Name: Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 18 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1 inch cubes); salt and pepper (to taste); 2 tbsp olive oil (divided); 2 cups broccoli florets; 1/2 yellow bell pepper (cut into 1 inch pieces); 1/2 red bell pepper (cut into 1 inch pieces); 1/2 cup baby carrots (sliced); 2 tsp minced ginger; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp corn starch; 2 tbsp cold water; 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth; 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Introduction to Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Stir fry is one of those magical meals that combine vibrant vegetables and protein in one colorful pan, making it a favorite for many. If you're wondering why to choose a homemade chicken stir fry over takeout, let’s discuss a few key reasons.

First off, making your stir fry at home allows you to control the ingredients. You can customize it to your tastes, ensuring a healthy and delicious meal without hidden additives or excess sodium often found in restaurant dishes. Plus, you can swap in seasonal veggies or the ones you love most, keeping your meals interesting and varied.

Additionally, cooking an easy chicken stir fry recipe at home is a total time-saver. In just 20 minutes, you can create a flavorful dish that can serve as an impressive dinner or leftovers for lunch. This recipe is also budget-friendly; you can feed a family of four for less than the cost of takeout, particularly when you use pantry staples like honey and soy sauce.

Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let's dive into this simple yet delicious chicken stir fry that combines fresh ingredients with a homemade sauce you'll adore!

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Cooking an easy chicken stir fry recipe requires just a few simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Let’s break down what you'll need:

Main ingredients: chicken and veggies

For the star of the show, you'll need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces. This lean protein cooks quickly and stays juicy. Pair it with 2 cups of colorful veggies, such as broccoli florets, yellow and red bell peppers, and baby carrots. These not only add nutritional value but also make your dish visually appealing!

Essential stir fry sauce components

Now, let's talk about that mouth-watering sauce that ties everything together. You’ll want to gather these essentials:

Low sodium soy sauce for that umami flavor.
Honey for a touch of sweetness.
Toasted sesame oil to bring in a nutty aroma.
Cornstarch and chicken broth for thickening, along with minced ginger and garlic for an aromatic kick.

This combination creates a deliciously harmonious sauce that elevates your stir fry to the next level! Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into the instructions next.

Preparing Easy Chicken Stir Fry

Creating an easy chicken stir fry recipe in your kitchen can be a delightful and rewarding experience. Not only is it a quick meal, but it also allows you to load up on fresh veggies and make a delicious, savory sauce. Let’s break down the process step-by-step.

Gathering your ingredients

The first step to achieving a flavorful stir fry is gathering all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
2 cups broccoli florets
½ yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
½ red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
½ cup baby carrots, sliced
2 teaspoon minced ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced

For your stir fry sauce, don’t forget these essentials:

1 tablespoon corn starch
2 tablespoon cold water
¼ cup low sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
¼ cup honey
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Having everything prepped and on hand will streamline your cooking process. Check out this guide on meal prepping for tips.

Making the stir fry sauce

Next up, it's time to whip up the delicious sauce that brings everything together. In a medium bowl, whisk together the corn starch and cold water until smooth. Then, add in the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. This combination of sweet and savory will make your stir fry sing!

Cooking the chicken

Now, we move on to the star of our easy chicken stir fry — the chicken! Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil glistens, add your seasoned chicken. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, and then remove it from the skillet. If you're cooking a larger batch, consider doing this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Sautéing the vegetables

Reduce the heat to medium and toss in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. You’ll want to add the broccoli, bell peppers, and baby carrots. Sauté these vibrant veggies while stirring occasionally, just until they're crisp-tender! Add a dash of minced ginger and garlic in the last minute for that aromatic touch.

Combining chicken and veggies with sauce

Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the veggies. Give your stir fry sauce a good whisk and pour it over the mixture. Stir gently to combine, allowing everything to meld together. Bring it all to a gentle boil and let it bubble for about a minute.

Your easy chicken stir fry is nearly ready to serve! Pair it with rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s bursting with flavor. Enjoy your cooking adventure! For more inspiration, consider reading about the health benefits of stir-frying here.

Variations on Easy Chicken Stir Fry

Adding Different Proteins

While this easy chicken stir fry recipe shines with chicken, don’t hesitate to switch it up! Try shrimp for a seafood twist or diced tofu for a plant-based alternative. You can even explore using turkey bacon or chicken ham for a unique flavor. Simply ensure your protein is cooked through and tender to maintain that delicious texture.

