Easy Chicken Stir Fry

If you’re looking for a quick and healthy dinner that’s packed with flavor, then this Easy Chicken Stir Fry is just what you need! This dish has become a favorite in my household. The vibrant colors of the veggies paired with tender chicken and a sweet honey garlic sauce make it not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this recipe fits perfectly into any occasion.

What I love most about this Easy Chicken Stir Fry is its versatility. You can whip it up in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for those hectic evenings when time is of the essence. Plus, it’s great for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love making this dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time!
• Family-friendly: This dish is colorful and flavorful, making it appealing to both kids and adults alike.
• Healthy ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean chicken, this stir fry is as nutritious as it is delicious.
• Versatile meal prep: Make a double batch for leftovers, or serve over rice, noodles, or even quinoa for variety.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of honey, garlic, and ginger creates a sweet and savory sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Now let’s talk about the ingredients! They are simple and wholesome, making your trip to the grocery store easy peasy. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful stir fry:

For the Stir Fry

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 head broccoli
• 2 bell peppers
• 1 yellow onion

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 1/2 tbsp honey
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• pepper (to taste)
• salt (to taste)

Variations

One of the best parts about stir fry is how flexible it can be! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Add more veggies: Throw in snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms to pack even more nutrients into your meal.
• Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha if you like a bit of heat in your stir fry.
• Switch up the sauce: Try adding sesame oil or swapping honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Easy Chicken Stir Fry

Step 1: Chop Your Veggies

Start by chopping your vegetables. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized chunks and cut the peppers and onion into thin slices. Having everything prepped ahead means you can cook quickly without missing a beat!

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Next, cut the chicken tenders into strips. This helps them cook evenly and gives them maximum surface area to absorb that yummy sauce later on.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add in your seasoned chicken strips; season them with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on both sides and cooked through. Removing them from heat prevents overcooking while we sauté our veggies.

Step 4: Sauté Your Vegetables

In the same pan (or a bigger one if needed), add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil along with broccoli, peppers, onion, garlic powder, ground ginger, and some pepper. Sauté these for about 10 minutes until they soften up beautifully—this step really brings out their flavors!

Step 5: Add Sauce Ingredients

Lower the heat now that your veggies are tender. Stir in soy sauce and honey; let everything simmer together for a few minutes so those flavors can meld beautifully.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add your cooked chicken back into the pan full of lovely veggies and sauce. Mix everything together well; let it simmer for another five minutes so all those delicious flavors combine seamlessly. At this point, feel free to adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve It Up!

Finally, serve your Easy Chicken Stir Fry over rice—nothing beats that comforting bowl of goodness! Enjoy every bite knowing you’ve made something healthy that tastes amazing.

Now that you’ve got all these steps down pat, I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! It’s bound to become one of your favorites too!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Stir Fry

Making the perfect Easy Chicken Stir Fry is all about balance and flavor, so here are some helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables not only taste better but also retain more nutrients. Opt for vibrant broccoli and bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious meal.
• Pre-marinate the chicken: If you have time, marinating the chicken in a bit of soy sauce and ginger for 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and make it even more tender.
• Cook in batches: If your pan is overcrowded, the chicken and vegetables will steam instead of stir-frying. Cook in smaller batches to get that perfect sear and caramelization.
• Adjust the sauce: Feel free to tweak the honey garlic sauce to your liking. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a splash of sriracha or red pepper flakes for an extra layer of flavor.
• Don’t skip the simmering step: Allowing everything to simmer together helps meld all those wonderful flavors, giving your stir fry that restaurant-quality taste at home.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Stir Fry

Presentation is key when it comes to serving your Easy Chicken Stir Fry! Here are some delightful ways to make your dish stand out on the dinner table.

Garnishes

• Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and beautiful texture to your dish.
• Green onions: Chopped green onions provide a fresh crunch and vibrant color that brightens up your stir fry.

Side Dishes

• Steamed rice: The classic choice! Fluffy white or brown rice soaks up all the delicious honey garlic sauce, making each bite satisfying.
• Quinoa: For a healthier alternative, serve your stir fry over quinoa. It adds protein and fiber while complementing the flavors beautifully.
• Edamame: Lightly salted edamame pods make a great protein-packed side. They’re fun to eat and provide a nice pop of flavor.
• Cucumber salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing balances out the savory notes of your stir fry. It’s crisp, cool, and super easy to prepare!

With these tips and serving suggestions in hand, you’re ready to create an Easy Chicken Stir Fry that not only tastes amazing but looks fabulous too! Enjoy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Chicken Stir Fry is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time, store it properly, and enjoy delicious meals throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stir fry to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the stir fry cool completely before freezing.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• For reheating from the refrigerator, use a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power until warmed through.
• If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or use the microwave on defrost setting followed by medium power.

FAQs

If you’re curious about this recipe, here are some common questions that might help!

Can I use other vegetables in this Easy Chicken Stir Fry?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or zucchini. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the veggies you choose.

How can I make this Easy Chicken Stir Fry gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. This way, you can still enjoy all the flavors without compromising your dietary preferences.

How long does it take to prepare and cook this Easy Chicken Stir Fry?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, making it ready in just 35 minutes overall—a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner!

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Easy Chicken Stir Fry a try! It’s not only simple to make but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re preparing it for dinner or meal prepping for busy days ahead, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!