If you’re after a meal that’s vibrant, flavorful, and gloriously simple, let me introduce you to Chicken Stir Fry. This dish is bursting with tender slices of chicken, crisp veggies, and a glossy savory sauce that clings to everything—making each bite irresistible. Whether you’re rushing through a weeknight or impressing friends with your “takeout at home” skills, Chicken Stir Fry guarantees happy plates and zero leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of staple ingredients, Chicken Stir Fry proves that you don’t need a mile-long shopping list to make something sensational. Each component has a job—building flavor, delivering crunch, or pulling everything together in a savory sauce. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and sliced thin for quick, juicy cooking.
Vegetable oil: Ensures even stir-frying, and keeps everything from sticking.
Broccoli florets: Their little trees soak up sauce and add satisfying bite.
Red bell pepper: Pops of sweet flavor and bright color liven up the dish.
Snap peas: Sweet crunch and beautiful green to round out your veggie mix.
Garlic: Just two cloves give an aromatic backbone to the stir fry.
Fresh ginger: A teaspoon is all you need for warmth and zing that wakes up the whole pan.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Forms the salty, umami-rich base of your sauce.
Oyster sauce: Adds depth and mellow sweetness you’ll miss if you skip it.
Honey: Provides a subtle touch of sweetness to balance out the savory notes.
Cornstarch mixed with water: Thickens the sauce to that glossy, perfect stir fry finish.
Cooked rice: The ideal landing spot for all those delicious flavors.
Sesame seeds and green onions: Optional, but highly recommended for a final flourish of texture and color.

How to Make Chicken Stir Fry

Step 1: Make the Stir Fry Sauce

Grab a small bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and your cornstarch-water mixture (aka the slurry). This glossy combo is the magic elixir that will bring your Chicken Stir Fry together—rich, slightly sweet, and perfectly thick enough to coat every bite.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat up a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, drizzle in half the oil, and let it shimmer. Add your thinly sliced chicken and sear it for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden and just cooked through. Scoop the chicken onto a plate and keep it close—you’ll need it soon.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Add the remaining oil to your skillet, then toss in the broccoli, bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir-fry these for 4-5 minutes, just until they’re bright and crisp-tender (not limp and sad!). Finally, stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for about 30 seconds, letting those fresh aromas transform your kitchen.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Return the seared chicken to the pan, pour in your whisked sauce, and stir everything up so it’s evenly coated. Let the mixture simmer for another minute or two; you’ll see the sauce thicken and cling to the chicken and veggies, turning your stir fry into something glossy and downright irresistible.

Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Spoon your Chicken Stir Fry over a mound of fluffy rice, then shower it with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. This last step isn’t essential, but it gives the dish gorgeous color and extra crunch—trust me, you’ll want to add it!

How to Serve Chicken Stir Fry

Garnishes

Top your Chicken Stir Fry with a scatter of toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions—they bring nutty flavor and a pop of green that makes every bowl look chef-worthy. If you love a little kick, a squiggle of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes is always welcome.

Side Dishes

While jasmine or brown rice is a classic pairing, don’t hesitate to branch out. Try it over cauliflower rice for a lighter twist, or alongside fluffy quinoa if you want an extra dose of protein and texture. A simple cucumber salad or miso soup can round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Chicken Stir Fry into lettuce wraps for a fun, handheld option—just pile the stir fry into butter lettuce leaves and top with crunchy peanuts. Or, spoon it over hot noodles for a hearty noodle bowl. For a dramatic touch, serve it in a big platter family-style so everyone can dig in together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Chicken Stir Fry to an airtight container and refrigerate it—it’ll stay delicious for up to four days. The flavors meld overnight, making leftovers especially tempting for lunch!

Freezing

You can freeze Chicken Stir Fry if you like; just let it cool completely and portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for round two.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. A microwave works too—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring, until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and tons of flavor to Chicken Stir Fry. Just slice them thinly and cook as directed—they swap right in.

What other vegetables work well in Chicken Stir Fry?

This stir fry is endlessly adaptable. Try carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, baby corn, or even bok choy. It’s a fantastic way to clear out the crisper drawer.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Definitely—just use a certified gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and make sure your oyster sauce is also gluten-free. You’ll get all the flavor, without any gluten worries.

Can I make Chicken Stir Fry spicy?

Yes! Add a squeeze of sriracha or a generous pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce before cooking for a lovely, fiery kick that plays well with the sweet-savory flavors.

What’s the best way to slice the chicken?

For extra tender strips, slice the chicken breasts against the grain, as thinly as possible. Chilling the meat slightly (15 minutes in the freezer) makes it much easier to get those perfect thin slices.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t made homemade Chicken Stir Fry yet, now’s the time to give it a try. It’s fast, fresh, and packs a punch of flavor you can feel good about. Make it your own, swap in your favorites, and discover just how easy (and fun) this dish can be. Enjoy!

Chicken Stir Fry Recipe