This easy Weeknight Chicken Stir-Fry is loaded with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce that’s perfect over a bed of rice. It’s a quick, balanced meal that’s perfect for busy evenings—packed with protein and vibrant vegetables to keep everyone satisfied!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep!
- Versatile Veggies: Use your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand.
- Simple Ingredients: Everyday pantry staples make up the sauce.
- Perfectly Balanced: A great balance of protein, veggies, and flavorful sauce for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth, divided
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 cups mixed veggies (such as broccoli, sugar snap peas, and bell peppers)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- Cooked rice for serving
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the Skillet:
- Spray a large 12-inch skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high.
- Cook the Chicken, Garlic, and Ginger:
- Add the chicken pieces, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned.
- Add Sauce Ingredients:
- Pour in 3/4 cup of the chicken broth, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir to combine, cover, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Vegetables:
- Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of chicken broth with the cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve:
- Serve the chicken stir-fry over cooked rice and garnish with toasted sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your flavorful and easy meal!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large 12-inch skillet
- Mixing bowls for cornstarch slurry
- Spoon or spatula for stirring
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve this stir-fry over rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for heat.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, carrots, or baby corn to the stir-fry for added flavor and texture.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to reduce the salt content.
Helpful Notes
- Cut Even Pieces: For quick and even cooking, cut the chicken and veggies into similar-sized pieces.
- Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger make a huge difference in flavor, adding depth and a bit of spice to the dish.
- Thickening the Sauce: Make sure to stir the cornstarch slurry just before adding it to the skillet for a smooth, lump-free sauce.
Tips from Chefs
- Chef J. Kenji López-Alt: “For a crispier finish, let the chicken sear undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring.”
- Chef Ming Tsai: “Add a small dash of toasted sesame oil at the end for an extra layer of flavor.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well in stir-fries and add extra juiciness.
Q2: Can I make this stir-fry gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
Q3: What other vegetables work well in this recipe?
Carrots, zucchini, snap peas, and baby corn are all great options.
Q4: Can I add more sauce?
Yes, if you prefer more sauce, simply double the sauce ingredients.
Q5: Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Enjoy this Delicious, Quick Weeknight Chicken Stir-Fry!
This Chicken Stir-Fry is a weeknight hero—quick, nutritious, and full of savory flavors. With crisp vegetables and a deliciously thickened sauce, it’s perfect served over rice or your favorite grain. Follow these simple steps, and enjoy a homemade, takeout-inspired dinner in no time!
Weeknight Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
This Weeknight Chicken Stir-Fry is the perfect solution for busy evenings. It combines tender pieces of chicken with a medley of fresh vegetables, all cooked in a savory sauce with hints of ginger and garlic. The dish is quick to prepare and brings bold flavors to the table, making it ideal for a healthy, satisfying meal in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger minced
- 1 cup chicken broth divided
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 cups mixed vegetables broccoli, sugar snap peas, bell peppers
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- Cooked rice for serving
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Skillet: Spray a 12-inch skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add chicken pieces, minced garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is browned.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in 3/4 cup chicken broth, soy sauce, and sugar. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, stirring twice.
- Add Vegetables: Add mixed vegetables to the skillet, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup chicken broth with cornstarch. Pour into the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice and garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
Notes
- Cut Even Pieces: For quick and even cooking, cut the chicken and veggies into similar-sized pieces.
- Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger make a huge difference in flavor, adding depth and a bit of spice to the dish.
- Thickening the Sauce: Make sure to stir the cornstarch slurry just before adding it to the skillet for a smooth, lump-free sauce.