Savor the simplicity and flavor of homemade Chicken Stir Fry, an Asian-inspired dish combining sweet and savory tastes. Packed with succulent chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich sauce, it's a versatile meal perfect alongside rice or noodles.
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Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick, protein-rich dish is ideal for both lunch and dinner, offering a delicious solution for busy days. Whether you're craving a fast, tasty meal or a hint of restaurant-style flair, this Chicken Stir Fry is sure to please.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For this delightful Chicken Stir Fry, you'll need essential Asian pantry items, easily available at most Asian grocery stores or the Asian Aisle in gourmet supermarkets. Here's what you'll need:
Sauce Ingredients:
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: The foundation of the sauce, providing a deep umami flavor. Tamari can be a gluten-free alternative, offering a similar taste profile. Dark soy sauce, used for marinating the chicken, imparts a more intense flavor and color.
- Chili Sauce: Adds a spicy kick. You can use your favorite Asian chili sauce or any hot sauce you have on hand to tailor the heat to your liking.
- Garlic Powder: Offers a convenient, mild garlic flavor. For a more robust and fresh garlicky taste, substitute with fresh minced garlic.
- Paprika and Chili Flakes: These spices introduce a gentle heat, while ground white pepper contributes subtle, earthy notes, enhancing the overall complexity of the dish.
- Honey and Brown Sugar: Work in tandem to provide a sweet balance, lending the sauce a rich, glossy finish that complements the savory elements.
- Chicken Broth: Infuses the sauce with a deep, rich chicken flavor, creating a fuller taste profile. For a vegetarian twist, vegetable broth can be a great substitute without compromising on flavor.
- Sesame Oil: Adds an earthy and rustic flavor to stir-fried chicken and vegetables, enhancing their natural flavors. You can also substitute with soybean or peanut oil for different flavor profiles.
- Cornstarch: A key thickening agent for the sauce, ensuring a silky texture. When used in marinating the chicken, it helps to tenderize and lock in moisture for juicier, more succulent pieces.
Ingredients for Chicken Stir Fry:
- Chicken: Boneless chicken breast is ideal for a lean, quick-cooking option, though chicken thighs are also great for their juicier texture.
- Aromatics: Fresh ginger and garlic are crucial for authentic Chinese stir fry flavor. Their unique aromas and tastes bring a depth of flavor that truly elevates the dish.
- Vegetables: This recipe is versatile – use any fresh vegetables like broccoli, beans, carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and snow peas. It's also a great opportunity to utilize leftover vegetables, which often blend seamlessly into stir-fries.
- Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds as a final garnish not only adds a subtle nutty flavor but also enhances the visual appeal of the dish.
How to Make Chicken Stir Fry at Home?
Dive into our Chicken Stir Fry recipe with an easy-to-follow guide. Our photos and video will lead you through crafting a perfect stir fry sauce and the chicken dish itself. Let's get started!
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Chicken Stir Fry
Enjoy a quick, savory Chicken Stir Fry, rich in protein and Asian flavors. This easy-to-make dish, featuring chicken and fresh vegetables in a delicious sauce, pairs perfectly with rice or noodles. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's ideal for a nutritious and tasty lunch or dinner.
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Ingredients
For Chicken Stir Fry Sauce
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 3 tbsp Soy Sauce, low sodium
- 1 tsp Chili Flakes
- 2 tsp Chili Sauce
- 2 tsp Brown Sugar
- 2 tsp Honey
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
For Marination
- 1 lb Boneless Chicken, chicken breast or thighs
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp Ground White Pepper
- 3 tbsp Soy Sauce, low sodium, dark sauce
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- Salt, as needed
For Frying Chicken
- 2 tbsp Sesame Oil
For Chicken Stir Fry
- 2 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tsp Garlic, chopped
- 1 tsp Ginger, chopped
- ¼ cup Onion, cubed and layers separated
- 1 cup Broccoli, florets
- ¼ cup Carrots , chopped
- 1 cup Zucchini, diced
- ¼ cup Green Bell Pepper
- ¼ cup Yellow Bell Pepper
- Salt, to taste
For Garnishing
- Sesame Seeds
Instructions
To Make Stir Fry Sauce
- Simply combine chicken broth, soy sauce, chili flakes, honey, chili sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are well mixed. Set this flavorful mixture aside for use later in your stir fry.
