Effortless Chicken Stir Fry

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This incredibly easy and outrageously delicious Chicken Stir Fry recipe is a culinary delight, packed with vibrant, fresh vegetables and coated in the most irresistible homemade sauce. Crafted with a perfect balance of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic toasted sesame oil, this healthy dish comes together in just about 20 minutes. Prepare to impress your family with its amazing flavor profile, making it a staple in your meal rotation. For more quick and tasty chicken dishes, don’t forget to explore my Easy Cashew Chicken and the super speedy 20 Minute Sesame Chicken with Broccoli!

This post is proudly sponsored by Safeway, supporting fresh, quality ingredients for your kitchen.

Mastering the Art of Chicken Stir Fry for Weeknights

Are you constantly searching for quick and easy weeknight dinner solutions? If you’re like most busy individuals or families, the answer is a resounding yes! Stir-fry dinners are an absolute game-changer, offering a complete and balanced meal – protein, fresh vegetables, and incredible flavor – all cooked in a single skillet in under 20 minutes. Imagine your family gathered around the table, enjoying a healthy, homemade dinner without the usual fuss. That’s what we call a winning situation!

I’m a huge advocate for one-skillet meals; they are my secret weapon for maintaining sanity during hectic weeks. Dishes like Cheesy Kielbasa, Rice and Broccoli Skillet, 20 Minute Skillet Chicken and Spinach Parmesan, and 20 Minute Skillet Monterey Chicken are not just about convenience; they consistently deliver fantastic taste. This chicken stir fry perfectly embodies that philosophy, proving that healthy, flavorful meals don’t require hours in the kitchen.

This particular chicken stir fry recipe is designed for maximum ease without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. It begins with perfectly cubed chicken breast, though chicken thighs also work beautifully if you prefer a richer flavor and slightly different texture. The magic starts as the chicken browns in the skillet, creating a delicious layer of fond (those lovely browned bits) on the bottom. When the fresh vegetables are added, they pick up these foundational flavors while developing their own unique sweetness and crunch. This layering of flavors is what gives this seemingly simple recipe its remarkable depth and complexity. And then, of course, there’s the star of the show: the sauce.

The Ultimate Chicken Stir Fry Sauce: A Flavor Powerhouse

Often, the sauce in a stir fry is underestimated, yet it is undeniably what transforms a collection of ingredients into a cohesive, flavorful masterpiece. For this recipe, I’ve perfected a stir fry sauce that truly makes it the best chicken stir fry you’ll ever make. Each ingredient plays a vital role, contributing to a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, with just a hint of spice.

Let’s dive into the components of this phenomenal sauce:

Honey: This provides a lovely touch of natural sweetness, making the stir fry incredibly appealing to both adults and even the pickiest of eaters. It also helps create a beautiful glaze on the chicken and vegetables.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Essential for that authentic, nutty Asian flair. Remember, a little goes a long way with toasted sesame oil due to its potent flavor, so use it sparingly to enhance, not overpower, the dish.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: A non-negotiable for any stir fry, soy sauce delivers deep umami and saltiness. Opting for low-sodium is crucial to control the overall saltiness of the dish, allowing you to season the chicken and adjust to your preference.
Chicken Broth: This acts as a base, thinning out the sauce slightly and adding another layer of savory depth, ensuring the sauce coats everything perfectly.
Corn Starch & Cold Water: Whisked together, this simple slurry is the key to thickening the sauce, giving it that desirable glossy, clingy texture when brought to a boil at the end of the cooking process.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Completely optional, but highly recommended for those who appreciate a gentle warmth and a subtle kick. Adjust the quantity to suit your spice preference.

As you can see, every single ingredient contributes significantly to the overall flavor profile, so I strongly advise against omitting any of them for the best possible results.

What truly elevates this stir fry above others is the combination of fresh, crisp vegetables and this perfectly balanced, simple yet profound sauce. While it might be tempting to reach for a bag of pre-cut frozen stir-fry mix, I wholeheartedly encourage you to use fresh ingredients whenever possible. The difference in texture, vibrant color, and flavor is truly incomparable. Fresh vegetables retain their natural sweetness and offer that satisfying crisp-tender bite that is characteristic of a truly exceptional stir fry.

