As the workweek ends and the evening rush starts, cooking at home seems hard. But a tasty, healthy chicken stir-fry can be ready in 15 minutes. This recipe changes how you see weeknight dinners.
My mom made her famous stir-fry on busy nights when we needed a quick, good meal. The smell of garlic, the colors of fresh veggies, and the chicken’s tenderness brought us together. Now, I’m sharing this easy chicken stir-fry recipe with you, so you can feel the same joy and togetherness my family has had for years.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- this easy chicken stir-fry recipe can be prepared in just 15 minutes.
- The recipe features tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful Asian-inspired sauce.
- You can tweak the dish however you like to make it your own.
- You can keep the stir-fry in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for 3 months.
- It’s great for meal prep, so it’s perfect for those busy weeknights.
What is a Chicken Stir-Fry?
A chicken stir-fry is a dish from Asia. It has chicken, vegetables, and a tasty sauce. The ingredients cook quickly, keeping their flavors and textures.
Defining the Classic Stir-Fry Dish
A stir-fry uses a wok or big skillet. It cooks fast, making a dish with tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a great sauce. This dish started in China and is loved all over the world.
For a chicken stir-fry, you need 1 lb of chicken, 2 tablespoons of oil, and veggies like bell peppers and broccoli. The sauce is a blend of soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. It adds savory, sweet, and umami tastes.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs | 1 lb |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Bell pepper, thinly sliced | 1 |
| Onion, thinly sliced | 1 small |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Broccoli florets | 1 cup |
| Snap peas | 1 cup |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Oyster sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Honey or brown sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame oil | 1 teaspoon |
The chicken stir-fry goes well with rice or noodles. It’s finished off with a topping of green onions and sesame seeds. This recipe comes together fast and is a favorite for many.
Why Make a Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe at Home?
Making a homemade chicken stir-fry has many benefits and advantages. You get to choose the freshest ingredients and tweak the flavors to suit your taste. Plus, it’s cheaper than eating out. One big plus of a homemade chicken stir-fry is adding more fresh veggies. Stir-frying lets you mix in lots of healthy produce. This makes it a healthier pick compared to takeout, which often doesn’t include enough veggies. Plus, making chicken stir-fry at home is super quick and simple—just right for a weeknight dinner. You can have a tasty, high-quality meal ready in 30 minutes or less, without the cost of dining out.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Yield | 4 large servings |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 17g |
| Cholesterol | 96mg |
| Sodium | 1312mg |
| Carbohydrates | 75g |
| Fiber | 11g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Protein | 49g |
In conclusion, the benefits of making a chicken stir-fry at home are clear. You get to choose the ingredients, save time, and enjoy a meal that’s both healthy and affordable. In just a few easy steps, you can whip up a dish that rivals any restaurant’s.
Ingredients for an Easy Chicken Stir-Fry
It’s easy to make a delicious chicken stir-fry at home with just a few essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small, bite-sized chunks
- A variety of fresh vegetables like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms
- A tasty stir-fry sauce made with a mix of soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, and cornstarch
- Oil for stir-frying, such as peanut or vegetable oil
- Aromatics such as garlic, ginger, and green onions to boost the flavor
By mixing the essential stir-fry ingredients—protein, veggies, and a tasty sauce—you can make a balanced and satisfying chicken stir-fry.
By mixing the essential stir-fry ingredients—protein, veggies, and a tasty sauce—you can make a balanced and satisfying chicken stir-fry. It’s just right for a fast and flavorful weeknight dinner.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 500g |
| Broccoli Florets | 2 cups |
| Carrots, thinly sliced | 1 cup |
| Bell Peppers, sliced | 1 cup |
| Mushrooms, sliced | 1 cup |
| Soy Sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Chicken Broth | 1/4 cup |
| Honey | 1 Tbsp |
| Cornstarch | 1 Tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 1 tsp |
| Ginger, minced | 1 tsp |
| Vegetable Oil | 2 Tbsp |
This mix of chicken stir-fry ingredients makes a balanced and flavorful dish. The chicken provides protein, the veggies add nutrition and crunch, and the sauce ties everything together. You can change up the amounts or use different veggies based on your preferences.
