Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe You'll Love

The Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is a timeless favorite for those seeking a quick yet nutritious meal. With its vibrant colors and flavors, this dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you are new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this stir-fry will delight your taste buds and provide a balance of protein, vegetables, and carbs. Here's how to make a delicious chicken stir fry that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced or diced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas or snow peas
• 1/2 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup water chestnuts (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Preparation Steps:

1. Marinate the Chicken

Begin by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce and cornstarch. Add the chicken pieces, toss to coat, and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.

📝 Note: Cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce during cooking and gives the chicken a nice texture.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

While the chicken is marinating, chop and prepare all your vegetables. This ensures a smooth cooking process.

• Wash and slice the bell pepper, carrots, and broccoli.
• Trim the ends of the snap peas or snow peas.
• Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the hot pan, spreading it out evenly to cook. Stir fry for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken turns golden and is just cooked through. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.

4. Stir Fry Vegetables

Add a bit more oil if necessary, then toss in the garlic and ginger. Let them cook for about 30 seconds to release their flavor. Add the harder vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes, then add snap peas, water chestnuts, and green onions.

📝 Note: Start with vegetables that take longer to cook, then add those that cook quickly to maintain a nice texture and color.

5. Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the pan. Add oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sugar. Stir well to combine all the flavors. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper, adjust to taste.

6. Final Touches

Let everything cook together for another couple of minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly, coating the chicken and vegetables in a delicious glaze. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Tips for Perfect Stir Fry:

• Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Having everything ready before you start cooking is crucial in stir-fry cooking.
• Use High Heat: Stir frying works best at high heat, ensuring the ingredients cook quickly and retain their crunchiness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the food gets enough heat and doesn’t steam instead.

There you have it—a simple yet delicious Chicken Stir Fry that's bound to become a staple in your meal rotation. This dish not only caters to your taste buds with its savory flavors but also delivers a wholesome, nutritious meal with little effort. Its versatility allows for easy adaptations to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability, making it a truly flexible recipe to have on hand.

Can I use different proteins in this stir fry?

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Absolutely! You can replace chicken with beef, shrimp, tofu, or even go vegetarian by using extra firm tofu or just focusing on the vegetables for a meatless option.

What can I use instead of oyster sauce?

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If you can’t find oyster sauce, you can use a combination of soy sauce, a dash of hoisin sauce, and a splash of fish sauce or Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami flavor.

How do I store leftover stir fry?

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Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to a month, but note that vegetables might lose some of their texture.