Selecting the Perfect Vegetables for Your Stir Fry

For this particular recipe, I’ve incorporated my absolute favorite stir fry vegetables: nutrient-rich broccoli, along with sweet carrots and colorful bell peppers. However, the beauty of a stir fry lies in its incredible versatility. You can truly use almost any vegetable you have on hand or prefer. Consider adding snow peas, crisp green beans, earthy mushrooms, pungent onions, sweet sugar snap peas, or a sprinkle of fresh green onions for garnish. The key is to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.

Funnily enough, my boys have developed into huge broccoli fans, a revelation that initially surprised me years ago! Their enthusiasm was palpable, almost bordering on jealousy, when I had the fantastic opportunity to visit an Earthbound Farm Organic broccoli farm a few weeks back. This incredible experience was made possible through my ongoing partnership with Safeway, a company committed to providing access to fresh, high-quality produce.

Having been on several farm trips over the years, I can tell you they are consistently eye-opening and deeply impactful. The sheer amount of dedication, hard work, and meticulous care that goes into growing and harvesting our food is astounding. Each visit leaves me with a renewed appreciation and profound respect not only for the fresh produce itself but, more importantly, for the diligent farmers and the innovative companies like Earthbound Farm who work tirelessly to bring such high-quality, often organic, ingredients to our tables.

After a wonderfully informative farm tour, our group journeyed to Carmel, where we were treated to a delightful lunch at Earthbound Farm’s Farm Stand. This delicious meal was generously hosted by Safeway, Foster Farms, La Tourangelle, and, of course, Earthbound Farm. It was a fantastic opportunity to sample an array of amazing products and even create our own custom salads, which was incredibly fun and inspiring!

Upon returning home, I was incredibly eager to put together this easy chicken stir fry recipe, proudly featuring the fantastic brands I had just experienced. I know many of you are currently navigating the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, likely indulging in many sweets and treats. It’s precisely during these busy times that a healthy, fast, and satisfying dinner for your family becomes absolutely essential. This recipe is designed to be your go-to solution, offering wholesome goodness without compromising on taste or precious time.

For more inspiring recipe ideas and to learn more about the quality ingredients used, be sure to visit Earthbound Farm Organic, Foster Farms, and La Tourangelle. And for added convenience, head over to Safeway online to enjoy a special offer: get $20 off + FREE delivery with your first online order when you spend $75 or more – simply enter promo code SAVE20 at checkout. (Offer valid before 12/31/18 – check Safeway for current promotions).

I truly hope this easy chicken stir fry becomes a regular, cherished meal in your home. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly extraordinary and satisfying for the whole family.

More Chicken Recipes You MUST Try!

Easy Glazed Honey Balsamic Chicken
Buttermilk Ranch Oven Fried Chicken
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Honey BBQ Chicken Strips
The BEST Chicken Marinade Recipe

How To Make Chicken Stir Fry: A Step-by-Step Guide

Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

This easy Chicken Stir Fry recipe is loaded with fresh veggies and the most delicious sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil! This healthy recipe takes 20 minutes to make and will wow your family with its amazing flavor!

Course:: Dinner
Cuisine:: Chinese
Keyword:: chicken, stir fry, vegetables

Prep Time:: 8 minutes
Cook Time:: 10 minutes
Total Time:: 18 minutes

Servings:: 4
Calories:: 343 kcal
Author:: Trish – Mom On Timeout

Ingredients

Main Stir Fry

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 inch cubes
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
1/2 cup baby carrots, sliced
2 tsp minced ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced

Stir Fry Sauce

1 tbsp corn starch
2 tbsp cold water
1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

In a medium size bowl, whisk together corn starch and cold water until smooth. Add the remaining sauce ingredients (chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using) and whisk thoroughly to combine. Set this flavorful sauce aside.
Add one tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet or wok. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add the cubed chicken (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can steam the chicken instead of browning it) and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
Add the broccoli florets, bell peppers, and sliced carrots to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes, or just until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Add the minced ginger and garlic, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables and stir gently to combine everything.
Give the reserved stir fry sauce another quick whisk to ensure the corn starch is fully incorporated, then pour it evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
Increase the heat and bring the sauce to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Let it boil for one minute, allowing the sauce to thicken and become glossy.
Serve your delicious chicken stir fry immediately with fluffy steamed rice and/or chow mein noodles if desired. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for extra flavor and presentation.

Nutrition

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