The Importance of Prep Work
Starting a delicious chicken stir-fry begins long before cooking. The importance of prep work for stir-fry is huge. Prepping everything in advance makes the cooking process go smoothly. This lets you focus on the high-heat techniques needed for a great stir-fry.
Mise en Place for Efficient Cooking
The secret to a successful mise en place for stir-fry is to prepare everything before cooking. Slice the chicken and veggies into small, bite-sized pieces. Measure out the sauce ingredients. Have all cooking tools and utensils ready.
- Dice the chicken into 1-inch cubes and set it aside.
- Thinly slice the shallots or red onion, bell pepper, and celery into strips.
- Finely mince the garlic and either grate or mince the ginger.
- Measure out the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch.
- Ensure you have a wok or large skillet, a spatula, and all other necessary cooking equipment ready to go.
Preparing everything in advance lets you focus on cooking techniques. This mise en place approach boosts your confidence. It ensures the cooking process is easy and hassle-free. cooking process smooth and hassle-free.
“Proper preparation, or mise en place, is crucial for a successful and efficient chicken stir-fry.”
The importance of prep work for stir-fry is huge. By organizing everything, you’ll make a tasty chicken stir-fry. It’s sure to be rich in flavor and full of texture.
Cooking Techniques for the Perfect Stir-Fry
To make a delicious chicken stir-fry, you need to know a few tricks. The trick is to cook on high heat, keep stirring, and add the ingredients in the correct order.
High Heat Cooking for Stir-Fry
High heat is the foundation of a great stir-fry. It seals in the chicken and veggies’ flavors and prevents overcooking. This method cooks everything quickly and evenly, making the dish crispy and full of flavor.
The Importance of Stirring and Sequencing
Stirring is essential to ensure all ingredients cook evenly and don’t burn. Plus, the order you add the ingredients matters. Cook the chicken first to get a nice sear. Next, toss in the veggies and cook until they’re just tender. Finally, add the sauce to thicken and coat everything. That way, everything cooks perfectly, and the dish turns out beautifully.
Mastering these techniques—high heat, constant stirring, and the right order of ingredients—will help you make the perfect chicken stir-fry. Follow these tips, and your homemade stir-fry will taste just as good as one from a restaurant.
Customizing Your Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
One of the best things about chicken stir-fry is how you can customize it. You can try different protein choices like chicken thighs or tofu. You can also pick your favorite vegetables, like green beans or snap peas.
You can also tweak the stir-fry sauce to suit your taste. Add more sweetness, heat, or salt to make it just right. That way, you can customize the flavors to fit your preferences.
| Protein Alternatives | Vegetable Variations | Sauce Customization |
|---|---|---|
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|
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By customizing your chicken stir-fry recipe, you can create a dish that fits your unique taste preferences. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to discover the perfect combination that will keep you coming back for more.
The Best Stir-Fry Sauce
Making a great sauce is key to a top-notch chicken stir-fry. The best stir-fry sauce mixes savory, sweet, and umami flavors. These flavors enhance the chicken and vegetables.
Essential Sauce Ingredients
A homemade stir-fry sauce starts with a few must-haves:
- Soy sauce for saltiness and depth
- Broth or stock for richness and body
- Honey or brown sugar for sweetness
- Cornstarch to thicken and smooth the sauce
Adding garlic, ginger, and a bit of heat from sriracha makes the sauce better. Whisking these ingredients before cooking ensures your chicken is well-coated.
“The stir-fry sauce has been loved by thousands of people over the course of 10 years, with a rating of 4.97 out of 5 based on 86 ratings.”
