegetables that retain their vibrant hues, and a savory sauce that ties everything together. This stir fry is a perfect solution for those hectic evenings when you crave something delicious but don’t have the luxury of time. It’s fast, easy, and incredibly satisfying, making it the ideal choice for busy schedules.

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Ingredients Overview

Fresh vegetables are the stars of this dish, with broccoli florets, bell peppers, and baby carrots providing both color and nutrition. Their crisp textures contrast beautifully with the tender chicken, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every bite. The secret to achieving tender, juicy chicken lies in cutting it into uniform cubes and seasoning it well before cooking. This ensures even cooking and a flavorful bite each time. The stir fry sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with honey adding a touch of sweetness, and low-sodium soy sauce bringing in that umami depth. Essential aromatics like ginger and garlic elevate the dish, infusing it with warmth and complexity that makes this stir fry truly irresistible.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Start by preparing the chicken, cutting it into uniform 1-inch cubes. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors. When cooking the chicken, aim for a golden brown sear, which not only locks in moisture but also adds a lovely texture to the final dish. Sautéing the vegetables requires a careful balance—cook them just until they are crisp-tender, ensuring they retain their vibrant colors and a slight crunch. This step is crucial for maintaining the fresh essence of the stir fry. Combining the chicken and vegetables is where the magic happens. The key is to gently stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld without overcooking the vegetables. When making the stir fry sauce, whisk the ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency. Pour it over the chicken and vegetables, then bring everything to a boil, letting the sauce thicken and coat the ingredients evenly. Finally, serve the stir fry immediately, taking care to arrange it beautifully on a plate or in a bowl, ready to be paired with your choice of rice or noodles.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

How to Prevent Overcooking the Chicken:
Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures each piece cooks evenly and achieves that desirable golden sear.

Adjusting the Sauce for Different Tastes:
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more honey. For those who like it spicier, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.

Substituting Vegetables Based on What You Have:
Feel free to swap out the vegetables with whatever you have on hand. Snow peas, zucchini, or mushrooms would make excellent additions or substitutions.

Tips for Reheating and Storing Leftovers:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain the stir fry’s texture.

Can I Use Different Types of Protein?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu, adjusting the cooking time accordingly to ensure each protein is cooked to perfection.

How Do I Make This Dish Spicier?
Simply add more crushed red pepper flakes to the stir fry sauce, or drizzle some sriracha on top before serving for an extra kick.

Can I Prep This Stir Fry Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the vegetables and chicken ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator. The stir fry sauce can also be made in advance, allowing for a quick assembly when you’re ready to cook.

What’s the Best Way to Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet to avoid making the chicken tough and the vegetables mushy.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Pairing this chicken stir fry with rice is a classic choice—whether you opt for white, brown, or even fried rice, it’s the perfect base to soak up the flavorful sauce. Chow mein noodles are another fantastic option, adding a delightful chewiness that complements the tender chicken and crisp vegetables. For an even more satisfying meal, consider adding extra sides like spring rolls, dumplings, or a simple, fresh salad. When it comes to beverages, this dish pairs well with light and refreshing options—think iced tea, a crisp white wine, or even a chilled beer to balance the bold flavors of the stir fry.

Variations on Chicken Stir Fry

If you’re in the mood for a bit of heat, try a Spicy Sriracha Chicken Stir Fry by adding a generous amount of sriracha to the sauce. For a tangy twist, Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry offers a delightful balance of flavors with the addition of pineapple and a splash of vinegar. Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry is a rich and creamy variation that incorporates smooth peanut butter into the sauce, adding depth and nuttiness. For those watching their carb intake, Low-Carb Chicken Stir Fry is an excellent option—simply swap out the noodles or rice for zoodles (zucchini noodles) to enjoy the same great flavors with fewer carbs.

This chicken stir fry is more than just a meal—it’s an opportunity to bring the family together with a delicious and comforting dish. It’s simple enough to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, and its versatility allows you to make it your own by experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. So, don’t hesitate to get creative and make this recipe a staple in your weekly dinner rotation. With its ease, flavor, and adaptability, this chicken stir fry is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

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
2 tsp minced ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil, divided

Stir Fry Sauce

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

Instructions

Stir Fry Sauce
In a medium bowl, mix the corn starch with cold water until fully dissolved. Incorporate the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes, whisking until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Set aside.

In a large skillet or wok, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season them with salt and pepper, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until they are no longer pink inside. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.

Lower the heat to medium and pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots to the skillet, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just tender yet still crisp. Toss in the minced ginger and garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring everything together. Give the stir fry sauce another whisk and pour it over the chicken and vegetables. Stir gently to coat the ingredients evenly. Raise the heat slightly, bringing the sauce to a boil, and let it bubble for about a minute, stirring occasionally until it thickens.

Serve the chicken stir fry hot, optionally paired with rice or chow mein noodles.