Short Description

This chicken stir-fry recipe is a quick and delicious meal that brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce for a perfect balance of flavors. It’s an ideal choice for a healthy weeknight dinner that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy nights.
Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with lean protein and colorful vegetables.
Customizable: You can swap ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and tastes just as good the next day.
Better Than Takeout: Enjoy a homemade version of your favorite restaurant dish without excessive oil or sodium.

Ingredients

Chicken breast or thighs
Bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
Broccoli florets
Carrots
Snow peas
Garlic
Ginger
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Sesame oil
Cornstarch
Chicken broth
Honey or brown sugar
Rice vinegar
Green onions
Sesame seeds
Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Cooking oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the chicken into thin strips and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil and toss in garlic and ginger. Stir for a few seconds until fragrant, then add the vegetables. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until crisp-tender.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly and let it simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh.
Different Proteins: Try shrimp, beef, or pork instead of chicken.
Extra Crunch: Toss in cashews or peanuts for added texture.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, but fresh vegetables provide better texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain them before cooking.

2. What can I use instead of oyster sauce?

You can substitute hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar.

3. How do I make this gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

4. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but add it at the end just to warm it through to avoid drying out.

5. What oil is best for stir-frying?

Use a high-smoke-point oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

6. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

7. How do I prevent my chicken from drying out?

Slice it thinly and cook over high heat quickly.

8. What other vegetables can I add?

Mushrooms, baby corn, zucchini, or water chestnuts work great.

9. How can I thicken the sauce more?

Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water) if needed.

10. What should I serve with this dish?

Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles pair perfectly.

Conclusion

This chicken stir-fry is a fantastic homemade alternative to takeout, offering fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and a perfect balance of textures. Whether you’re cooking for a quick family meal or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to satisfy. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, wholesome stir-fry made right in your kitchen!

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