If you’re craving a vibrant, wholesome meal that comes together in a flash, this Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe Your Family Will Love Recipe is exactly what your weeknight dinners have been missing. Packed with colorful veggies, tender chicken, and a perfectly balanced savory sauce, this dish is not just quick and simple but bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping ahead for busy days, it checks all the boxes for deliciousness and ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this stir fry recipe. Each element plays an essential role to build layers of taste, texture, and visual appeal, making the cooking process both straightforward and fun.
- Chicken breasts, thinly sliced: Using boneless, skinless cuts ensures quick cooking and tender results.
- Vegetable oil: Divided for cooking meat and vegetables separately to get that perfect sear and avoid sogginess.
- Red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant red color to the dish.
- Yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced: Brings a mild sweetness and sunny hue for a beautiful contrast.
- Broccoli florets: Offers a satisfying bite and loads of nutrients.
- Sugar snap peas: Provides a bright, fresh crunch that keeps the stir fry lively.
- Carrot, julienned: Adds subtle sweetness and a lovely orange pop.
- Garlic, minced: Essential for that wonderful aromatic base.
- Fresh ginger, grated: Brings a zesty warmth that lifts the whole dish.
- Salt and black pepper: For seasoning the chicken and veggies just right.
- Soy sauce, low-sodium: The foundation of the sauce, providing umami depth without overpowering.
- Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance savory notes.
- Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity to brighten flavors.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Chicken broth or water: Keeps the sauce silky and smooth.
- Sesame oil (optional): For a subtle nutty aroma that turns the flavor up a notch.
How to Make Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe Your Family Will Love Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce
Start by combining your soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, chicken broth, and optional sesame oil in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth. This sauce will coat your stir fry perfectly, blending sweet, tangy, and savory tastes into every bite, so having it ready beforehand makes the cooking flow easier.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the thinly sliced chicken, seasoned simply with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for about 4 to 5 minutes, just until the chicken turns golden and is cooked through. Taking it off the heat and setting it aside keeps it tender and prevents overcooking while you prepare the veggies.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to your skillet and toss in the broccoli florets, red and yellow bell peppers, julienned carrot, and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry them for 3 to 4 minutes until they become crisp-tender. This quick cooking keeps vibrant colors intact and preserves the delightful crunch that makes this dish pop.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Ginger
Now it’s time to awaken the senses. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for just 30 seconds. This step releases their fragrant oils, infusing the whole stir fry with irresistible aromatic notes without overpowering the other flavors.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return your cooked chicken to the skillet with the veggies. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together thoroughly to coat every morsel. This is where the dish comes together in a beautiful harmony of flavor, coating the ingredients in a glossy, flavorful glaze.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Let the stir fry cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the dish is heated through. You’ll notice the sauce clings to the chicken and vegetables, making each bite wonderfully juicy and flavorful.
Step 7: Serve It Hot
Serve immediately over fluffy rice or your favorite noodles to soak up that divine sauce. This step is where the magic turns into a comforting meal everyone can enjoy.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe Your Family Will Love Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions on top adds an appealing crunch and fresh burst of flavor. These simple touches elevate the dish’s presentation while adding texture.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even a bed of tender noodles. To add even more variety, consider serving it alongside a light cucumber salad or miso soup for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir fry in hollowed-out bell peppers or atop warm lettuce cups for a handheld meal. This not only makes it visually appealing but offers an interactive dining experience that family and guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your stir fry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well in portioned airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring you have a tasty homemade meal ready to thaw and enjoy on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much, and stir occasionally to keep everything moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully, offering a juicier, slightly richer flavor. Just make sure to slice them thinly and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
What vegetables can I substitute or add?
Feel free to mix in your favorites like snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, or zucchini. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility to incorporate whatever veggies you have on hand while keeping all the colors and textures lively.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, keeping this recipe suitable for special dietary needs.
Can I make this stir fry spicy?
Of course! Add red pepper flakes, a drizzle of Sriracha, or some chopped fresh chili to the sauce for a spicy kick that awakens the palate beautifully.
What’s the best way to slice chicken for stir fry?
For perfectly tender pieces, partially freeze the chicken breasts for about 30 minutes to firm them up, then slice thinly against the grain. This technique helps achieve bite-sized strips that cook quickly and evenly.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe Your Family Will Love Recipe guarantees that you’ll have a fast, flavorful meal ready in no time, impressing both your taste buds and your loved ones. It’s a fantastic option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without fuss, so grab your ingredients and get cooking—it’s a stir fry you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
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Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe Your Family Will Love Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Chicken Stir Fry recipe is a quick and healthy meal packed with colorful vegetables and tender chicken slices coated in a flavorful homemade sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients with an Asian-inspired stir-fry technique to deliver a delicious dish your entire family will enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup sugar snap peas
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, chicken broth (or water), and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken turns golden and is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add broccoli florets, red and yellow bell peppers, julienned carrot, and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn crisp-tender but still retain some crunch.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger to the vegetables and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not burnt.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir well to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Thicken the Sauce: Continue cooking the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
- Serve: Serve the stir-fry hot over cooked rice or noodles. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Thinly slicing chicken breasts helps them cook quickly and evenly in the stir-fry.
- You can substitute chicken broth with water if desired, but broth adds more flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with firm tofu and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust the honey quantity based on your preferred sweetness level.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, as stir-fried vegetables tend to soften upon standing.
- Garnishing with sesame seeds or green onions adds a lovely finish and subtle crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
