Have you ever craved a restaurant-quality meal but wanted something you could whip up in under 30 minutes at home? A delicious chicken stir fry recipe delivers exactly that—vibrant vegetables, tender chicken, and a savory sauce that comes together faster than takeout delivery. Making this dish at home not only saves money but also lets you control the ingredients, reduce sodium, and customize flavors to your family's preferences. Whether you're a busy parent, a college student, or simply someone who loves quick, nutritious meals, mastering this versatile recipe will transform your weeknight dinners forever.
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Ingredients List
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Optional: 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
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Timing / Cooking Schedule
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes
This recipe is faster than ordering delivery and perfect for meal prep Sunday sessions. You can double the recipe without adding much extra cooking time.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, water, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside. This chicken stir fry recipe relies on having your sauce ready before cooking begins—it moves fast once you start!
Step 2: Slice and Prep Ingredients Cut chicken into thin, uniform strips for even cooking. Prep all vegetables before you heat the pan. Stir frying is all about speed, so having everything ready prevents burning.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables Add remaining oil to the pan. Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Add garlic and ginger during the last minute—this prevents them from burning while releasing maximum flavor.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Return chicken to the pan. Pour the sauce over everything and toss continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients. This chicken stir fry recipe easy technique ensures every bite is flavorful. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
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Nutritional Information
Per serving (serves 4):
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Vitamin C: 140% DV
- Iron: 12% DV
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Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice
Protein Swaps: Try shrimp, tofu, beef, or pork instead of chicken for variety.
Vegetable Flexibility: Use snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn based on what's in your fridge.
Dietary Modifications: - Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. - Keto/Low-Carb: Skip the honey and serve over cauliflower rice. - Vegan: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu or tempeh.
Pro Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and prevent steaming instead of stir frying.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Using Low Heat Stir frying requires high heat for that signature sear. Medium heat will result in soggy, steamed vegetables.
Mistake 2: Adding Sauce Too Early Pour sauce only at the end. Adding it too soon dilutes flavors and makes vegetables watery.
Mistake 3: Overcooking the Chicken Thin slices cook in minutes. Overcooked chicken becomes rubbery—remove it while still juicy.
Mistake 4: Skipping the Prep Not having ingredients ready causes chaos. Mise en place (everything in place) is essential for successful stir frying.
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Storage / Leftovers Tips
Store leftover chicken stir fry recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, store rice or noodles separately to prevent sogginess.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving on high, which toughens the chicken.
Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The chicken stir fry recipe easy method makes meal prep effortless—cook once, enjoy multiple times throughout the week.