If you’re searching for a vibrant, weeknight-friendly dinner that’s packed with both flavor and color, this Chicken Stir Fry truly delivers! Tender slices of chicken mingle with snappy veggies in a glossy, garlicky sauce that rivals your favorite takeout, yet comes together in less than thirty minutes. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned home chef, you’ll love how forgiving and versatile this staple is. Plus, cleaning out the veggie drawer has never tasted so good. Dust off that skillet—let’s make Chicken Stir Fry the highlight of your dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Stir Fry lies in its unfussy, everyday ingredients. Each item on this list brings something special to the dish, from crave-worthy textures to those signature Asian-inspired flavors that tie everything together. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken breast: Lean, quick-cooking, and perfectly tender when sliced thin—don’t overcook!
Broccoli florets: Adds crunch and a pop of green; feel free to use pre-cut florets for convenience.
Red bell pepper: Sweet and colorful, it’s a must for that classic stir fry look.
Carrot: Sliced into thin coins, it brings a subtle sweetness and lots of color.
Snap peas: Extra crisp and juicy—don’t skip these if you love texture.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves make the aroma absolutely irresistible.
Fresh ginger: Grated or minced, it gives a warm kick that brightens up the whole dish.
Soy sauce: The foundation of the savory stir fry sauce—use low sodium if preferred.
Oyster sauce: Adds that extra umami and richness you crave in a Chicken Stir Fry.
Cornstarch: Whisked in with the sauce, it thickens everything to that signature glossy finish.
Sesame oil: A drizzle at the end brings a nutty depth—just a tiny bit goes a long way.
Vegetable oil: The high heat hero; helps get those veggies sizzling in no time.
Green onions: Sliced as a finishing touch for a blast of flavor and color.
Salt & black pepper: Just enough for seasoning to let the main flavors shine.
Optional: Red pepper flakes: For a little fire, sprinkle some on if you love heat!

How to Make Chicken Stir Fry

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients before you turn on the stove. Slice the chicken breasts into thin, bite-sized strips, chop up your veggies, and mince both the garlic and ginger. Having everything prepped and within reach is the secret to a smooth, stress-free stir fry.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and a splash of water. This is where the iconic Chicken Stir Fry gets its flavor-packed, silky sauce that clings to every bite. Make sure there are no lumps left, as cornstarch likes to hide at the bottom!

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high and add a swirl of vegetable oil. Add the chicken slices, season lightly with salt and black pepper, and sear until they’re just cooked through and starting to brown at the edges. Remove the chicken from the pan to avoid overcooking while you move on to the veggies.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Veggies

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the broccoli, bell pepper, carrots, and snap peas. Stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes, letting them soak up all the flavor from the pan. Add the garlic and ginger in the last minute so they become fragrant but not burnt.

Step 5: Combine and Sauce

Return the chicken to the pan, give your pre-mixed sauce a quick stir, and pour it over everything. Toss quickly so the chicken and vegetables are glossy and evenly coated. Let the sauce bubble for a minute or two; it’ll thicken up beautifully, turning your Chicken Stir Fry into a glistening, mouthwatering masterpiece.

How to Serve Chicken Stir Fry

Garnishes

Once your Chicken Stir Fry is off the heat, jazz it up with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and, if you’re feeling fancy, a pinch of toasted sesame seeds. Chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime brings a burst of freshness too!

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine or brown rice is a classic, soak-up-the-sauce pairing, but fluffy quinoa or a tangle of cooked rice noodles works just as well. For something extra, a crisp cucumber salad or simple miso soup really rounds out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining or just want to switch things up, spoon your Chicken Stir Fry into lettuce wraps for a fun, crunchy bite. Or, pile it into meal-prep bowls with your favorite grains and pickled veggies for the lunch of your dreams.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your stir fry cool completely, then pack it into airtight containers. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a dream for easy midweek lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

Chicken Stir Fry also freezes surprisingly well! Divide cooled portions into freezer bags or containers, pressing out as much air as you can. Store for up to 2 months. Just note the veggies might lose a little snap after thawing, but the flavor is still spot-on.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems thick. The microwave is convenient too—just cover to lock in moisture and zap in short bursts, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Stir Fry with chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and more forgiving than breasts. Just trim excess fat and slice them thin for even cooking—they deliver extra flavor in every bite.

What vegetables can I swap in?

That’s the magic of Chicken Stir Fry: it’s endlessly versatile! Try mushrooms, zucchini, baby corn, water chestnuts, or bok choy. Use what you love or whatever you need to use up in your fridge.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and make sure your oyster sauce and cornstarch are gluten-free. The result is just as delicious and completely satisfying.

How can I make it spicier?

If you love heat, toss in some sliced fresh chili or a generous dash of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger. A drizzle of sriracha at the end also adds a wonderful kick.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Just make sure to use a very large wok or skillet, or cook the chicken and veggies in batches to avoid overcrowding. That way, everything stays crisp-tender and never steams.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Chicken Stir Fry is a go-to for both busy weeknights and special occasions: it’s fast, wholesome, and deeply satisfying with every bite. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your kitchen too—give it a try, and have fun making it your own!

Chicken Stir Fry Recipe