Easy Chicken Stir Fry is the go-to weeknight meal when you’re hungry and short on time. Juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a bold, homemade sauce all come together in one skillet. No fancy tricks, no long prep just a quick dinner that’s fresh, filling, and way better than takeout. The kind of meal that hits the table fast and makes everyone happy, even on a hectic night.
Why This Easy Chicken Stir Fry Is a Weeknight Win
- Fast prep: You can get this dish ready in just about 10 minutes.
- Easy cleanup: One skillet is all you need, so fewer dishes to wash.
- Big flavor: The sauce adds a delightful taste that makes the meal exciting.
How to Make Easy Chicken Stir Fry (3 Steps & Timing)
Prepare the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1/2 tsp ground ginger. Set aside for later.
Cook the chicken:
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb cubed chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Stir-fry vegetables:
In the same skillet, add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced green bell pepper, 1 sliced onion, 1 cup broccoli florets, and 1 cup sliced carrots. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until slightly tender-crisp. Return the chicken to the skillet, pour in the sauce, and stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped green onions if you like. Serve hot over cooked rice.
Ingredients You Will Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Quick Sides & Serving Ideas
- Steamed dumplings: Quick and easy to heat up in the microwave.
- Egg rolls: Perfect for adding some crunch to your meal.
- Simple salad: Toss lettuce with a light vinaigrette for freshness.
- Soy sauce or teriyaki sauce: Drizzle on top for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)
- Fridge: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: They can stay good for up to 3 months.
- Crisp-back tip: Reheat in an air fryer or a skillet on medium heat for about 5 minutes to restore some crispness.
Got Leftovers? Make Them Work for You
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Most of the time they’re a head start on tomorrow’s meal. Toss roasted veggies into eggs, turn last night’s chicken into wraps, or freeze soups for a lazy-night rescue. The trick is storing them right and keeping it simple. That way, instead of another chore, leftovers feel like a shortcut. See more easy ideas here and make the most of what you’ve got.
10-Minute Prep & Time-Saving Shortcuts
- Use pre-chopped vegetables from the grocery store to save time.
- Buy a rotisserie chicken and just toss it into your stir fry.
- Look for bagged stir-fry mixes, which often include a variety of vegetables.
- Keep your sauces ready in advance for quick prep.
Smart Swaps & Variations
- Chicken swaps: Use shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
- Veggie options: Add snap peas, water chestnuts, or baby corn for variety.
- Healthy alternatives: Substitute honey with maple syrup for a less sweet option.
- Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Craving Something Quick and Crave-Worthy?
Lazy Bites is my go-to spot for those snack cravings that hit out of nowhere. Cheesy pulls, sweet bites, and sides that come together fast no fuss, no fancy prep. Whether it’s a lazy Saturday, a game night spread, or just a quick fix before dinner, these recipes are made to hit the spot without stealing your time. Grab a bite now and keep it easy.
Easy Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
Serving Base
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Set aside for later.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add cubed chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Stir-fry Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, onion, broccoli florets, and sliced carrots.
- Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until slightly tender-crisp.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, pour in the sauce, and stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over cooked rice.
Notes
Nutrition
Craving Something Quick and Crave-Worthy?
Lazy Bites is my go-to spot for those snack cravings that hit out of nowhere. Cheesy pulls, sweet bites, and sides that come together fast no fuss, no fancy prep. Whether it’s a lazy Saturday, a game night spread, or just a quick fix before dinner, these recipes are made to hit the spot without stealing your time. Grab a bite now and keep it easy.
FAQs Stir Fry
Can I make this chicken stir fry ahead of time?
Yes, stir fry holds up really well. Cook it as directed, let it cool, and store it in airtight containers for up to four days. For meal prep, portion it over rice or noodles so you can grab-and-go lunches. Just reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce glossy and the veggies from drying out.
Why did my stir fry turn soggy?
That usually means the skillet was too crowded or the veggies cooked too long. For the best results, cook in batches if needed and keep the heat on medium-high so everything sears instead of steaming. Also, wait to add the sauce until the end—this helps it thicken and coat the ingredients instead of watering everything down.
Can I freeze chicken stir fry?
Absolutely. Just let it cool completely before packing into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a skillet to bring back that crisp texture. Pro tip: undercook the veggies slightly before freezing so they don’t get mushy when reheated.
What’s the best way to serve it besides rice?
This stir fry is super flexible. You can serve it over noodles, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice if you want a lighter option. Sometimes I’ll skip the starch completely and just pile it into lettuce wraps for a fresh, crunchy dinner that feels fun and a little different.
Wrap-Up: Your New Go-To Stir Fry
Easy Chicken Stir Fry is the kind of dinner that saves the night fast, full of flavor, and done with just one pan. The sauce clings to tender chicken and crisp veggies, giving you that takeout taste without the takeout bill. Whether you’re feeding a crew or just yourself, it’s the perfect weeknight fix. Try it tonight and you’ll see why this skillet meal earns a permanent spot in the dinner lineup.
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