Quick & Delicious Classic Chicken Stir Fry: Your New Weeknight Go-To!

Quick & Delicious Classic Chicken Stir Fry: Your New Weeknight Go-To! 🍛🔥🥢

1. Introduction

If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal, this Quick Chicken Stir Fry recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal ingredients and a simple cooking process, you can whip up a delicious Easy Chicken Stir Fry that rivals restaurant quality. Stir fry dishes are versatile, healthy, and customizable, making them a favorite among home cooks everywhere. Whether you’re craving a classic Asian-inspired dish or a quick protein boost, this recipe will become your new go-to.

2. Ingredients Needed for the Classic Chicken Stir Fry

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into thin strips
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 carrot, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for richer flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
  • Cooked rice or noodles for serving
  • Additional toppings: sesame seeds, chopped green onions (optional)

3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making a Classic Chicken Stir Fry

Preparing the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken into thin strips. To ensure even cooking and maximum flavor, marinate the chicken in 1 tablespoon soy sauce and a teaspoon of grated ginger for 10 minutes.

Sautéing the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Cooking the Vegetables

In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Toss in the garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot. Stir fry the vegetables for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.

Combining Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in soy sauce and oyster sauce if using. Stir everything together until well coated. Add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce slightly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce has thickened.

4. Tips for Perfecting Your Easy Chicken Stir Fry

  • Use high heat for a quick stir fry that retains the vegetables’ crunch and the chicken’s juiciness.
  • Customize with your favorite veggies like snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn.
  • Serve immediately over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for best flavor.

5. Storage Tips for Leftover Classic Chicken Stir Fry

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until hot. For best results, avoid freezing as the texture of the vegetables may change.

6. Serving Suggestions and Variations

Enhance your Quick Chicken Stir Fry with a side of gorgeous peach spinach salad or add some heat with a splash of Sriracha. For a more filling meal, serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or toss with noodles for a hearty twist.

7. Frequently Asked Questions about the Classic Chicken Stir Fry

Can I substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp?

Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, replace the chicken with firm tofu, pan-fried until crispy. For seafood lovers, shrimp is a quick and tasty alternative.

How long does it take to prepare and cook?

Preparation takes approximately 10 minutes, and cooking takes about 15 minutes, making this Quick Chicken Stir Fry suitable for busy weeknights.

What ingredients can I omit or swap?

You can omit the oyster sauce for a vegetarian version or add more garlic or ginger to boost flavor. For low-sodium diets, reduce soy sauce intake or choose a low-sodium variant.

8. Kitchen Tools that You Might Need for This Recipe

Investing in these tools will make your cooking process smoother, more efficient, and enjoyable, ultimately elevating your Classic Chicken Stir Fry experience.

9. Conclusion

Mastering this Quick Chicken Stir Fry allows you to enjoy a nutritious, flavorful meal in just minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights, flexible with ingredients, and easily adjustable to your taste preferences. With fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a savory sauce, this stir fry brings comfort and satisfaction to any dinner table. Try this recipe today, and turn your ordinary weeknight into a delicious adventure in your kitchen!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
A vibrant plate of chicken stir fry featuring golden-brown sliced chicken breast, colorful bell peppers, snap peas, and thinly sliced carrots in a glossy sauce, all arranged on a white ceramic dish with a garnish of chopped green onions. The vegetables are crisp and fresh, contrasting with the tender chicken, creating an inviting and colorful presentation.

Quick & Delicious Classic Chicken Stir Fry: Your New Weeknight Go-To!

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Discover the quick and delicious classic chicken stir fry, the perfect weeknight dinner solution. This flavorful recipe combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory sauces, creating a nutritious and customizable meal that rivals restaurant quality. Ideal for busy families and home cooks seeking a healthy, hearty, and easy-to-make dish.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into thin strips
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 carrot, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for richer flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
  • Cooked rice or noodles for serving
  • Additional toppings: sesame seeds, chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Start by slicing the chicken into thin strips. Marinate with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon grated ginger for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add the remaining oil to the same pan. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot; stir fry for 3-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce if using. Mix well to coat everything evenly. Add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, cooking an additional 2 minutes until sauce has thickened.

Notes

  • Use high heat to achieve a quick stir fry that maintains vegetable crunch and keeps the chicken juicy.
  • Feel free to customize with other vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn.
  • Serve immediately over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for best flavor and texture.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir Fry
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
  • Diet: Gluten-Free (without soy sauce or oyster sauce), Healthy

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star