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Quick Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

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A quick, easy, and healthy chicken stir fry packed with colorful vegetables and a savory sauce, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 cup (150 g) bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup (90 g) broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) carrots, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) snap peas (optional)
  • 2 stalks green onions, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice chicken into bite-sized strips. Place in a bowl and add 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, and a pinch of pepper. Toss to coat and marinate for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Prepare vegetables: slice bell peppers, chop broccoli florets, slice carrots thinly, trim snap peas, and chop green onions separating whites and greens.
  3. Mix sauce in a small bowl: combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry. Stir well to dissolve cornstarch.
  4. Heat wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil. When shimmering, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir quickly and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add marinated chicken in a single layer. Let sear without moving for 2 minutes, then stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
  6. Add more oil if needed. Stir-fry bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and white parts of green onions for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  7. Return chicken to pan. Pour in sauce and toss to coat. Cook 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  8. Sprinkle green onion tops over stir fry. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or alone.

Notes

Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good sear on the chicken. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth. Marinate chicken briefly for tenderness. Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free or soy-free versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick chicken stir fry, healthy dinner, easy stir fry, homemade chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, chicken and vegetables