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Weeknight Chicken Stir-Fry - Quick, Colorful, and Satisfying

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
  • Neutral oil: Canola, avocado, or peanut oil
  • Aromatics: 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced or grated)
  • Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 medium carrot (thinly sliced), 1 cup sugar snap peas, 1 small onion (sliced)
  • Green onions: 2–3, sliced for garnish
  • Sesame seeds: Optional garnish
  • For the sauce: 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or hoisin for sweeter)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • Rice or noodles: Cooked jasmine rice, brown rice, or stir-fry noodles for serving
  • Salt and pepper: To season

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Slice chicken into thin, bite-sized strips. Pat dry. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken broth. In another small dish, stir cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Set both aside.
  3. Chop vegetables: Keep pieces uniform so they cook evenly. Arrange them by cook time: onions and carrots first, then broccoli and peppers, then snap peas.
  4. Heat the pan: Use a large skillet or wok. Add 1 tablespoon oil and heat over medium-high until shimmering.
  5. Sear the chicken: Add half the chicken in a single layer. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until just cooked through and lightly browned. Remove to a plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken, adding a splash of oil if needed.
  6. Cook the aromatics: Reduce heat slightly. Add another teaspoon of oil, then garlic and ginger. Stir 20–30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let them burn.
  7. Stir-fry the veggies: Add onions and carrots. Cook 2 minutes, stirring often. Add broccoli and bell pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes until bright and just tender. Add snap peas for the final 1–2 minutes.
  8. Combine chicken and sauce: Return chicken and any juices to the pan. Stir sauce base, then pour it in. Bring to a simmer.
  9. Thicken the sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry, then drizzle it into the pan. Toss everything until the sauce turns glossy and coats the chicken and veggies, about 1–2 minutes. If too thick, add a splash of water. If too thin, simmer another minute.
  10. Taste and finish: Adjust salt, add more soy for savory depth, or a pinch more sugar for balance. Remove from heat. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.
  11. Serve: Spoon over warm rice or noodles and enjoy right away.