Name: Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 4 cups water; 2 cups white rice; 2/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce, or to taste; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes; 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided; 1 head broccoli, broken into florets; 1 onion, cut into large chunks; 1 cup sliced carrots; 1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained; 1 green bell pepper, cut into matchsticks

If you’re searching for a meal that’s colorful, full of flavor, and comes together in under an hour, look no further: Chicken Stir Fry is your new go-to. Bursting with juicy chicken, a rainbow of crisp-tender veggies, and a crave-worthy, savory-sweet sauce, this dish isn’t just delicious—it’s a celebration of easy weeknight cooking. The best part? It’s endlessly flexible, perfect for cleaning out the fridge or making ahead. Gather around the table and watch everyone reach for seconds of this satisfying Chicken Stir Fry!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Chicken Stir Fry is its reliance on simple, staple ingredients, each playing a special role in building irresistible flavors and textures. A mix of pantry heroes and fresh produce ensures a dish that’s as balanced as it is bold.

Water: The foundation for cooking perfect, fluffy white rice that soaks up all the saucy goodness.
White rice: Classic and comforting, it offers the ideal canvas for the stir fry.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds deep, savory umami without overwhelming saltiness. You can always season more to taste.
Brown sugar: A hint of sweetness rounds out the salty and spicy notes beautifully.
Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce, making it luxuriously glossy and clingy.
Fresh ginger (minced): Brings aromatic heat and a signature zing to the dish.
Fresh garlic (minced): Infuses the chicken and sauce with robust flavor.
Red chili flakes: Offer just the right spark of heat—adjust up or down to suit your spice level.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced): Tender protein that soaks up all the delicious marinade.
Sesame oil: Adds a distinctive nutty aroma and depth to both the chicken and veggies.
Broccoli florets: For crunch and vibrant, green color.
Onion (chunky cut): Provides sweetness and a little bite as it cooks.
Carrots (sliced): They add beautiful color and natural sweetness.
Water chestnuts (canned, drained): For unexpected crispness in every bite.
Green bell pepper (matchsticks): Pops of color and subtle bitterness cut through the sauce for balance.

How to Make Chicken Stir Fry

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by gathering and chopping all your veggies, slicing the chicken thinly, and measuring out your sauces and seasonings. With Chicken Stir Fry, having everything ready before you start cooking makes the process smooth and stress-free—plus, it keeps the veggies crisp!

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Bring 4 cups of water and 2 cups of white rice to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer gently until the rice is tender and all the water has been absorbed. This usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Fluffy rice is the perfect base for soaking up every drop of stir fry sauce.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth. Stir in the minced ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes for a burst of flavor. Add the sliced chicken, toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. This quick marinade infuses your chicken with all the essential flavors Chicken Stir Fry is known for.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli, onion, carrots, water chestnuts, and green bell pepper. Stir fry for about 5 minutes until just tender but still vibrant. This step ensures every vegetable is coated in that fragrant oil, unlocking its flavors. Remove the veggies to a separate dish and set aside.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the same wok or skillet and bring it back up to medium-high. Drop in the marinated chicken pieces (reserve the marinade for later), and sear them for about 2 minutes per side until lightly browned. This quick cook keeps the chicken juicy while capturing those caramelized edges.

Step 6: Finish the Stir Fry

Return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the chicken. Pour in the reserved marinade. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a low boil. Cook for 5 to 7 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened, clinging to every piece and veggie. Now your Chicken Stir Fry is ready for its rice companion!

How to Serve Chicken Stir Fry

Garnishes

Top off your Chicken Stir Fry with a shower of sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. If you like extra heat, a dash more chili flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha works wonders!

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine or brown rice is the classic pairing, but this stir fry is also fantastic over noodles—think soba, rice noodles, or even a tangle of zucchini noodles for a lighter take. Round out your meal with a side of crunchy spring rolls or a simple Asian-inspired cucumber salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Chicken Stir Fry family-style in a big bowl to let everyone help themselves, or make fun individual portions in colorful bowls. For parties, scoop the stir fry into lettuce cups for a fresh, interactive appetizer. Want to go bold? Try serving it on top of a pineapple boat or inside a hollowed bell pepper for that over-the-top wow factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Chicken Stir Fry? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and get even tastier overnight. Just make sure everything’s thoroughly cooled before storing to keep veggies from getting soggy.

Freezing

Chicken Stir Fry freezes surprisingly well. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (minus the rice if you prefer). Freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat Chicken Stir Fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce to loosen the sauce as it warms. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave does the trick—just cover loosely and heat in 60-second bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables for Chicken Stir Fry?

Absolutely! Chicken Stir Fry is perfect for customizing. Swap in snap peas, bell peppers of any color, mushrooms, baby corn, or even spinach. Use what you love or what you need to use up—just try to keep the veggie pieces roughly the same size for even cooking.

What cut of chicken is best for this stir fry?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast is perfect for quick-cooking and staying tender. However, boneless chicken thighs also work beautifully, offering a slightly richer flavor and a more forgiving texture if you’re new to stir frying.

How can I make Chicken Stir Fry gluten-free?

All you need to do is use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double check that your cornstarch and any other packaged ingredients are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe stays the same, so everyone can enjoy it!

Can I make Chicken Stir Fry ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the sauce, slice the veggies, and even marinate the chicken a day ahead. When you’re ready to cook, dinner comes together lightning fast. Leftovers also taste amazing, so feel free to double the batch for next-day lunches.

What type of pan is best for stir fry?

A wok is classic for its shape and ability to cook over high heat quickly, but a large nonstick or stainless steel skillet will work just fine. The key is to avoid overcrowding—work in batches if needed to keep everything crisp and well-seared.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Stir Fry is one of those dishes you’ll make on repeat, not just for its simple steps, but because it truly brings people together over good food. Go ahead, give it a try—you just might find your next weeknight favorite!