Quick and Easy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe: Healthy and Delicious Weeknight Dinner

9jakitchenblog
July 23, 2025

Introducing the Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Chicken stir-fry is a delicious and vibrant dish that celebrates the essence of Asian cuisine, rooted in traditional Chinese culinary practices. Known for its quick cooking method, stir-frying gained popularity during the Han Dynasty, enabling cooks to prepare meals efficiently by using high heat in a wok. Over the years, this versatile technique has spread throughout Asia and beyond, inspiring various adaptations.

This Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe is a perfect way to enjoy a wholesome meal featuring tender chicken and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful sauce. It’s not only quick to prepare but also a great option for a healthy weeknight dinner. Let’s dive into the ingredients and cooking instructions to create this delightful dish!

Chicken stir-fry is a beloved dish that hails from Asian cuisine, particularly Chinese culinary traditions. Stir-frying as a cooking method became popular in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), where it was an efficient way to cook food quickly in a Wok using high heat. Over time, this cooking method spread throughout Asia and has been adapted across various cultures, resulting in diverse versions of stir-fry dishes, including the well-loved chicken stir-fry.

Ingridients

Here are the ingredients required to make a delicious Chicken Stir-Fry

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavour)
2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, carrots)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, minced
2 green onions, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for added flavour
Cooked rice or noodles for serving

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken, soy sauce, and cornstarch.
Mix well and let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
This step helps tenderise the chicken and enhances its flavour.

Step 2: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, you can mix additional soy sauce, oyster sauce or hoisin sauce if desired.
Set it aside.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer.
Let it sear for about 3-4 minutes without stirring, then stir-fry until fully cooked and slightly browned.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Veggies

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary, then add the minced garlic and ginger.
Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Next, add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until they are tender but still crisp.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
Add the stir-fry sauce you prepared and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Enjoy your flavorful and colourful chicken stir-fry! This dish not only represents a quick and healthy meal but also showcases the versatility and adaptability of Asian cooking techniques.

Tips for Making Delicious Chicken Stir-Fry

Choose the Right Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness and flavour, or go for breast meat for a leaner option. Cut the chicken into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
Marinate for Flavour: A quick marinade can enhance the flavour of the chicken. Use soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar, and let the mixture simmer for at least 15-30 minutes.
Prep Your Vegetables: Use a mix of colourful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots. Cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
High Heat is Key: Stir-frying is all about high heat. Use a wok or a large skillet and preheat it before adding oil. This helps to achieve that beautiful sear and retains the crunch of the vegetables.
Use the Right Oil: Choose oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or peanut oil, to prevent burning.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will lower the pan’s temperature and cause steaming instead of frying.
Add Ingredients in Stages: Start with chicken, then add heartier vegetables that take longer to cook (like carrots), followed by quicker-cooking ones (like bell peppers). Finish with delicate greens (like spinach) that only need a minute.
Sauce It Up: After the chicken and vegetables are nearly cooked, add your sauce. A classic stir-fry sauce can be made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a little cornstarch for thickness.
Don’t Forget the Garnish: Fresh herbs like cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds can add a fresh finish to your dish.
Serve with Rice or Noodles: For a complete meal, serve your stir-fry over steamed rice or toss it with cooked noodles.

Enjoy your delicious chicken stir-fry!

Health Benefits of Chicken Stir-Fry

Chicken stir-fry offers several health benefits, making it a nutritious choice for a meal:

Lean Protein Source: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function. Incorporating chicken into your diet can help maintain a healthy weight and support metabolism.
Nutrient-Rich Vegetables: Stir-frying allows you to include a variety of vegetables, which are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Ingredients like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots provide essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and fiber.
Low in Calories: When prepared with minimal oil and plenty of vegetables, stir-fry can be a low-calorie meal option. This makes it a great choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake or lose weight.
High in Fiber: The vegetables used in stir-fry contribute to dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Quick Cooking Method: Stir-frying is a fast cooking method that preserves the nutrients in the ingredients. Quick cooking at high heat reduces the time that vegetables are exposed to heat, thereby retaining more vitamins and minerals.
Customizable for Dietary Needs: Chicken stir-fry can easily be adapted to meet various dietary preferences. You can choose gluten-free soy sauce, add more vegetables, or switch to tofu for a vegetarian option.
Healthy Fats: Using healthy oils, like olive oil or sesame oil, in moderation can provide beneficial fatty acids, which are important for heart health.
Flavour Without Excess Sodium: By using a mix of fresh herbs, spices, and a small amount of low-sodium soy sauce, you can add flavour to your stir-fry without overdoing it on salt.