Chicken stir fry is a beloved dish that brings together tender chunks of chicken and vibrant vegetables in a delightful harmony of flavors. This quick and easy recipe is not only a favorite among home cooks but also features prominently in many Asian cuisines. With its incredible taste, nutritional benefits, and simplicity, it’s easy to see why so many people adore this dish.
Why We Love This Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
What makes chicken stir fry so special? First and foremost, the versatility of this dish is unmatched. You can customize it according to your preference, swapping out or adding any vegetables or sauces you like. Whether you’re a fan of spicy, sweet, or savory flavors, there’s a combination that will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Another reason to love this recipe is its quick cooking time. You can easily whip it up in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s packed with protein and nutrients, thanks to lean chicken and assorted vegetables, making it a healthy meal option for you and your family.
Finally, chicken stir fry is delightful to serve. With its colorful ingredients and glossy sauce, this dish not only tastes fantastic but also looks incredible, making it perfect for entertaining guests or indulging in a family dinner.
Ingredients for Chicken Stir Fry
Preparation is key to a delicious chicken stir fry. Below are the ingredients you will need to create this savory dish:
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup tamari soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 1 tablespoon dry sherry (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
- 1 small carrot, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- 1 green onion, sliced (optional garnish)
Gathering these ingredients beforehand will make your cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
How to Make Chicken Stir Fry
Making chicken stir fry is simple and requires just a few steps. Follow this straightforward procedure to create your delicious dish:
Prepare the Sauce: Begin by whisking together the chicken broth, tamari soy sauce, dry sherry (if using), honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and cornstarch in a small bowl. This mixture is key to adding flavor, so set it aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat one tablespoon of avocado oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cut chicken in a single layer. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes until it’s lightly browned. When done, remove the chicken and place it on a plate.
Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of avocado oil. Toss in the chopped red bell pepper, onion, carrot, and broccoli. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3 to 4 minutes until they become tender while still maintaining a bit of their crunch.
Combine Ingredients: Once the vegetables are tender, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Add the fresh ginger and minced garlic. Stir everything together for about 30 seconds to allow the flavors to meld.
Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly as it cooks. Continue stir-frying for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients evenly.
Garnish and Serve: After the sauce thickens, remove from heat. You can optionally garnish your chicken stir fry with sliced green onion and sesame seeds before serving.
This simple process yields a vibrant, flavorful dish that is sure to impress and satisfy hunger.
How to Serve Chicken Stir Fry
Serving chicken stir fry is straightforward and offers plenty of choices. You can serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or brown rice, which adds an excellent textural contrast to the tender chicken and crisp vegetables.
For a low-carb option, consider serving it over cauliflower rice or sautéed greens, which will add a unique twist while keeping it healthy.
If you’re hosting a dinner party, you might want to serve it family-style in a large bowl for guests to help themselves. Accompany your dish with some pickled vegetables or a light salad for a refreshing contrast.
Expert Tips for Chicken Stir Fry
To enhance your chicken stir fry experience, consider these expert tips:
High Heat Cooking: Stir-frying is done best on high heat. This allows the ingredients to cook quickly, resulting in tender chicken and crispy vegetables. Make sure your pan is hot before you start cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken or vegetables, avoid overcrowding the pan as this can lead to steaming instead of frying. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. Fresh ginger and garlic can significantly enhance the flavor profile of your stir fry.
Pre-cut Everything: For ease and efficiency, cut all ingredients before you start cooking. This allows for quick assembly and timing while cooking.
Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning and sauces to your preference. If you like it spicy, you can add chili paste or fresh pepper slices; if you prefer it sweeter, a little extra honey can do wonders.
How to Store Chicken Stir Fry
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing chicken stir fry is easy. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 to 4 days.
For longer storage, consider portioning the stir fry into smaller containers and freezing it. Frozen chicken stir fry can last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet or the microwave until warmed through. The flavors will still be delicious!
Variations of Chicken Stir Fry
One of the best things about chicken stir fry is its versatility. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
Add More Proteins: For a mixed protein option, consider adding shrimp, beef, or tofu. Adjust cook times to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
Change Up the Veggies: Feel free to use other vegetables based on your taste. Snow peas, snap peas, zucchini, and mushrooms all work beautifully in this dish.
Different Sauces: Experiment with different sauces depending on your flavor preference. Teriyaki sauce, oyster sauce, or hoisin sauce can add an exciting twist.
Include Nuts: If you enjoy crunch, toss in some cashews or peanuts for added texture and flavor. These can be added during the last minute of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Stir Fry
What can I serve with chicken stir fry?
Serving chicken stir fry with steamed rice or quinoa works exceptionally well. You can also serve it with noodles for a heartier option, or over a bed of greens for a lighter meal.
How can I make chicken stir fry healthier?
To make your chicken stir fry healthier, you can reduce the amount of oil used or select lower-sodium soy sauces. Increasing the variety of vegetables boosts nutritional value as well.
Can I use frozen vegetables for chicken stir fry?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen vegetables for your chicken stir fry. Just remember they might release more moisture so cook them a little longer to evaporate extra liquid.
How do I prevent my chicken stir fry from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, ensure that your pan is hot enough before adding ingredients. Avoid adding too much sauce initially. You can always add more if needed.
Chicken Stir Fry
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup tamari soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 1 Tbsp. dry sherry optional
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- 1 tsp. sesame oil
- 1 tsp. rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- 2 Tbsp. avocado oil
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1 small carrot thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- 1 Tbsp. finely grated fresh ginger
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds optional garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, tamari soy sauce, dry sherry (if using), honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of avocado oil. Add the red bell pepper, onion, carrot, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crunchy.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with fresh ginger and minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
- Remove from heat and optionally garnish with sliced green onion and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
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