Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender pieces of chicken are sautéed with a medley of colorful vegetables and tossed in a savory, slightly tangy sauce. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete, wholesome meal.
Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Chicken Stir Fry
- High Heat is Key: Stir frying relies on high heat to cook the chicken and vegetables quickly, preserving their crispness and vibrant colors. Be sure to use a large enough pan or wok so that everything cooks evenly.
- Pre-cut Ingredients: Preparing your ingredients before starting to cook is essential for a smooth cooking process. Chop everything in advance so you’re ready to toss ingredients into the pan as needed.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to switch out the vegetables based on what you have available. Carrots, snap peas, baby corn, or mushrooms can all make great additions to your stir fry.
- Control the Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of heat, omit the chili paste or sriracha. You can also adjust the sweetness by using more or less honey.
- To Marinate or Not to Marinate: Marinating the chicken for 10-15 minutes in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and a little bit of cornstarch will help tenderize the meat and add extra flavor. However, it’s not necessary if you’re short on time.
Variations of Chicken Stir Fry
- Chicken and Cashew Stir Fry: Add roasted or unsalted cashews to your stir fry for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Spicy Chicken Stir Fry: For those who love a spicy kick, add extra sriracha, chili paste, or fresh red chili peppers to the sauce for more heat.
- Low-Carb Chicken Stir Fry: Serve your chicken stir fry over cauliflower rice or skip the rice altogether for a low-carb, keto-friendly option.
- Lemon Chicken Stir Fry: Replace the vinegar with freshly squeezed lemon juice for a refreshing citrus flavor in the sauce. Adding lemon zest to the dish before serving brings out even more brightness.
How to Serve Chicken Stir Fry
Chicken stir fry is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways, depending on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some popular ways to serve it:
- Over Rice: Classic white, brown, or jasmine rice provides a perfect base for the stir fry. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, making each bite even better.
- With Noodles: For an extra hearty meal, try serving the stir fry over cooked rice noodles, soba noodles, or even ramen.
- Low-Carb Options: Serve the stir fry on its own or over cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb meal.
- As a Meal Prep: Chicken stir fry makes a fantastic meal prep option, as it stores well and reheats easily.
How to Store Chicken Stir Fry
Leftover chicken stir fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to store the stir fry with the rice or noodles separately if you plan on storing them for a longer period. For longer storage, you can freeze the stir fry for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for stir fry? Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it before cooking for even cooking. If you’re in a rush, you can cook the chicken from frozen, but it may take a bit longer to cook through.
What’s the best oil for stir frying? Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or sesame oil are all great choices for stir frying, as they have high smoke points and won’t burn easily. Sesame oil also adds a distinct flavor to the dish.
Can I add tofu to the chicken stir fry? Absolutely! For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the chicken with tofu. Simply press the tofu to remove excess moisture, cut it into cubes, and pan-fry until crispy before adding it to the stir fry.
Can I use store-bought stir fry sauce? While homemade stir fry sauce is always the best option for controlling flavor, you can certainly use store-bought stir fry sauce if you’re short on time. Look for a low-sodium version for a healthier option.
Chicken Stir Fry
Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender pieces of chicken are sautéed with a medley of colorful vegetables and tossed in a savory, slightly tangy sauce. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete, wholesome meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 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
Stir Fry Sauce:
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 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
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Then add chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken (in batches if needed), season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3-5 minutes until cooked through.
- Sauté Veggies: Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, and toss in the broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. Cook until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Add ginger and garlic, cooking for another minute.
- Combine: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, then pour in the stir fry sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly.
- Boil & Serve: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, and let it simmer for about 1 minute. Serve over rice or chow mein for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 404Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 96mgSodium 591mgCarbohydrates 30gFiber 4gSugar 20gProtein 39g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken stir fry is an incredibly versatile and easy dish that can be customized to suit your personal tastes. With a few basic ingredients, a quick cook time, and endless variations, it’s the perfect go-to meal for busy evenings or meal prep for the week ahead. Whether you like it mild, spicy, or packed with veggies, this chicken stir fry recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy the vibrant flavors that make stir fry so irresistible!
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