Greetings, foodies! Are you looking for a quick and delicious meal that is packed with flavours? Look no further than this easy chicken stir fry recipe.
The dish is not only tasty but also healthy, making it perfect for those with busy lifestyles who want to eat well. So, let me share my go-to homemade chicken stir fry recipe that is sure to leave your taste buds satisfied.
Get ready to learn how to make the perfect chicken stir fry, complete with fresh veggies, tender chicken, and an unforgettable flavour profile. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Chicken Stir Fry
Looking to make a delicious and easy homemade chicken stir fry recipe? The secret lies in fresh and colourful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast (boneless, skinless) | 2 breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces |
| Red bell pepper (deseeded and sliced) | 1 large |
| Yellow bell pepper (deseeded and sliced) | 1 large |
| Ginger (peeled and minced) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic (peeled and minced) | 3 cloves |
| Carrot (peeled and sliced) | 1 large |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
These ingredients may vary slightly depending on your personal preferences or what you have available in your kitchen. Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s get started on making this delicious homemade chicken stir fry recipe!
Preparing the Chicken
Preparing the chicken is an essential step in making a delicious chicken stir fry. Here’s how I do it:
- Choose the right chicken: When making chicken stir fry, it’s important to select chicken wings or breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. I usually use boneless, skinless chicken breast as it’s lower in fat and cooks faster.
- Marinating the chicken: Marinating the chicken adds flavour and ensures it stays juicy. You can marinate the chicken for 10-20 minutes, or overnight if you have the time. My simple chicken stir fry recipe uses a marinade made up of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
- Slicing the chicken: Slicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces helps it cook quicker. Ensure that all the slices are roughly the same size so that they cook evenly. I recommend cutting against the grain as it will make the chicken more tender.
Using these simple steps will ensure that your chicken is flavourful, tender, and juicy – the perfect addition to your easy chicken stir fry recipe.
Sautéing the Vegetables
Now that the chicken is marinated and ready, it’s time to sauté the vegetables. For this recipe, I like to use a combination of colourful vegetables such as red peppers, green beans, and carrots. These not only add a variety of flavours but also make the dish visually appealing.
Begin by heating some oil in a wok or pan on medium-high heat. Once hot, add the vegetables and stir fry for a few minutes until they begin to soften. Don’t overcook them, as they should still have a bit of crunch to them.
For added flavour, you can also add some garlic or ginger to the sautéed vegetables. These aromatic ingredients complement the veggies and enhance the overall taste of the stir fry.
Once the vegetables are ready, set them aside on a plate and keep them warm while you prepare the sauce and stir fry the chicken.
Making the Stir Fry Sauce
In this section, I’ll share my recipe for a delicious stir fry sauce that brings all the flavours of the dish together. To prepare this flavorful chicken stir fry recipe, you’ll need:
| Ingredients | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Soy Sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Honey | 1/4 cup |
| Rice Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Ginger, minced | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 2 tablespoons |
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar until fully combined then add minced garlic, ginger, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Mix well. Your stir fry sauce is now ready to go!
Drizzle the sauce over the sautéed vegetables and chicken in the final stage of cooking. As you stir fry, the sauce will coat and permeate the ingredients, leaving every mouthful packed with flavor!
Next up, we’ll go over the steps to stir fry the chicken in section 6.
Stir Frying the Chicken
Now that the chicken is prepared and the vegetables are sautéed, it’s time to stir fry the chicken. Heat up a tablespoon of oil in a wok or a large frying pan over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces, taking care not to overcrowd the pan.
Use a spatula or a pair of tongs to stir the chicken constantly for about 5-7 minutes or until it has turned golden brown on all sides and is cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken as it can become tough and rubbery.
Once the chicken is cooked, you can add the sautéed vegetables back to the pan. Pour the stir fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables, and give everything a good mix so that the sauce is evenly distributed. Cook for another minute or two until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Turn off the heat and let the stir fry sit for a minute or two before serving. This will give the sauce a chance to thicken and coat everything nicely. Serve your easy chicken stir fry recipe hot with steamed rice, noodles or on its own.
Adding the Vegetables and Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to add in the sautéed vegetables and stir fry sauce. This step is key in creating a tasty chicken stir fry recipe that will delight your taste buds.
Combining the Vegetables
Firstly, place the sautéed vegetables in the pan with the chicken. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix the vegetables with the chicken so that they are evenly distributed. Make sure to mix them well so that they can absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Drizzling the Sauce
Once the vegetables are combined with the chicken, drizzle the stir fry sauce over the mixture. Make sure that all the ingredients are covered with the sauce. You can add more sauce according to your preference, but be careful not to go overboard and make it too salty or sweet.
Cooking the Stir Fry
Let the chicken and vegetables cook in the sauce for 2-3 minutes. You can stir the mixture occasionally to prevent any burning and ensure the flavors are evenly absorbed. When everything is cooked to perfection, take the stir fry off the heat.
Serving Up
Using a pair of tongs, place the chicken and vegetable stir fry on a serving plate. You can garnish with fresh herbs or sliced spring onions if desired. Serve the dish hot with steamed rice or noodles as a side.
Seasoning and Garnishing
After stir-frying your chicken and vegetables and adding your homemade sauce, the final step is to season and garnish your chicken stir fry. These little touches can make a big difference in the overall flavor and presentation of your dish. Here are a few tips to make your chicken stir fry even better:
- Adjust saltiness: If your dish is too salty, add a splash of water or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. If it’s not salty enough, sprinkle a little soy sauce or salt.
- Add herbs: To add a fresh and herbaceous note to your dish, sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top of your chicken stir fry.