This sauce makes 1-1/4 cups, enough for a meal-sized chicken stir-fry. Whether you like classic or custom flavors, a well-balanced stir-fry sauce makes your dish unforgettable.
chicken stir-fry recipe
Make your weeknights better with a tasty chicken stir-fry recipe. It’s quick and easy to make. You’ll get tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a rich sauce in just 15 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick chicken stir-fry or a family-friendly meal.
For a delicious chicken stir-fry, begin by slicing the chicken and veggies into small, bite-sized pieces. This makes cooking faster and more even. The secret is being fully prepared with all your ingredients.
Heat a large skillet or wok on high. Sauté the chicken until it’s lightly browned. Next, add the veggies and stir-fry until they’re tender but not overcooked. Combine soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, and cornstarch to make the sauce. Pour it in, toss everything, and you’re done!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1 lb |
| Garlic cloves | 4 cloves |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 1/4 cup |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Cornstarch | 1 teaspoon |
| Broccoli florets | 2 cups |
| Carrot slices | 1 cup |
This chicken stir-fry recipe makes 4 servings. Serve it as is, or pair it with rice or noodles. Leftovers stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. It’s a hit with its tasty flavors, tender chicken, and crunchy veggies.
“This chicken stir-fry recipe is a game-changer! It’s so quick and easy to make, and the flavors are out of this world. Definitely a new weeknight staple in our house.”
Serving Suggestions and Meal Prep Tips
How to Enjoy and Store Your Stir-Fry
Your tasty chicken stir-fry can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve it on a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a hearty meal. Add crunch with green onions, sesame seeds, or peanuts. Leftovers will stay fresh in a sealed container in the fridge for 4 days. Reheat it in a skillet with a bit of oil or broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge first before warming it up.
- For a heartier meal, serve the chicken stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles.
- Top the dish with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts to add extra flavor and texture.
- Keep leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet with a bit of oil or broth to prevent the noodles or vegetables from becoming dry.
- Store leftover stir-fry in the freezer for up to 3 months for convenient meal prep.
Follow these tips to enjoy your chicken stir-fry again and again. It’s great for a quick dinner or meal prepping for the week.
Conclusion
This simple chicken stir-fry is ideal for a fast weeknight dinner and comes together in just 15 minutes. Customize it by adding your favorite ingredients.
It’s great because it’s fast and healthy. You can use lean chicken and fresh veggies. Plus, you can make it spicy or try different sauces.
Adding this recipe to your meals is easy. It brings vibrant flavors and convenience to your table. Soon, you’ll be making delicious stir-fries at home any night you want.
FAQ
What is a chicken stir-fry?
A chicken stir-fry is a dish from Asia. It has chicken, vegetables, and a tasty sauce. Everything is cooked fast over high heat.
What essential ingredients do you need for a simple chicken stir-fry?
You need chicken breasts, fresh veggies like broccoli and carrots, and a stir-fry sauce. The sauce is made from soy sauce, broth, honey, and cornstarch. You can also add garlic, ginger, and green onions for extra flavor.
What makes cooking a chicken stir-fry at home worth it?
Cooking at home lets you choose the best ingredients. You can customize it to your taste and save some cash. Plus, you can add more veggies for a healthier meal.
What is the importance of proper preparation for a chicken stir-fry?
Good preparation is key for a great stir-fry. It means prepping all your ingredients beforehand, making the cooking process quicker and simpler.
What are the key cooking techniques for a delicious chicken stir-fry?
To make a tasty stir-fry, use high heat and stir constantly. This cooks the chicken and veggies quickly and evenly. It also prevents burning.
How can I customize my chicken stir-fry recipe?
You can change up your stir-fry by trying different proteins and veggies. You can customize the sauce to match your preferences..
What are the key elements of a great stir-fry sauce?
A great sauce has soy sauce for flavor, broth for depth, and honey for sweetness. Cornstarch thickens it. You can add garlic, ginger, and a bit of heat for extra taste.
What’s the best way to serve and store leftover chicken stir-fry?
Pair it with rice or noodles for serving. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheat them with a splash of oil or broth to maintain their moisture at home, any night you want.