To Marinate the Chicken
- Take a bowl and add bite-size boneless chicken pieces. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, soy sauce, ground white pepper, salt, and cornstarch over the chicken. Mix everything thoroughly until each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
To Fry the Chicken
- Heat sesame oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces, spreading them out into a single, even layer.
- Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes. Then flip the pieces over and stir fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring they're cooked evenly.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the wok and set it aside for later use.
To Make Chicken Stir Fry
- Add sesame oil and then put in the ginger and garlic. Sauté these until they become aromatic and release their flavors. Use the same wok for ensuring that the flavors meld perfectly in the final dish.
- Next, add the onions and stir fry for about 30 to 40 seconds. Follow with broccoli, carrots, and zucchini, continuing to stir fry for 2 minutes. Then add the bell peppers and a pinch of salt. Stir fry everything together on high heat for about 1 minute.
- Add the reserved stir-fried chicken back into the wok, tossing everything well to combine.
- Pour in the stir-fry sauce you prepared earlier. Remember to give the sauce a quick stir before adding it, as the cornstarch may have settled at the bottom of the bowl.
- Stir the mixture until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickens. Finish by garnishing with sesame seeds, then remove the wok from the heat. Now your delicious chicken stir fry is ready to be savored.
To Serve
- Enjoy your Chicken Stir Fry with steamed rice or noodles for a classic meal. For more innovative pairing ideas, refer to our serving suggestions section.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Here are some expert tips to make the best Chicken Stir Fry:
Marinating and Vegetable Selection:
- Marinating for Flavor: While you can stir fry boneless chicken directly, marinating it beforehand adds a deeper flavor. Initially stir fry the marinated chicken, then add it back when cooking the vegetables to layer the flavors for a more complex and delicious result.
- Choosing Vegetables: Freshness is key with vegetables. Fresh veggies not only offer better texture and taste but also retain more nutrients. They complement the stir fry better than frozen alternatives.
Preparation and Cooking Techniques:
- Prep Work: Before you start cooking, have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and within reach. Stir frying is a fast process, so having everything ready ensures a smooth, uninterrupted flow.
- Wok Selection: If available, use a wok. Its shape is ideal for stir frying, allowing ingredients to cook quickly and evenly. If you don't have a wok, a large, deep skillet can work as a substitute.
- Meat Slicing: Slice the chicken thinly and uniformly. This not only ensures quick, even cooking but also allows it to absorb more flavor from the marinade and sauce.
- Optimal Cooking Temperature: Maintain high heat in your wok. This is essential for achieving the characteristic crisp yet tender texture of stir fry, and it helps to lock in flavors, creating a more aromatic and tasty dish.
- Avoid Crowding: Don’t overcrowd the wok. Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than stir frying, which can make ingredients soggy rather than crisp.
- Sequence of Ingredients: Add ingredients based on their cooking times. Start with those that take longer to cook, like meat and harder vegetables, and end with quicker-cooking items like soft vegetables and aromatics.
- Stir Constantly: Keep the ingredients moving in the wok. This technique is essential in stir frying to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don't hesitate to experiment with different vegetables, proteins, or sauces to find combinations you love. Stir frying is a versatile cooking technique that encourages creativity.
- Serving Immediately: Stir fries are best enjoyed fresh off the stove. Serve immediately to savor the dish's full flavor and texture.
Nutrition Info
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 283kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 1887mg | Potassium: 615mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1826IU | Vitamin C: 54mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 2mg
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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Serving Suggestions
Chicken Stir Fry, a delightful blend of flavors and textures, pairs beautifully with a range of sides. Explore these serving suggestions to elevate your meal, from classic rice choices to innovative low-carb alternatives.
- Rice Varieties: Complement it with steamed white rice, jasmine rice, brown rice, or fried rice - perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Noodles: Pair with udon, soba, or rice noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal with a delightful textural contrast.
- Low-Carb Options: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb alternative that still satisfies.
- Extra Crunch: Accompany with crunchy vegetable spring rolls or egg rolls for an enjoyable contrast in textures.
- Soup Starters: Begin the meal with a light miso soup or a hot and sour soup to complement the flavors of the stir fry.
- Salad: Pair with a crisp salad, like a cucumber salad or a slaw, for a refreshing side.
- Beverage Pairings: Green tea makes a traditional and refreshing drink to accompany this dish.
Storage Suggestions
For optimal freshness, enjoy Chicken Stir Fry straight from the wok. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they'll remain delicious for up to a day.
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