This chicken stir-fry is my ultimate go-to for a quick, balanced, and delicious dinner. Tender chicken breast pieces are tossed with colorful vegetables and a perfectly balanced savory-sweet stir-fry sauce. It’s a wholesome, flavorful meal that comes together in just 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
🥢 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stir-Fry
If you love simple, one-pan dinners that don’t skimp on flavor, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s flexible, fast, and oh-so-satisfying!
Here’s why it stands out:
- Ready in 30 minutes: The longest part is chopping your veggies — the actual stir-fry takes minutes.
- Perfect balance of protein and veggies: Loaded with tender chicken and a rainbow of crisp vegetables.
- The best homemade stir-fry sauce: Sweet, savory, and slightly tangy — better than takeout!
- Totally customizable: Use whatever veggies you have in the fridge — from broccoli and bell peppers to zucchini, mushrooms, or snow peas.
🥕 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce (or coconut aminos for soy-free)
- 1 tbsp dry sherry (optional but adds great flavor)
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tbsp avocado or vegetable oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
- 1 small carrot, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Optional Garnish:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, sliced
🍛 How to Make Chicken Stir-Fry
1. Make the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, dry sherry, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Set aside — this will be your flavorful finishing touch.
2. Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the bell pepper, onion, carrot, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp — you want them vibrant and slightly crunchy.
4. Combine and Stir-Fry
Return the chicken to the pan, add the garlic and ginger, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the prepared sauce, stirring constantly as it thickens and coats everything evenly.
5. Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over white or brown rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
🔥 Tips for the Best Chicken Stir-Fry
- Cook the chicken and veggies separately: This ensures everything gets perfectly cooked without steaming.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables: Keep them slightly crisp for the best texture.
- Let the sauce simmer briefly: This activates the cornstarch and gives the sauce a glossy, thick consistency.
- Use fresh aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger make all the difference in flavor.
- Make it your own: Add other veggies like mushrooms, snow peas, or zucchini — or swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp.
🍚 Serving Ideas
This chicken stir-fry is perfect on its own but even better served over:
- Steamed jasmine or brown rice
- Quinoa or rice noodles
- Cauliflower rice for a lighter meal
Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chili flakes for extra flavor and crunch!
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- To Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and make sure your other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely. Thighs add extra juiciness and are more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
🌟 Why This Recipe Works
This chicken stir-fry is the perfect combination of quick cooking, bold flavors, and healthy ingredients. The chicken stays juicy, the vegetables stay crisp, and the sauce ties it all together with that irresistible glossy finish.