Easy Chicken Stir Fry: Quick, Flavorful, and Healthy

When it comes to weeknight dinners, there’s nothing quite like a good stir fry. It’s fast, customizable, and packed with flavor. Today, we’re making a super easy chicken stir fry with fresh veggies and a simple homemade sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish will have you feeling like a pro in the kitchen – and your taste buds will thank you.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables:

1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
1 cup snap peas or green beans
Optional: ½ onion, thinly sliced

Stir Fry Sauce:

¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tbsp hoisin sauce (or oyster sauce)
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
1 tsp honey or brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, minced or grated

Optional Toppings:

Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts
Red pepper flakes (for heat)

How to Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces – about 1-inch cubes. This helps it cook evenly. You can use chicken breast for a leaner option, or thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful meat.

Optional: Marinating the chicken for 15–30 minutes in a bit of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger can take the flavor up a notch, but it’s not necessary if you’re short on time.

Preparing the Vegetables

Next, get your veggies prepped. Slice your bell pepper, julienne the carrot, and cut your broccoli into bite-sized florets. For snap peas, just trim the ends. If you’re using onion, thinly slice it as well.

Pro tip: You can use pre-chopped veggies or frozen stir-fry mixes to save time. Just make sure to thaw them if using frozen.

Cooking the Stir Fry

1. Heat Your Pan: Get a large skillet or wok hot over medium-high heat. The goal is to cook everything quickly without overcrowding, so use a big enough pan.

2. Cook the Chicken: Add 1 tbsp of oil (vegetable, canola, or sesame) to the pan. When the oil is hot, toss in the chicken and let it cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Veggies: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in your hardest veggies first – like carrots and broccoli. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the bell pepper, snap peas, and onion (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes until all veggies are crisp-tender but still vibrant in color.

4. Add the Sauce: While the veggies are cooking, whisk together your stir fry sauce ingredients in a bowl. Pour the sauce into the pan, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly. Let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes to thicken and combine the flavors.

5. Combine Chicken and Veggies: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and toss everything together. Stir to combine and heat through, about another 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (add more soy sauce for saltiness, honey for sweetness, or lime juice for acidity).

Tips for Perfect Chicken Stir Fry

High Heat is Key: Stir fry is all about fast cooking on high heat. This helps everything stay crisp and colorful.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, cook the chicken and veggies in batches to avoid steaming them.
Balance the Sauce: If you like it saltier, add more soy sauce; if you want a bit of sweetness, a drizzle of honey works wonders. Play with the flavors until it’s just right for you.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your stir fry over steamed white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Noodles are another great choice if you want to switch it up.

Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a few crushed peanuts for extra crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

This easy chicken stir fry is the kind of recipe that makes busy nights easier without sacrificing flavor. It’s quick, healthy, and completely customizable based on what you have in your fridge. Whether you stick to the basics or get creative with your veggies and sauce, it’s hard to go wrong.

So, grab your wok or skillet, and make this your go-to dinner when you’re craving something satisfying without the fuss. Let me know how it turns out – and feel free to get creative with your stir fry mix-ins!