Exploring Veggie Options

One of the best aspects of stir fry is the versatility of vegetables! You can add snap peas, mushrooms, or even zucchini to your mix. This is a great way to sneak in more greens for a wholesome meal. Experiment with seasonal veggies for freshness, or check out this comprehensive guide on choosing produce at EatingWell. Your stir fry can be a colorful and nutritious canvas that reflects your tastes!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Easy Chicken Stir Fry

Importance of High Heat

For your easy chicken stir fry recipe to shine, cooking over high heat is essential. Not only does this help achieve that delicious sear on the chicken, but it also ensures the veggies stay crisp and vibrant. Cooking quickly on high heat locks in flavors and prevents sogginess, making every bite satisfying. If you're new to stir-frying, don't worry—the fast pace is all part of the fun!

Preparing Ingredients Ahead of Time

Before you start cooking, take a moment to prep your ingredients. Chop the chicken, slice the veggies, and mix your stir fry sauce. This mise en place approach not only saves time but also ensures a smooth cooking process—no more scrambling to find ingredients mid-sauté! Plus, having everything ready means you can focus on enjoying the explosive flavors of your easy chicken stir fry.

Serving suggestions for Easy Chicken Stir Fry

Pairing with rice or noodles

When you're enjoying this easy chicken stir fry recipe, consider serving it over fluffy white rice or whole grain brown rice for a wholesome touch. Alternatively, you could toss it with some tender noodles, such as chow mein or udon, to soak up the delicious stir fry sauce. This adds a delightful texture and makes your meal feel even heartier.

Creative serving ideas

Why not elevate your presentation? Serve the stir fry in large lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb option. You can also garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a finishing touch. For a complete meal, pair the dish with a side of steamed edamame or a light cucumber salad. These simple additions will not only enhance the flavor but will also create a vibrant plate that’s sure to impress!

Time Breakdown for Easy Chicken Stir Fry

Preparation Time

The prep time for this easy chicken stir fry recipe is just 8 minutes. This short window allows you to chop your vegetables and cube the chicken quickly, enabling a smooth cooking process.

Cooking Time

Once you're prepped, the cooking time is around 10 minutes. This speedy induction means you’ll be enjoying your delicious dish in no time!

Total Time

In total, you're looking at only 18 minutes from start to finish. That makes this stir fry an ideal weeknight dinner for busy young professionals like yourself!

For tips on speeding up your prep, check out resources on meal prepping to see how small changes can make a big difference in your kitchen efficiency.

Nutritional Facts for Easy Chicken Stir Fry

Calories

This easy chicken stir fry recipe packs a flavorful punch with just 343 calories per serving. It’s a guilt-free dish that feels indulgent while being friendly to your diet.

Protein

With 26 grams of protein, this stir fry is perfect for a post-workout meal or a satisfying dinner. Chicken breast not only provides essential nutrients but also helps keep you full longer.

Sodium

Keeping it balanced, this recipe contains 570 mg of sodium. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to make this dish even healthier, ensuring you maintain a deliciously savory flavor without overdoing your salt intake.

For more in-depth nutritional information, you might find sites like NutritionData helpful!

FAQs about Easy Chicken Stir Fry

Can you make it without chicken?

Absolutely! If you want to skip the chicken, you can substitute it with tofu, shrimp, or even beef for a heartier meal. Each option brings unique flavors, and cooking times will vary slightly, so keep an eye on them to ensure everything is cooked properly.

What if I don’t have fresh veggies?

No worries! This easy chicken stir fry recipe can easily adapt to what you have on hand. Frozen vegetables work marvelously—just make sure to add them to the pan straight from the freezer and give them a bit more time to cook until heated through. Canned veggies can also be used, but they’ll need very little cooking to stay crisp.

How can I adjust spiciness?

If you prefer a milder dish, simply omit the crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle flavor. For those who love a little heat, add extra flakes or a splash of hot sauce. You can also incorporate fresh chili peppers during cooking for a vibrant kick!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect stir fry. Happy cooking!

Conclusion on Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

This easy chicken stir fry recipe is not just quick and delicious; it’s also a fantastic way to enjoy healthy ingredients in one vibrant dish. Perfect for weekdays, it's a meal the whole family will love. Give it a try tonight for a satisfying and flavorful dinner!