Quick and Tasty Stir Fry Chicken: 30-Minute Asian-Inspired Weeknight Dinner

Easy 30-Minute Stir Fry Chicken with Asian-Inspired Flavors

This stir fry chicken recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. Tender slices of chicken breast are cooked with colorful vegetables and tossed in a homemade garlic-ginger sauce that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and spicy notes. A weeknight dinner solution that’s healthier and more delicious than takeout!

Why You’ll Love This Stir Fry Chicken Recipe

There’s a reason chicken stir fry is a staple in households around the world. It’s quick, versatile, and packed with protein and vegetables. This recipe features bite-sized chicken pieces that stay juicy and tender, vibrant vegetables that maintain their crunch, and a sauce that coats everything in umami-rich flavors.

The best part? You can customize this stir fry with whatever vegetables you have in your fridge, making it perfect for using up produce before it spoils!

Key Ingredients for Perfect Stir Fry Chicken

For the Stir Fry:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snow peas, strings removed
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 3 green onions, sliced diagonally (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the Stir Fry Sauce:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ cup water or chicken broth
• 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

How to Make the Best Stir Fry Chicken

1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, water/broth, and sriracha until smooth. Set aside.

2. Prepare the chicken: Slice chicken breasts into thin strips, about ¼-inch thick. For the most tender results, slice against the grain. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.

3. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or non-stick skillet over high heat. When the oil is shimmering hot, add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is just cooked through with golden edges. Remove to a clean plate.

4. Stir-fry the vegetables: Add remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add onions and cook for 1 minute, then add carrots and cook for another minute. Add bell peppers and snow peas, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.

5. Add aromatics: Push vegetables to the side and add garlic and ginger to the center of the pan. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then mix with the vegetables.

6. Combine and sauce: Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir continuously as the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Make sure all ingredients are evenly coated.

7. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Chef’s Tips for the Ultimate Stir Fry Chicken

• Prep before cooking: Have all ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking. Stir-frying happens quickly!
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of stir-frying.
• High heat is key: Maintain high heat throughout the cooking process for authentic stir-fry texture and flavor.
• Velvet the chicken: For restaurant-style tenderness, marinate sliced chicken in 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon oil for 15 minutes before cooking.
• Customize your vegetables: Broccoli, mushrooms, baby corn, or water chestnuts make excellent additions or substitutions.

Variations to Try with Your Stir Fry Chicken

Spicy Szechuan-Style

Add 1 tablespoon of Szechuan peppercorns and dried red chilies to the oil when stir-frying for a numbing, spicy kick.

Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry

Add 1 cup of pineapple chunks during the last minute of cooking and use 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice in your sauce for a sweet-tangy flavor.

Cashew Chicken

Toss in ½ cup of roasted cashews just before serving for added crunch and nutty flavor.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Serving ideas: This stir fry chicken pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles like lo mein, udon, or rice noodles. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or with lettuce cups.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often develop overnight, making this dish excellent for meal prep.

Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, but may result in slightly softer vegetables.

Common Questions About Stir Fry Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often stay more tender than breast meat. They’ll need about 1-2 minutes longer to cook through.

How do I prevent my vegetables from becoming soggy?

Stir-fry vegetables quickly at high heat and in order of density (harder vegetables first). Don’t overcook them – they should remain crisp-tender.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare all the ingredients and the sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then stir-fry just before serving for the best texture.

Why This Stir Fry Chicken Recipe Works Every Time

The success of this stir fry chicken recipe comes down to a few key principles: quick cooking over high heat, properly prepared ingredients, and a balanced sauce that brings everything together. By following these steps, you’ll create a restaurant-quality meal that’s both nutritious and incredibly satisfying. This versatile dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner on the table fast!

This recipe was inspired by AllRecipes’ Chicken Stir Fry