How to Make Chicken Stir-Fry: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Dinner

Chicken stir-fry is a weeknight staple for a reason. It’s quick, easy, and always satisfies. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in the fridge. But sometimes, even the simplest dishes can feel a little intimidating. What’s the secret to tender chicken? How do you get that perfect sear? Don’t worry, I’m here to show you How To Make Chicken Stir-fry like a pro, even if you’re a complete beginner!

Your Guide to the Perfect Chicken Stir-Fry

Growing up in a family where the sizzle of a wok was the soundtrack to countless evenings, I’ve learned a thing or two about the magic of stir-frying. It’s not just a cooking method; it’s an art form that transforms humble ingredients into a symphony of flavors and textures. And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, switch up the sauces, and even add noodles or rice for a complete meal.

Today, I’m sharing my family’s go-to chicken stir-fry recipe. It’s the one I come back to time and time again because it’s simply delicious, and it never fails to impress.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful chicken stir-fry:

• For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

• For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup snow peas
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, minced

• For the Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Chicken: You can use chicken breast if you prefer, but keep in mind that it tends to dry out faster than thighs. If using chicken breast, velveting the chicken (marinating it in a mixture of cornstarch, egg white, and seasonings) can help keep it juicy.
• Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, and bok choy are all great additions.
• Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preference. For a milder flavor, simply omit them.

Essential Tools

• Wok or Large Skillet: A wok’s sloped sides and large surface area make it ideal for stir-frying, but a large skillet will work just as well.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For prepping your ingredients efficiently.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple for the chicken marinade and the sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and tossing the ingredients.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Marinate the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients for the chicken marinade. Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes.

Prepare the Vegetables and Sauce

2. While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Chop them into bite-sized pieces, keeping in mind that they should cook at roughly the same rate.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.

Time to Stir-Fry!

4. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.
5. Add the broccoli, carrots, and onions to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften. Add the snow peas, garlic, and ginger and stir-fry for another minute, or until fragrant.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Pour in the sauce and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables, about 1-2 minutes.

Chicken Stir-Fry in Wok

Serving and Enjoying Your Chicken Stir-Fry

Serve your chicken stir-fry immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Tips for the Best Chicken Stir-Fry

• High Heat is Key: Stir-frying requires high heat for quick and even cooking. This helps to sear the chicken and vegetables, preserving their flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: Overcrowding the wok can lower the temperature and cause your ingredients to steam rather than stir-fry, resulting in a soggy dish.
• Prep Everything in Advance: Stir-frying is all about speed. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process much smoother.
• Make it Your Own: This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch.

FAQs About Chicken Stir-Fry

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but make sure they are thawed and patted dry before adding them to the wok. Frozen vegetables tend to release more moisture, which can affect the texture of your stir-fry.

How do I store leftover chicken stir-fry?

Let the stir-fry cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze chicken stir-fry?

It’s best to enjoy chicken stir-fry fresh, as freezing can affect the texture of the vegetables.

Serving Chicken Stir-Fry

Explore More Stir-Fry Delights

Want to explore a world of flavors? Check out these other delicious stir-fry recipes on Family Cuisine:

• Craving a sweet and tangy twist? Dive into our Orange Chicken Stir-Fry.
• For a spicy and savory adventure, try our General Tso’s Chicken Stir-Fry.

Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge to the test. Head to the kitchen and whip up this easy and flavorful chicken stir-fry. Your taste buds will thank you! Don’t forget to share your culinary masterpiece with us in the comments below. We love to see your creations!