This chicken stir fry is a colorful, flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken and fresh vegetables in a savory, aromatic sauce. The vibrant bell peppers, broccoli, and onion add a satisfying crunch, while the combination of soy sauce, hoisin, and sesame oil creates a rich, umami-packed flavor.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this stir fry is customizable to your preferences. Add your favorite vegetables, spice it up with more red pepper flakes, or swap in different proteins like shrimp or tofu. The result will always be a satisfying, delicious meal in no time!
Full Recipe:
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1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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1 medium onion, sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups broccoli florets
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
Directions:
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken strips and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add garlic, onion, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
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Add broccoli and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp.
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Return the chicken to the skillet. Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired, and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Best Chicken Stir Fry
The Best Chicken Stir Fry is a quick and delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Stir fry recipes have long been a go-to for home cooks looking for a healthy and flavorful meal, and this chicken version takes it to the next level. With tender chicken strips and a mix of fresh vegetables, this stir fry is both nutritious and flavorful. The savory sauce, packed with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil, ties the dish together, giving it that perfect balance of umami, sweetness, and spice.
This dish can be customized to your tastes, making it a versatile choice for family meals, meal prep, or even a dinner party. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this chicken stir fry will impress with minimal effort. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning cleanup is a breeze. If you’re looking for a healthy, tasty, and easy-to-make dish, this chicken stir fry should be your go-to recipe.
Health Benefits of Chicken Stir Fry
Not only is this chicken stir fry a delicious meal, but it also comes packed with nutritional benefits. Chicken, as a lean protein source, is a great addition to any meal plan, providing essential amino acids necessary for muscle building, immune function, and overall health. It’s also low in fat, especially when using boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
The vegetables in this stir fry—such as bell peppers, onions, and broccoli—are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Bell peppers, for example, are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is crucial for immune health and collagen production. They also add a burst of color, making the dish not only nutritious but visually appealing. Broccoli is another powerhouse vegetable, rich in fiber, vitamin K, and folate, which supports healthy cell growth and repair.
The addition of sesame oil adds healthy fats to the dish, promoting heart health, while soy sauce contributes to your daily sodium intake in moderation. If you’re watching your salt intake, you can always opt for a low-sodium soy sauce to adjust the recipe according to your dietary needs. Overall, this chicken stir fry provides a balanced combination of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Why Stir Fry Is the Perfect Cooking Technique
Stir-frying is a quick and efficient cooking method that preserves the flavor and nutrients of the ingredients. The technique involves cooking food at high heat in a small amount of oil, which allows the ingredients to cook rapidly while retaining their natural color, texture, and nutritional value. Stir-frying is also an excellent way to infuse flavors into your dish, as the ingredients are cooked together in the same pan, allowing the sauce to coat each piece evenly.
Additionally, stir frying uses a smaller amount of oil compared to traditional frying, making it a healthier option. The high heat helps to caramelize the sugars in the vegetables, enhancing the overall flavor without the need for excessive amounts of oil or butter. It’s a great option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful dish without the added calories or fat.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Stir Fry
To make sure your chicken stir fry turns out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:
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Use High Heat: The key to a successful stir fry is cooking at high heat. This ensures the vegetables and chicken cook quickly and evenly, while also giving them that delicious sear. A wok is ideal for stir-frying because it has a wide surface area that allows for maximum contact with the heat, but a large skillet will also work.
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Prep Ingredients Before Cooking: Stir frying is a quick process, so make sure to prep all of your ingredients before you start cooking. This includes slicing your chicken, chopping vegetables, and having your sauce ready to go. This will ensure everything cooks evenly and nothing burns while you’re stirring.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you add too many ingredients to the pan at once, they’ll steam instead of stir-frying. It’s better to cook in batches if necessary. This will help each ingredient cook properly, achieving that crisp, tender texture.
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Customize the Veggies: While the recipe calls for specific vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli, feel free to customize the dish based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. You can add snap peas, carrots, zucchini, or any other veggie you love.
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Season to Taste: The beauty of this stir fry lies in its adaptability. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, hoisin for sweetness, or rice vinegar for tanginess. A little red pepper flake can also go a long way in adding a kick of heat.
Variations of Chicken Stir Fry
One of the best things about stir fry is its versatility. You can mix and match ingredients to create different variations based on your dietary preferences, what’s in your fridge, or even international cuisines.
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Vegetarian Stir Fry: Swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Tofu absorbs the flavors of the stir-fry sauce beautifully, making it an excellent substitute for chicken. To add some extra protein, you can also incorporate edamame or chickpeas.
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Beef Stir Fry: If you prefer beef, thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin works wonderfully in this stir fry. Marinate the beef before cooking to tenderize it and infuse even more flavor.
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Shrimp Stir Fry: For seafood lovers, shrimp is a great alternative. Since shrimp cooks quickly, it’s perfect for a fast stir-fry and adds a delightful flavor.
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Gluten-Free Stir Fry: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative. You can also make sure that all your condiments and sauces are gluten-free.
Why This Dish Is Ideal for Meal Prep
Chicken stir fry is an excellent meal prep dish. Not only does it store well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, but the flavors often improve as they sit, allowing the chicken to soak up the savory sauce even more. It’s also easy to reheat and makes for a healthy, satisfying lunch or dinner throughout the week. You can also store individual servings, making it perfect for on-the-go meals.
When meal prepping, consider storing the stir fry separately from the rice or noodles. This will keep everything fresh, and you can easily combine the components when you’re ready to eat. Stir fry also freezes well, so if you’re preparing meals in advance, this dish can be portioned out and frozen for future use.
Conclusion
The Best Chicken Stir Fry is a go-to recipe for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. With its tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, it’s the perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s adaptable to various dietary needs, easy to customize with your favorite vegetables, and a breeze to make. By following the tips and variations mentioned above, you can create a stir fry that suits your taste and preferences every time. So grab your wok or skillet, and get ready to enjoy a delicious homemade stir fry that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious.