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๐Ÿ Home ยป Recipes ยป Chinese Recipes

Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Updated: Jul 8, 2024 ยท Published: Aug 21, 2019 by Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan ยท 21 Comments

Jump to Recipe
Time: 35 minutes mins

Our Easy Chicken Stir-fry Recipe is a basic recipe that uses pantry ingredients to make a tasty, healthy meal with tender chicken and fresh vegetables coated with a delicious sauce.

Ingredients

Chickenโ€”chicken tenders, skinless boneless breasts, or thighs
Vegetablesโ€”broccoli, celery, carrots, bell peppers
Aromaticsโ€”onion and garlic
Chicken broth
Pantry ingredientsโ€”soy sauce, ground ginger, garlic powder, corn starch, and vegetable oil

stirring the stir fry.
Jump To (scroll for more)
  • Ingredients
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณHow to Make Chicken Stir Fryโ€”Step-by-Step
  • Ingredient options and variations
  • ๐ŸฅฃWhat is Stir Fry?
  • ๐ŸดHow to serve stir fry
  • Storage of leftovers and reheating
  • โ“FAQs
  • Step-by-Step Photo Instructions
  • ๐Ÿ“–The Recipe Card with Step-by-Step Instructions
Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

Featured comment from Patty C:
"Made this tonightโ€ฆI have to rate this one a solid 5! Thanks Dr D!"

Our basic chicken stir-fry recipe is super easy and can be adjusted to what you have on hand. No need for special stir-fry sauce or other special ingredients. A quick and easy weeknight dinnerโ€”done in about 30 minutes.

Check out these other easy General Tso Chicken, Beef and Broccoli, Cashew Chicken, and Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken.

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณHow to Make Chicken Stir Fryโ€”Step-by-Step

Note: images are for a double batch.

trim and sliced chicken breast on a white board.

1. Trim and slice about 1 pound of skinless boneless chicken breast into thin slices or cubes.

pouring trimmed raw chicken into black skillet with oil.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a nonstick large skillet, or wok over medium-high heat and add the chicken when hotโ€”stir frequently.

soy sauce with ginger and garlic powder.

3. Combine soy sauce, ground ginger, and garlic powder in a small bowlโ€”mix well. For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

addomg saice tp cooked chicken.

4. After the chicken is cooked for about 5 minutes, add the soy sauce mixture and continue to cook until tender (about 6-8 minutes additional) and break it into bite-size pieces with a wooden spoon.

chopped vegetables on black board.

5, While the chicken is cooking, chop two stalks of celery, two medium carrots, and a medium onion. Prep 2 cups broccoli florets.

stirring the stir fry.

6. Add all the veggies to the pan. Add an 8 oz can of drained water chestnuts if you want. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes.

adding corn starch mixture to stir fry.

7. While the dish is cooking, whisk together 8 oz of chicken broth with 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch until dissolved. After about 5 minutes of cooking, add the chicken broth/ cornstarch mixture.

stir fry ready to serve on a spoon.

8. Stir continuously until thickened and the vegetables are tenderโ€”about 5 minutes.

For more details, keep reading. See the Recipe Card below for complete instructions and to print.

Ingredient options and variations

There are not a lot of rules about what you can put in stir fry, so it is an excellent way to use up some of your โ€œmust-goโ€ ingredients.

Chickenโ€”skinless boneless chicken breast, skinless boneless chicken thighs, or chicken tenders.

Vegetablesโ€”broccoli, celery, carrots, bell peppers, but add other vegetables like water chestnuts, snow peas, snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, frozen stir fry mix, or almost any vegetable you have on hand.

Aromaticsโ€”both onion and garlic, are needed but don't have to be fresh. If you don't have them, powder will do. I find using garlic powder works better than fresh for me to avoid that raw garlic flavor.

๐ŸฅฃWhat is Stir Fry?

Stir fry is an ancient Chinese cooking technique that uses a small amount of very hot oil in a wok to quickly cook ingredients that are added while being stirred. So, it is very similar to sauteing.

While stir-frying is an ancient Chinese technique, it has spread worldwide and has been known in the West as stir fry since the middle of the last century.

๐ŸดHow to serve stir fry

Generally, rice of some typeโ€”oven baked rice, cauliflower rice, and quinoa. And Chinese noodles and top with toasted Sesame seeds. Easy Egg Fried Rice is also a tasty companion dish.

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Storage of leftovers and reheating

Store leftovers sealed airtight and refrigerated for 4 days or frozen for 3 months. By the way, you can freeze rice.

Reheat, after thawing overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, on the stovetop, or in the microwave.

โ“FAQs

Can I add more flavors?

Optional for more flavorโ€”a dash of honey for sweetness. Toasted Sesame Oil for a more Asian tasteโ€”it is strong, so just a pinch.

Add a little tang with a touch of apple cider or rice vinegar.

Add a little heat with a pinch of crushed red peppers.

Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

This recipe is listed in these categories. See them for more similar recipes.

30-Minute Dinner Recipes, Chinese Recipes

Have you tried this recipe, or have a question? Join the community discussion in the comments.

Step-by-Step Photo Instructions

๐Ÿ“–The Recipe Card with Step-by-Step Instructions

Chicken Stir Fry in pan

Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

3 from 1 vote
From Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan
This Easy Chicken Stir-fry Recipe is a basic recipe that uses pantry ingredients to make a tasty, healthy meal with tender chicken and fresh vegetables coated with a delicious sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
Servings #/Adjustable :4 servings
Print | Pin | Email share | Like and save for later Saved!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts - cut into thin slices or cubes
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • ยฝ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 stalks celery
  • 1 bell pepper - chopped
  • 2 carrots - medium
  • 1 onion - medium
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 8 oz chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons corn starch

Options

  • Other Vegetables suggestions in the tips
  • Options for more flavor in the tips

Step-by-Step Instructions
 

  • Trim and slice about 1 pound of skinless boneless chicken breast into thin slices or cubes.
    trim and sliced chicken breast on a white board
  • Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a nonstick large skillet, or wok over medium-high heat and add the chicken when hotโ€”stir frequently.
    pouring trimmed raw chicken into black skillet with oil
  • Combine soy sauce, ground ginger, and garlic powder in a small bowlโ€”mix well. For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
    soy sauce with ginger and garlic powder
  • After the chicken is cooked for about 5 minutes, add the soy sauce mixture and continue to cook until tender (about 6-8 minutes additional) and break it into bite-size pieces with a wooden spoon.
    addomg saice tp cooked chicken
  • While the chicken is cooking, chop two stalks of celery, two medium carrots, and a medium onion. Prep 2 cups broccoli florets.
    chopped vegetables on black board
  • Add all the veggies you are using to the pan. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes.
    stirring the stir fry
  • While the dish is cooking, whisk together 8 oz of chicken broth with 2-3 tablespoons of cornstarch until dissolved. After about 5 minutes of cooking, add the chicken broth/ cornstarch mixture and stir continuously until thickened and the vegetables are tenderโ€”about 5 minutes.
    adding corn starch mixture to stir fry

Recipe Notes

Pro Tips:

  1. This is just a basic recipe to get you started. Add or subtract what you want.
  2. I used skinless boneless chicken breast, but thighs would work well. Also, change it out for different meat or fish. Add a bit more or less. Skip the meat if you want.
  3. All amounts of meat and veggies are just for reference. Adjust to what you have or want.
  4. Two cups of broccoli is about a medium head of broccoli.
  5. Other Vegetablesโ€”water chestnuts, snow peas, snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, frozen stir fry mix. Or almost any vegetable you have on hand.
  6. Optional for more flavorโ€”a dash of honey for sweetness. Toasted Sesame Oil for a more Asian tasteโ€”it is strong, so just a pinch. Some crushed red pepper for some heat.
  7. Good in the refrigerator for a few days. But due to the corn starch, the texture will be a bit different, and I do not suggest freezing.

Your Own Private Notes

Click here to save your own private notes only you will see. These will print and be saved for your next visit.

To adjust the recipe size:

You can adjust the number of servings above; however, only the amount in the ingredient list is adjusted, not the instructions.

Nutrition Estimate (may vary)

Calories : 239 kcal (12%)Carbohydrates : 15 g (5%)Protein : 27 g (54%)Fat : 9 g (14%)Saturated Fat : 1 g (5%)Polyunsaturated Fat : 1 gMonounsaturated Fat : 5 gCholesterol : 72 mg (24%)Sodium : 619 mg (26%)Potassium : 267 mg (8%)Fiber : 3 g (12%)Sugar : 4 g (4%)Vitamin A : 5250 IU (105%)Vitamin C : 26.4 mg (32%)Calcium : 40 mg (4%)Iron : 0.2 mg (1%)

The recipe is based on one from Allrecipes. I did simplify and used chicken broth to replace some water and bouillon.

Editor's Note: Originally published December 17, 2011. Updated with expanded options, refreshed photos, and a table of contents to help navigation.

Molly and Lilly standing in a yard.

More Chinese Recipes

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    General Tso Chicken Recipe
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  1. Harry Nimmergut says

    September 15, 2022 at 10:14 am

    3 stars
    We just moved and our food processor is among a hundred boxes. I had all of the ingredients at hand, however, substituting snow peas for the broccoli. Prep time took an hour, not 10 minutes. It definitely needed double the soy sauce and ginger paste, for 1.25 pounds of chicken tenders, cut up. I should have added some minced garlic. I served it on white, sticky rice. My biggest issue was the lack of liquid for the rice to absorb. Maybe 1/2 the cornstarch? It had great flavor but the consistency left something to be desired. Almost gelatinous. Too fussy for what I was looking for, considering our situation. Not quick&easy.

