Easy Chicken Stir Fry Simple and Quick Recipe

June 19, 2025 by Rachel

Are you looking for a quick and easy dinner idea? Look no further than my Easy Chicken Stir Fry! This simple recipe brings flavor and nutrition to your table in no time. With just a few main ingredients and customizable options, you can whip up a healthy meal the whole family will love. Join me as I guide you through every step, from marinating the chicken to serving the perfect dish!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Easy Chicken Stir Fry

For a tasty chicken stir fry, you need these main ingredients:

– 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots)

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 inch ginger, grated

– 2 green onions, chopped

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Cooked jasmine rice (for serving)

These ingredients work together to create a savory and colorful dish. The chicken brings protein, while the veggies add crunch and nutrients. Soy sauce and oyster sauce give it a rich flavor.

Optional Ingredients for Customization

You can change up the flavors and make this dish your own. Here are some optional ingredients:

– Bell peppers (any color)

– Snap peas

– Carrots

– Zucchini

– Mushrooms

– Cashews or peanuts

Adding these items can change the taste and texture of your stir fry. You can pick what you like or what you have at home.

Cooking Essentials (Utensils, Equipment)

To cook this easy chicken stir fry, you will need:

– A large skillet or wok

– A sharp knife

– A cutting board

– Measuring spoons

– A wooden spoon or spatula

These tools help you cook quickly and safely. A wok is great for stir frying because it heats evenly. If you do not have one, a skillet works just as well. To find the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

First, you need to marinate the chicken. Take the thinly sliced chicken breasts and put them in a bowl. Add the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all together well. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This step adds flavor and keeps the chicken tender.

Stir-Frying Process Explained

Now, it’s time to cook! Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry these for about 30 seconds until they smell great. Next, increase the heat to high. Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Cook it for 5 to 7 minutes. You want the chicken to be browned and fully cooked. After that, toss in the mixed vegetables. Stir-fry these for another 3 to 4 minutes. They should be tender but still crisp.

Finalizing and Serving the Dish

To make the sauce thicker, pour in the cornstarch mixture. Stir everything together and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. This step really brings the dish together. Finally, add the chopped green onions and remove the skillet from heat. Serve the stir-fry over cooked jasmine rice. You can add more green onions on top for a nice touch. For the full recipe, refer to the section above. Enjoy your easy chicken stir fry!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Your Stir Fry Technique

To get a great stir fry, use high heat. This cooks your chicken fast and keeps it juicy. Make sure to cut your chicken into thin slices. This helps it cook evenly. Use a wok or a large skillet for more space. Stir your food often to prevent burning. This keeps everything moving and helps flavors mix.

Ingredient Substitutions for Healthier Options

Want a healthier dish? You can swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp. For a lighter sauce, use low-sodium soy sauce. You can add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for more fiber. Instead of jasmine rice, try brown rice or quinoa. These options add nutrients and flavor to your meal.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

Serve your stir fry over a bed of rice for a filling meal. Add a side salad for crunch and freshness. You can also serve it with spring rolls for a fun twist. For extra flavor, top with sesame seeds or crushed peanuts. This adds texture and makes your dish look great. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas!

Variations

Protein Alternatives for Easy Chicken Stir Fry

You can easily swap chicken for other proteins. Try beef, shrimp, or tofu. These options still work well with the same sauces and veggies. If you use beef, choose flank or sirloin. Slice the meat thin for quick cooking. When using shrimp, cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes. Tofu can add a nice texture. Press it first to remove excess water, then cube and fry until golden. This way, you can customize your stir fry based on what you have.

Vegetarian or Vegan Options

For a vegetarian or vegan stir fry, skip the chicken entirely. Use firm tofu or tempeh as your main protein. Both options soak up flavor well. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for depth. Other good choices include chickpeas or lentils. These will give your dish protein and fiber. Ensure you use plant-based sauces to keep it vegan. This way, everyone can enjoy a tasty meal.

Flavor Enhancements and Sauces

To make your stir fry even better, try new flavors. Add fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or mint. These herbs can brighten up the dish. You can also play with sauces. Instead of just soy sauce, mix in hoisin or sriracha for a kick. A splash of lime juice can add brightness. If you want a creamy twist, mix in a bit of peanut butter. Adjust the flavors to your taste. The goal is to make each bite exciting. For the full recipe, check the section above.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers Properly

After you enjoy your Easy Chicken Stir Fry, save any leftovers. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken and veggies fresh. Make sure to cool them down first. Place the container in the fridge. Your stir fry stays good for about three to four days. If you want to eat it later, you can freeze it.

Reheating Instructions for Best Results

When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, reheat them carefully. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat it on medium. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often for about five to seven minutes. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the dish and heat for one to two minutes. Check if it’s hot enough before serving.

Freezing Tips for Meal Prep

Freezing your Easy Chicken Stir Fry is smart for meal prep. Portion your stir fry into freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can. Label the bags with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above for the best taste.

FAQs

How to make Easy Chicken Stir Fry without a wok?

You can use a large skillet instead of a wok. A skillet heats evenly and works great for stir-frying. Just make sure the skillet has high sides to prevent spills. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and then your ingredients. The process remains the same.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables can work well in this stir fry. They are quick and save time on prep. Just add them straight from the freezer into the skillet. Cook them a bit longer to ensure they heat through. They may release some water, so keep an eye on the sauce’s thickness.

What rice goes best with stir fry?

Jasmine rice is a perfect match for stir fry. Its fluffy texture complements the dish well. You can also use brown rice for a healthier option. Both types absorb flavors nicely and make a great base for your chicken stir fry.

How to make it spicy?

To spice up your stir fry, add chili flakes or fresh sliced chili peppers. You can also use Sriracha sauce for a kick. Mix in the spice during the cooking process, so the flavors blend well. Start with a little and taste as you go. Adjust the heat to your liking.

