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.
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.
Notes
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.