Savory and Simple Chicken Stir Fry: A Delicious Weeknight Dinner Recipe

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup baby carrots, sliced
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Steamed rice for serving

Steps and instructions

Season the sliced chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken to the pan and cook until it is well browned and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate and set it aside.
In the same pan, add the garlic and onions and sauté until they become fragrant and the onions are translucent.
Add the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables until they are tender.
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, chicken broth, oyster sauce, honey, and cornstarch until well combined.
Pour the sauce mixture over the vegetables in the pan. Stir well to combine.
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and stir until the chicken and vegetables are coated with the sauce.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve the chicken stir fry over steamed rice.

Tools for making

Frying pan or wok - A large, flat-bottomed pan with high sides used for stir-frying the ingredients.
Knife - A sharp kitchen knife for slicing the chicken and vegetables.
Cutting board - A sturdy surface for safely chopping and preparing ingredients.
Garlic mincer - A tool used to mince the garlic cloves.
Small bowl - A bowl for mixing the sauce ingredients.
Whisk - A utensil used to mix the sauce ingredients until well combined.
Spatula - A tool used for stirring and flipping the ingredients while cooking.
Plate - A flat dish for transferring the cooked chicken.
Measuring cups and spoons - Utensils for accurately measuring the ingredients.

Recipe variations

Substitute the chicken with beef or shrimp for a different protein option.
Add different vegetables such as snap peas, mushrooms, or water chestnuts.
Include pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory flavor.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce to the stir fry sauce.
Replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
Try different sauces like teriyaki sauce or hoisin sauce instead of oyster sauce.
Add a handful of cashews or peanuts for a crunchy texture.
For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Experiment with different seasonings such as ginger, lemongrass, or Chinese five-spice powder.
Serve the stir fry over noodles instead of rice for a different presentation.

Recipe overview

This Chicken Stir Fry recipe is a quick and easy dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. Full of colorful vegetables, tender chicken, and a savory sauce, it's a satisfying meal that's much healthier than takeout. The stir fry can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables or you can even add a spicy kick with some chili flakes. Serve it over steamed rice for a complete meal that's packed with flavor. The best part? It all comes together in just 30 minutes. Expect a vibrant, delicious, and filling dish that will easily become a family favorite.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken? Yes, you can substitute the chicken with other meats such as beef, pork, or shrimp.
Can I add other vegetables to the stir fry? Absolutely! Feel free to add any additional vegetables you enjoy, such as mushrooms, snow peas, or water chestnuts.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using tofu or tempeh instead. For a vegan version, make sure to use a plant-based oyster sauce and substitute honey with maple syrup or another vegan sweetener.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
Can I prepare the ingredients in advance? Yes, you can pre-slice the chicken and vegetables ahead of time to save preparation time.
Can I adjust the amount of sauce? Certainly! You can adjust the amount of sauce according to your preference. If you like more sauce, you can increase the quantities, and if you prefer less sauce, you can reduce the amounts.
Can I make this recipe spicy? Absolutely! If you enjoy spicy flavors, you can add some chili flakes, sriracha sauce, or sliced chili peppers to the stir fry.
Can I store the leftovers? Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in a pan or microwave before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Frying pan or wok - A large frying pan or wok is ideal for stir frying the chicken and vegetables.
Knife - A sharp knife is necessary for slicing the chicken, peppers, onions, and other vegetables.
Cutting board - A cutting board provides a sturdy surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.
Garlic press - A garlic press can be used to mince the garlic cloves quickly and easily.
Small bowl - A small bowl is needed to mix together the sauce ingredients.
Whisk or fork - A whisk or fork can be used to thoroughly combine the sauce ingredients.
Plate or bowl - A plate or bowl can be used to temporarily transfer the cooked chicken while preparing the vegetables.
Spatula or tongs - A spatula or tongs are useful for flipping and stirring the chicken and vegetables during cooking.
Measuring cups and spoons - Measuring cups and spoons are needed to accurately measure the soy sauce, cornstarch, chicken broth, and other ingredients.
Rice cooker or pot - A rice cooker or pot is needed to cook the steamed rice that will be served with the chicken stir fry.
Serving dishes - Serving dishes or plates are required to serve the chicken stir fry and steamed rice.

Origin stories

Stir frying is a cooking technique that originated in China over 1500 years ago. A culinary gem that was born out of the necessity for fuel conservation, it involves tossing small pieces of food in a large, round-bottomed pan known as a wok over high heat. Over the centuries, this method spread across East Asia and eventually the entire world where it has been embraced for its speed, ease, and the delightfully crisp-tender results it achieves. Interestingly, the art of stir frying is not just about the swift stirring and tossing, but also about the harmony of flavors and textures. The diversity of ingredients in a chicken stir fry embodies this culinary harmony, turning simple staple ingredients into a symphony of taste. A successful stir fry, just like a well-orchestrated symphony, is a testament to balance and timing.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.