For a full recipe, check out the delicious steps above!

Easy chicken stir fry mixes tasty chicken with colorful veggies. We covered key ingredients, from marinating to cooking. Also, there are tips for perfecting your technique and fun variations to try. Remember, you can swap proteins or go veggie. Store leftovers right to enjoy them later. Now, with these steps in mind, you can whip up a quick meal. Experiment with flavors and share with loved ones. Cooking should be fun and easy!

$For a tasty chicken stir fry, you need these main ingredients: - 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots) - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch ginger, grated - 2 green onions, chopped - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening) - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooked jasmine rice (for serving) These ingredients work together to create a savory and colorful dish. The chicken brings protein, while the veggies add crunch and nutrients. Soy sauce and oyster sauce give it a rich flavor. You can change up the flavors and make this dish your own. Here are some optional ingredients: - Bell peppers (any color) - Snap peas - Carrots - Zucchini - Mushrooms - Cashews or peanuts Adding these items can change the taste and texture of your stir fry. You can pick what you like or what you have at home. To cook this easy chicken stir fry, you will need: - A large skillet or wok - A sharp knife - A cutting board - Measuring spoons - A wooden spoon or spatula These tools help you cook quickly and safely. A wok is great for stir frying because it heats evenly. If you do not have one, a skillet works just as well. To find the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. First, you need to marinate the chicken. Take the thinly sliced chicken breasts and put them in a bowl. Add the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all together well. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This step adds flavor and keeps the chicken tender. Now, it’s time to cook! Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry these for about 30 seconds until they smell great. Next, increase the heat to high. Add the marinated chicken to the pan. Cook it for 5 to 7 minutes. You want the chicken to be browned and fully cooked. After that, toss in the mixed vegetables. Stir-fry these for another 3 to 4 minutes. They should be tender but still crisp. To make the sauce thicker, pour in the cornstarch mixture. Stir everything together and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. This step really brings the dish together. Finally, add the chopped green onions and remove the skillet from heat. Serve the stir-fry over cooked jasmine rice. You can add more green onions on top for a nice touch. For the full recipe, refer to the section above. Enjoy your easy chicken stir fry! To get a great stir fry, use high heat. This cooks your chicken fast and keeps it juicy. Make sure to cut your chicken into thin slices. This helps it cook evenly. Use a wok or a large skillet for more space. Stir your food often to prevent burning. This keeps everything moving and helps flavors mix. Want a healthier dish? You can swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp. For a lighter sauce, use low-sodium soy sauce. You can add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for more fiber. Instead of jasmine rice, try brown rice or quinoa. These options add nutrients and flavor to your meal. Serve your stir fry over a bed of rice for a filling meal. Add a side salad for crunch and freshness. You can also serve it with spring rolls for a fun twist. For extra flavor, top with sesame seeds or crushed peanuts. This adds texture and makes your dish look great. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! {{image_2}} You can easily swap chicken for other proteins. Try beef, shrimp, or tofu. These options still work well with the same sauces and veggies. If you use beef, choose flank or sirloin. Slice the meat thin for quick cooking. When using shrimp, cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes. Tofu can add a nice texture. Press it first to remove excess water, then cube and fry until golden. This way, you can customize your stir fry based on what you have. For a vegetarian or vegan stir fry, skip the chicken entirely. Use firm tofu or tempeh as your main protein. Both options soak up flavor well. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for depth. Other good choices include chickpeas or lentils. These will give your dish protein and fiber. Ensure you use plant-based sauces to keep it vegan. This way, everyone can enjoy a tasty meal. To make your stir fry even better, try new flavors. Add fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or mint. These herbs can brighten up the dish. You can also play with sauces. Instead of just soy sauce, mix in hoisin or sriracha for a kick. A splash of lime juice can add brightness. If you want a creamy twist, mix in a bit of peanut butter. Adjust the flavors to your taste. The goal is to make each bite exciting. For the full recipe, check the section above. After you enjoy your Easy Chicken Stir Fry, save any leftovers. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken and veggies fresh. Make sure to cool them down first. Place the container in the fridge. Your stir fry stays good for about three to four days. If you want to eat it later, you can freeze it. When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, reheat them carefully. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat it on medium. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often for about five to seven minutes. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the dish and heat for one to two minutes. Check if it’s hot enough before serving. Freezing your Easy Chicken Stir Fry is smart for meal prep. Portion your stir fry into freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can. Label the bags with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. You can use a large skillet instead of a wok. A skillet heats evenly and works great for stir-frying. Just make sure the skillet has high sides to prevent spills. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and then your ingredients. The process remains the same. Yes, frozen vegetables can work well in this stir fry. They are quick and save time on prep. Just add them straight from the freezer into the skillet. Cook them a bit longer to ensure they heat through. They may release some water, so keep an eye on the sauce's thickness. Jasmine rice is a perfect match for stir fry. Its fluffy texture complements the dish well. You can also use brown rice for a healthier option. Both types absorb flavors nicely and make a great base for your chicken stir fry. To spice up your stir fry, add chili flakes or fresh sliced chili peppers. You can also use Sriracha sauce for a kick. Mix in the spice during the cooking process, so the flavors blend well. Start with a little and taste as you go. Adjust the heat to your liking. For a full recipe, check out the delicious steps above! Easy chicken stir fry mixes tasty chicken with colorful veggies. We covered key ingredients, from marinating to cooking. Also, there are tips for perfecting your technique and fun variations to try. Remember, you can swap proteins or go veggie. Store leftovers right to enjoy them later. Now, with these steps in mind, you can whip up a quick meal. Experiment with flavors and share with loved ones. Cooking should be fun and easy!$