When you're looking to whip up a quick yet satisfying meal, stir fry chicken recipes can truly save the day. You've got a range of options that not only cater to different palates but also allow for creativity in the kitchen. From the classic Chicken and Broccoli to the zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken Stir Fry, each recipe brings its own unique flair. But which one will become your go-to favorite? Let's investigate these five standout recipes and discover what makes each one worth trying.
Classic Chicken and Broccoli
Classic Chicken and Broccoli is a timeless stir fry dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a savory sauce for a quick and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and can be on your table in under 30 minutes. With its balanced flavors and nutritious ingredients, it's a family favorite that can be easily customized to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and season with salt and pepper, stirring frequently until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, then toss in the garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they're bright green and tender-crisp. Return the chicken to the skillet, then stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch mixture (made by combining cornstarch with a little water).
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and broccoli evenly. Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
Extra Tips:
To improve the flavor of your Chicken and Broccoli, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for about 15-30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the meat with flavor and keep it tender.
For a bit of heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers to the stir-fry. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.
Finally, make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as stir-frying is a quick process!
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and Sour Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a vibrant sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
This dish isn't only easy to prepare but also offers a burst of color and taste that can brighten any meal. Ideal for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup bell peppers (red and green), diced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vinegar (white or rice)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper, and stir-fry until they're golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the onion and bell peppers, cooking until they're tender, about 3-4 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth.
Pour this mixture into the skillet, bringing it to a simmer.
Add the cooked chicken and pineapple chunks, stirring to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve hot over cooked rice.
Extra Tips:
For an extra kick, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist.
You can also experiment with different vegetables, such as snap peas or carrots, to add more variety.
If you prefer a healthier version, you can use less sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener.
This dish can easily be made in larger batches, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Enjoy your Sweet and Sour Chicken!
Spicy Szechuan Chicken
Spicy Szechuan Chicken is a bold and flavorful dish that brings the heat with its signature spicy sauce, making it a favorite among lovers of Asian cuisine. This dish combines tender chicken pieces with a variety of vegetables, all coated in a rich, spicy sauce that perfectly balances heat and flavor.
Whether served over rice or noodles, this Szechuan-style stir fry is sure to excite your taste buds and impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Szechuan peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the garlic, ginger, and Szechuan peppercorns, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the bell pepper and snap peas, stir-frying for another 3-4 minutes until they're tender-crisp.
Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the soy sauce, chili paste, rice vinegar, and the cornstarch mixture. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking. This will improve the overall taste of the dish.
Additionally, feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand; broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms all make great additions. Adjust the amount of chili paste to suit your heat tolerance, and serve the dish with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Lemon Garlic Chicken Stir Fry is a bright and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a zesty lemon and garlic sauce, complemented by colorful vegetables. This quick and easy stir fry not only makes for a delicious weeknight dinner but also leaves your kitchen smelling wonderful.
Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe is packed with protein and nutrients, guaranteeing a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
To cook the Lemon Garlic Chicken Stir Fry, begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Then, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and snap peas, stirring to combine. Pour in the soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest, tossing everything together until the vegetables are tender-crisp and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
For best results when cooking this dish, make sure that all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as stir frying is a quick process.
You can customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand—carrots, zucchini, or asparagus would also work well. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Finally, let the stir fry rest for a minute after cooking to allow the flavors to meld before serving. Enjoy your vibrant and delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken Stir Fry!
Teriyaki Chicken With Vegetables
Teriyaki Chicken With Vegetables is a delicious and colorful dish that combines tender chicken with a medley of fresh vegetables, all coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. This quick stir fry is perfect for a weeknight dinner, providing a healthy and satisfying meal that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
The combination of the juicy chicken and vibrant vegetables makes this dish not only flavorful but also visually appealing.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas)
- 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Then, add the sliced chicken to the skillet, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the chicken is cooked, toss in the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until they're tender but still crisp.
Pour in the teriyaki sauce, stirring to coat all the ingredients evenly, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Serve the teriyaki chicken over cooked rice or noodles, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This not only improves the taste but also helps tenderize the meat.
Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preference or what you have on hand. If you like a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick.
Additionally, make sure to keep the vegetables slightly crisp to maintain their vibrant colors and nutrients!