Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that’s quick, flavorful, and sure to please everyone at the table, you’ve got to try this Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every time—juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a sauce that hits just the right balance of savory and tangy. Plus, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Stick with me, and I’ll share my best tips so your stir fry comes out restaurant-worthy on your very first try!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe brings together simple, everyday ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Using fresh ginger and garlic really lifts the flavor, and the mix of crunchy veggies keeps each bite interesting. When you shop, look for crisp, vibrant vegetables and fresh chicken breasts for the best results.

• Soy Sauce: Provides that classic salty umami base for the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and gives it that lovely glossy finish.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds a bright tang to balance the richness.
• Freshly Grated Ginger: Offers warm, zesty spice that’s irreplaceable here.
• Garlic: Fresh and minced for maximum flavor punch.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Gives just a hint of heat without overpowering.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle earthiness.
• Chicken Breast: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tenderness.
• Ghee (or another high-heat cooking fat): Perfect for crisping chicken and veggies without burning.
• Carrot: Cut into coins for sweet crunch.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds color and a mildly sweet flavor.
• Snap Peas: Crunchy and fresh, they brighten the dish.
• Scallions: For sharp freshness and aroma.
• Baby Corn: Adds unique texture and a touch of sweetness.
• Water Chestnuts: For that unmistakable satisfying crunch.
• Toasted Cashews (or Peanuts): Nutty, savory finish to the stir fry.
• Chicken Stock (or Water): Helps loosen up the sauce if needed.

Variations

I love how versatile this Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is—you can totally make it your own depending on what you have in your fridge or your family’s veggies preferences. Play around with it and don’t hesitate to add your favorite extras!

• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh; just increase stir-frying time to get a nice golden crust.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash more red pepper flakes or drizzle with Sriracha for extra heat, which my teenagers love.
• Seasonal Veggie Swap: In fall, I replace snap peas with broccoli or green beans—it keeps the dish fresh and exciting.
• Low Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the added chicken stock if you’re watching salt intake.

How to Make Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

This step is a game changer, trust me. Mix your soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss the thinly sliced chicken in this marinade and let it sit for about 5 minutes. I’ve found that even a short time soaking up those flavors makes the chicken taste so much better and tender.

Step 2: Cook Chicken in Batches Over High Heat

Get your skillet piping hot over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of ghee—that high-smoke point fat is key for a golden sear without burning. Cook half your chicken spread in an even layer, letting it sit briefly to get some color before tossing. It should be about 80% cooked before resting it in a bowl. Repeat with the second batch. This two-batch technique prevents overcrowding and steaming, giving you that perfect bite every time.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Veggies

After the chicken’s done, add your last bit of ghee and toss in the carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas. Cook for three minutes while stirring frequently so they get a nice tender-crisp texture. Then add scallions, baby corn, and water chestnuts for another two minutes. Keeping your veggies vibrant and crunchy is what makes this dish so delightful.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the chicken back to the pan along with any juices from the bowl, and stir in the toasted cashews. Give it all a quick toss for about a minute. If it looks a little dry, splash in some chicken stock or water and stir for another minute. Double check that the chicken is fully cooked, and then voilà — you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a handful of extra toasted cashews on top for crunch and a couple of sliced scallions for color and sharpness. A drizzle of sesame oil right at the end elevates it too—trust me on this one, it adds a beautiful nutty aroma.

Side Dishes

This stir fry shines served over steamed jasmine rice or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Sometimes, I like to add simple garlic fried rice on the side if we’re feeling extra hungry—it’s like a whole bowl of cozy comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I served this in cute little lettuce cups for a fun appetizer-style meal at a small dinner party. It was such a hit! You can also plate it in a large serving dish topped with fresh herbs and sliced chilies for a colorful family-style presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to separate rice (if served with) from the stir fry itself to keep everything fresh and avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftovers a few times and found the texture holds up pretty well. Just allow the stir fry to cool completely before packing it into freezer-safe containers. It’s convenient for last-minute meals.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep the veggies crisp rather than using the microwave, which can make them soggy. Add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight routine because it delivers so much flavor with minimal fuss. It’s one of those meals that feels like a treat but comes together in no time. I hope you enjoy cooking and eating it as much as my family and I do—seriously, once you try it, it might just become your go-to stir fry too. Give it a whirl, and let me know how it turns out!

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