- Use spring onions: Green onions can act as a garnish and add a mild, sweet flavor to your dish. Slice them thinly and sprinkle on top of your chicken stir fry.
By adding the right combination of seasonings and garnishes, you can create the best chicken stir fry recipe that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Serving and Enjoying
After all the hard work, it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy your delicious chicken stir fry recipe. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
- Serve over steamed rice for a classic stir fry meal.
- Pair with noodles for a heartier dish.
- Eat on its own for a lighter meal option.
Enjoy the healthy chicken stir fry recipe guilt-free, knowing that it’s made with wholesome ingredients that fuel your body with goodness.
Leftover Suggestions
Don’t let your leftover chicken stir fry go to waste! Here are some creative ways to repurpose the dish:
- Stir fry wrap: Use a tortilla wrap to make a delicious wrap filled with leftover chicken stir fry, shredded lettuce, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Stir fry omelette: Incorporate your leftover chicken stir fry into a fluffy omelette, and top with grated cheese for a tasty breakfast treat.
- Fried rice: Use your leftover chicken stir fry as a base for fried rice. Simply add a beaten egg, some cooked rice, and soy sauce. Fry everything together for a few minutes until hot and crispy.
- Soup: Use your leftover chicken stir fry as a flavour base for a comforting chicken soup. Add some chicken stock, noodles and vegetables to create a tasty broth.
- Salad: Use the chicken and vegetables from your leftover stir fry in a chicken salad. Add some crunchy lettuce, cucumber, and a drizzle of dressing for a healthy and tasty meal.
With these ideas, you’ll never have to toss out your leftover chicken stir fry again!
Table of Leftover Suggestions
| Idea | Description |
|---|---|
| Stir fry wrap | Fill a tortilla wrap with leftover chicken stir fry, lettuce, and sour cream. |
| Stir fry omelette | Incorporate leftover chicken stir fry into a fluffy omelette topped with cheese. |
| Fried rice | Use leftover chicken stir fry as a base for fried rice with egg, rice, and soy sauce. |
| Soup | Use leftover chicken stir fry as a flavour base for soup with chicken stock, noodles and veggies. |
| Salad | Use leftover chicken and veggies in a salad with lettuce, cucumber and dressing. |
Variations and Substitutions
When it comes to this homemade chicken stir fry recipe, there are countless ways to switch up the flavours and ingredients to suit your taste. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
Veggie Delight
If you’re a vegetarian or looking for a meat-free option, simply swap the chicken for a protein source of your choice, such as tofu or tempeh. You can also load up on your favourite veggies, like broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers, to create a colourful and nutritious stir fry.
Heat It Up
If you love spicy food, add some heat to your chicken stir fry by incorporating chilli peppers or red pepper flakes to the stir fry sauce. For an extra punch of flavour, top your dish with sliced jalapeño or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Soy Sauce | Coconut Aminos or Tamari |
| Honey | Agave Nectar or Maple Syrup |
| Rice Vinegar | Apple Cider Vinegar or White Wine Vinegar |
| Chicken | Beef, Shrimp or Tofu |
Global Flavours
Switch up the flavours in your stir fry by experimenting with different sauces and spices. For a Thai-inspired dish, swap the stir fry sauce for a blend of peanut butter, soy sauce, and lime juice. Or, add some Indian flair with a sprinkle of curry powder and garam masala.
No matter how you choose to customize your chicken stir fry recipe, the possibilities are endless. Get creative and have fun with it!
Variations and Substitutions
If you’re looking to switch things up with my chicken stir fry recipe, there are plenty of variations and substitutions you can try. For instance, you can swap out the chicken for beef or tofu if you prefer. You can also experiment with different vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, or bok choy – just make sure they’re stir fry friendly!
If you want to add a bit of heat, try adding some chilli flakes or fresh chillies to the stir fry sauce. You can also adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to your liking by tweaking the amount of sugar or soy sauce used.
For a gluten-free version, you can use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the stir fry sauce. You can also use gluten-free noodles or rice instead of regular ones as a base.
If you’re short on time, you can simplify the recipe by using pre-chopped vegetables or store-bought stir fry sauce. While homemade is always tastier, there’s no shame in taking shortcuts when you need to.
Regardless of the variations and substitutions you choose, my chicken stir fry recipe is versatile enough to accommodate them. So feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Next, I’ll conclude my article with some final thoughts on this chicken stir fry recipe.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this stir fry recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. Make sure to thaw it fully before cooking to ensure even cooking and better flavor.
Can I substitute the vegetables listed in the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by using your favorite vegetables or using what you have on hand.
Can I make this stir fry recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best to enjoy the stir fry fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately. When ready to eat, simply cook them together as instructed.
Is this stir fry recipe spicy?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your preference. If you enjoy spice, feel free to add some chili flakes or hot sauce. If you prefer a milder taste, omit the spicy ingredients.
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with other proteins such as beef, shrimp, or tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked.
Can I make this stir fry recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Check the labels of other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
How long does it take to make this chicken stir fry recipe?
This chicken stir fry recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a quick and easy option for busy weeknight dinners.
Can I add additional vegetables to this stir fry recipe?
Yes, you can add additional vegetables to this stir fry recipe. Feel free to include your favorite vegetables or experiment with different combinations.
Can I substitute the stir fry sauce with a store-bought sauce?
While you can use a store-bought stir fry sauce, making the homemade sauce recommended in this recipe will give you more control over the flavors and ensure a fresher taste.
How do I store leftovers of this chicken stir fry recipe?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or in the microwave before enjoying.