    Reply
  2. Marcy says

    April 02, 2020 at 7:11 pm

    Dr. Dan, what happened to your stir fry broccoli recipe! I canโ€™t find it anywhere. Help. Thanks

    Reply
    • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

      April 03, 2020 at 11:17 am

      Hi Marcy,

      I have never had a broccoli stir fry recipe on the site.

      Dan

  3. Sb says

    June 19, 2019 at 9:32 pm

    This is a keeper. Love the way the soy sauce mixture flavored the meat, though I did precut the chicken instead of breaking it up in the pan. I also added a scrambled egg, fish sauce and sesame oil. I plan to try a beef version of this.

    Reply
  4. Anner says

    January 03, 2017 at 7:28 pm

    Awesome, easy recipe! Doubled it for my family and they loved it! Liked that all ingredients were already in the cupboard, no time to speclalty shop after work!

    Reply
  5. Katie says

    September 07, 2015 at 9:16 pm

    This is an old post but I just wanted to say that this is one of my family's favorites! Since finding the recipe I've made it countless times. The only things I change up is adding more soy sauce and we usually do the frozen stir fry mix. I'm not a cook at all so this really has helped me with an easy fix for dinner! Thank you!

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      September 07, 2015 at 9:24 pm

      I leave all my older posts open for comments so readers can still contribute and ask questions. It helps everybody.

      Thanks for the note
      DrDan

  6. Rebecca says

    May 14, 2014 at 1:55 am

    Looking forward to trying this soon!

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      May 16, 2014 at 7:31 pm

      Thanks for the comment
      DrDan

  7. maribel gomez says

    May 13, 2014 at 10:22 am

    This looks delicious. I'm going to try this. I hope it taste as it looks. I like trying different variety of recipes. Thank you

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      May 13, 2014 at 7:44 pm

      Thanks for the note. I like the taste and many have told me this is a favorite.
      Hope it works well for you.
      DrDan

    • maribel gomez says

      May 14, 2014 at 10:02 am

      Thank you, I loved it but family always a critic. They said a little tad bit on the ginger but, their going for leftovers today. Yeah for me. Definitely do over for my house. Thanks

    • DrDan says

      May 16, 2014 at 7:34 pm

      My wife is not a ginger person so I leave it out sometimes or at least cut it in half. But the recipe lacks a little Chinese taste without it.
      Thanks for the note
      DrDan

  8. Melissa McKinney says

    August 28, 2013 at 6:35 am

    Made this last night and was delicious, also added snow peas, green pepper and onions. Will for sure make again and again!

    Reply
    • Dan Mikesell says

      August 28, 2013 at 6:46 pm

      The additions sound great. I just used what I had on hand at the time but the variety of what you could add is endless.

  9. Allen Harris says

    July 15, 2013 at 3:33 am

    This looks very tasty! I love how you've mixed the ingredients! I would like to cook this so that I can taste this interesting recipe. Anyway, thank you for sharing!

    Easy Stir Fry

    Reply
  10. Dan Mikesell says

    March 25, 2013 at 7:15 pm

    Thanks. I like cooking with fewer ingredients like this. It gets down to the soy, garlic and ginger which is what my "American" taste wants. It is not "weekly" just because I have so many other things I love and I tend to make General Tso Chicken when I want Chinese.

    Reply
  11. Saryna says

    March 22, 2013 at 1:14 am

    This is amazing and absolutely delicious! Im usually not a huge fan of soy sauce, but because of the ginger it makes it the perfect and I ended up adding more then recommended because I love a good sauce. I know it says up there that this isnt something that would be put into a weekly rotation, but it will be for me because its that good. I love that I can add more veggies to it as well so it an easy, quick and yummy way for me to use up my veggies at the end of the week. Again, this dish is simply amazing and extremely delicious. I highly recommend it!

    Reply
  12. Try It With Carmella says

    January 16, 2013 at 5:11 pm

    i'm just serving it over rice!

    Reply
  13. Try It With Carmella says

    January 16, 2013 at 5:10 pm

    doing this right now and it looks great! thanks

    Reply
  14. Unknown says

    July 02, 2012 at 2:51 pm

    I made this yesterday because I had a spare bag of stir fry veggies that was about to go to waste. It was darn tasty! The only thing I was missing was the ginger and I could definitely feel it missing, but still, it was very, very good. Very easy to make, very simple, very tasty. I'll cut down on the soy sauce just a wee bit though, maybe by a tsp or two. Thanks for the recipe!! I'll be making it again today for my whole family.

    Reply

DrDan imageHi, I'm DrDan.
Welcome to 101 Cooking for Two, the home of great everyday recipes with easy step-by-step photo instructions.
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