Easy Chicken Stir Fry: Your New Go-To Weeknight Meal
There’s something wonderfully comforting about a warm bowl of stir fry at the end of a long day. The aroma of sizzling garlic and ginger fills the kitchen, wrapping you in a cozy embrace as you prepare this Easy Chicken Stir Fry. This recipe holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of evenings spent cooking with my family as we gathered around the table to share stories and laughter. It’s a dish that brings people together, and I can’t wait for you to experience the joy it brings to your home!
With just a few simple ingredients, this easy weeknight dinner comes together in a flash, making it a perfect choice for busy evenings or when you want to whip up something delicious without too much fuss. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it an ideal easy weeknight dinner option for busy families.
- Packed with colorful, crisp vegetables that add a fresh crunch and vibrant appeal.
- A delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, thanks to the honey and soy sauce combination.
- Customizable to fit your family’s preferences—swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- Healthy and satisfying, providing a wholesome meal without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Easy Chicken Stir Fry
To bring this delightful stir fry to life, gather these simple ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Make It Together
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive right into making this scrumptious dish! Follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll have a vibrant meal that warms the heart and soul.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, toss in the mixed vegetables and stir fry for 3-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. You want them to retain that lovely crunch!
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil, creating a glossy sauce that will tie everything together.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, pour the sauce over the top, and toss everything to combine it beautifully.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through, ensuring each piece is coated in that delectable honey-soy sauce.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles for a complete meal that your family will rave about!
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the beautiful aspects of this easy chicken stir fry is its versatility. Here are a few fun ideas to make it your own:
- Add Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a zesty twist.
- Noodle Swap: Instead of rice, serve your stir fry over soba noodles or udon for a different texture and taste.
- Mushroom Medley: Toss in some sliced shiitake or button mushrooms for an earthy flavor that complements the chicken.
- Cashew Crunch: Top your stir fry with toasted cashews or sesame seeds for an added layer of crunch and a nutty flavor.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Here are a few of my best kitchen secrets to elevate your stir fry experience:
- Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and slice the chicken ahead of time. Store them in the fridge so you can make this meal even faster on a busy night.
- Customize with Ease: Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu to cater to your dietary needs.
- Keep It Crisp: Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches if you’re making a larger quantity to keep everything crisp and perfectly sautéed.
- Storage Savvy: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—just reheat gently to avoid overcooking the veggies.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Curious about what’s in this delightful dish? Here’s the nutrition information per serving (assuming 4 servings):
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 9g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Have some burning questions? Let’s answer a few common ones about this easy chicken stir fry:
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! Prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance, but cook just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- How long does it last? Enjoy your stir fry within 3 days for the best taste and quality.
Wrapping It Up
This Easy Chicken Stir Fry is a heartwarming dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your spirit. With its comforting flavors and quick preparation, it’s a wonderful way to gather loved ones around the dinner table. I invite you to save this Easy Chicken Stir Fry to your weeknight meals board so it’s ready to bring a cozy treat to your table whenever you need it!
Happy cooking, dear friends! May your kitchen always be filled with warmth, love, and the wonderful aromas of home-cooked meals.
Print
Easy Chicken Stir Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A heartwarming dish that combines chicken and colorful vegetables in a sweet and savory honey-soy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and ginger, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add mixed vegetables and stir fry for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil.
- Return chicken to the skillet, pour sauce over, and toss to combine.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Notes
Prep vegetables and chicken ahead of time to speed up cooking. Customize with different proteins or vegetables as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, stir fry, quick meal, weeknight dinner