If you’ve been searching for a vibrant, flavorful dinner that comes together quickly and satisfies every craving, this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with colorful veggies and tender chicken strips tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, it’s a weeknight hero that feels special without any fuss. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving a solo feast, this stir fry strikes the perfect balance of juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and an irresistible glaze that brings everything to life in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a crucial role — from juicy chicken to crunchy snap peas and a sauce that ties it all together with a flavorful punch.
- Olive oil or avocado oil (2 tablespoons): For a high-heat cooking base that adds subtle richness without overpowering the dish.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb): Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites every time.
- Fine salt (¼ teaspoon) and black pepper (⅛ teaspoon + ¼ teaspoon): Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors.
- Bell peppers (2, red and yellow): Sliced thin for vibrant color and a delicious crunch.
- Snap peas or snow peas (1 cup): Bright, crisp, and sweet additions that bring freshness to each forkful.
- Green onions (3, separated white and green parts): Adding subtle bite and beautiful garnish.
- Coconut aminos (½ cup): A savory, soy sauce alternative that’s naturally sweet and less salty, perfect for the sauce.
- Toasted sesame oil (2 tablespoons): Infuses the dish with a rich, nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the other flavors.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Adds depth and umami to the sauce’s base.
- Pure honey (1 tablespoon): A touch of natural sweetness to balance out the savory and spicy notes.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Bringing that unmistakable punch of flavor.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon grated): Provides warmth and gentle spice, or substitute with ½ teaspoon ground ginger if needed.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick without overwhelming heat.
- Optional for serving: cooked rice and sesame seeds: These elevate the presentation and round out the meal perfectly.
How to Make Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Searing the Chicken
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Toss in the thin strips of chicken breast, seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. Let them brown undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes to create a beautiful caramelized crust. Give them a quick stir and flip to ensure even cooking. Once the chicken is cooked through, scoop it out and set aside. This step locks in juiciness and sets the foundation of your stir fry.
Step 2: Cooking the Vegetables
Into the same sizzling skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the colorful bell peppers, crisp snap peas, and the white parts of your green onions. Keep everything moving in the pan to cook evenly, softening the veggies just enough to retain crunch and brightness, about 4 to 5 minutes. The fresh texture here is what makes this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe so wonderfully balanced.
Step 3: Mixing the Sauce
While the veggies soften, whisk together the coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, tomato paste, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a small bowl. This blend is your flavor powerhouse — sweet, savory, and with a gentle heat that elevates the whole stir fry experience.
Step 4: Bringing It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything to combine evenly, then pour your homemade sauce over the top. Stir thoroughly, making sure every piece is coated in that luscious sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil and then lower the heat, letting it simmer for about 2 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and clings beautifully to the chicken and vegetables.
Step 5: Serving Your Creation
Serve your chicken stir fry piping hot. If you like, plate it over fluffy cooked rice to soak up the sauce, and sprinkle with the green tops of the onions and a few sesame seeds for extra crunch and visual appeal. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma make it almost too pretty to eat — but make no mistake, it tastes even better than it looks.
Step 6: Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be unlikely because it’s that good), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or pop them in the freezer for longer storage, up to 3 months.
How to Serve Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like the green parts of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds are simple touches that add crunch and brighten the dish visually. These tiny details keep the stir fry feeling fresh and vibrant every time you serve it.
Side Dishes
While this stir fry shines on its own, serving it alongside steamed jasmine or basmati rice soaks up the sauce wonderfully. You can also enjoy it with cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist or alongside simple noodles for added comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style meal, serve the chicken stir fry in a large, colorful bowl and let everyone help themselves. You might also try layering it over a bed of crunchy lettuce leaves for an Asian-inspired lettuce wrap experience. The versatility makes this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe a crowd-pleaser in many settings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover stir fry in an airtight container once cooled to room temperature. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the stir fry in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to portion it out so defrosting and reheating are hassle-free and faster. Keep in mind the texture of some vegetables may soften after freezing, but the sauce and chicken hold up beautifully.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, a quick microwave session works when you’re in a hurry, but stovetop reheating preserves the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute for chicken breasts in this recipe. They’re slightly more flavorful and stay juicy, but you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Is coconut aminos necessary, or can I use soy sauce?
If you don’t have coconut aminos on hand, soy sauce is a fine alternative. Coconut aminos offer a naturally sweeter and lower-sodium option, which complements the honey and tomato paste perfectly, but soy sauce will still provide that essential umami depth.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
For a plant-based version, swap the chicken for firm tofu or your favorite meaty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant. Just adjust cooking times since tofu and veggies cook differently than chicken. The sauce remains the same, so all the delicious flavors stay intact!
How spicy is this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?
This recipe has just a gentle hint of heat from the crushed red pepper flakes, making it approachable for most palates. If you love spice, feel free to add more red pepper or a splash of chili garlic sauce. If you prefer mild, you can reduce or omit the flakes altogether.
What’s the best way to get thin chicken strips?
Chilling the chicken breasts in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before slicing makes it firmer and easier to cut into thin, uniform strips. Use a sharp knife and slice against the grain to ensure tender bites.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is one of those dishes you keep coming back to because it checks all the boxes — quick, delicious, colorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or want a dish that feels a little special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, this recipe has got you covered. Give it a try, invite some friends over, and prepare to have your new favorite go-to stir fry on repeat.
