This easy chicken stir fry recipe is perfect for busy weekdays, meal prep, and healthy family dinners in the U.S. It uses simple ingredients that are easily available in American grocery stores and does not require any special cooking skills. The dish is light, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.
- What Is Chicken Stir Fry
- Why This Chicken Stir Fry Recipe Is Perfect for U.S. Homes
- Ingredients Required for Chicken Stir Fry
- Preparation Before Cooking
- Step-by-Step Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- Step 3: Add Sauce and Chicken
- Step 4: Final Touch
- Total Cooking Time
- Serving Suggestions
- Healthy Variations You Can Try
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage and Meal Prep Tips
- Why This Recipe Is Beginner Friendly
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
What Is Chicken Stir Fry
Chicken stir fry is a quick cooking method where chicken and vegetables are cooked on high heat with a small amount of oil and sauce. It is popular in the U.S. because it is fast, flexible, and healthy.
You can serve it with rice, noodles, or even enjoy it on its own for a low-carb meal.
Why This Chicken Stir Fry Recipe Is Perfect for U.S. Homes
This recipe uses basic pantry items like soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, and common vegetables. It is customizable, kid-friendly, and great for people who want healthy homemade food without spending too much time in the kitchen.
It is also ideal for meal prep and works well for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients Required for Chicken Stir Fry
Below is a clear table with exact measurements.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breast | 1 lb (450 g) | Cut into thin strips |
| Bell peppers | 2 medium | Any color |
| Broccoli florets | 1 cup | Fresh preferred |
| Carrot | 1 medium | Thinly sliced |
| Onion | 1 medium | Sliced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Soy sauce | 3 tablespoons | Low sodium recommended |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Or vegetable oil |
| Cornstarch | 1 teaspoon | Optional, for thickness |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | |
| Salt | As needed | Adjust carefully |
| Water | ¼ cup | For sauce |
| Sesame seeds | 1 teaspoon | Optional garnish |
Preparation Before Cooking
Preparing everything first makes stir fry easy and fast.
Preparation Table
| Step | Time | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Cut chicken | 5 minutes | Thin strips |
| Chop vegetables | 10 minutes | Even size |
| Mix sauce | 2 minutes | Soy sauce + water |
Step-by-Step Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or pan on medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook until they turn white and slightly golden. Remove chicken and keep aside.
Chicken Cooking Table
| Action | Flame | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cook chicken | Medium-high | 5–6 minutes |
Do not overcook, or the chicken may become dry.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan, add remaining oil. Add garlic and sauté briefly. Add onion, carrot, broccoli, and bell peppers. Stir fry until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Vegetable Cooking Table
| Vegetable | Time | Flame |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic | 30 seconds | Medium |
| Mixed vegetables | 4–5 minutes | Medium-high |
Step 3: Add Sauce and Chicken
Add cooked chicken back to the pan. Pour in soy sauce and water. Sprinkle black pepper and adjust salt. If using cornstarch, mix it with a little water and add now.
Stir well and cook until the sauce lightly coats everything.
Sauce Cooking Table
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Simmer | 2–3 minutes |
Step 4: Final Touch
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds if using. Let it rest for one minute before serving.
Final Step Table
| Action | Time |
|---|---|
| Rest | 1 minute |
Total Cooking Time
| Process | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 15 minutes |
| Cooking | 12–15 minutes |
| Total | 30 minutes |
Serving Suggestions
Chicken stir fry tastes great with steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or enjoy it as is.
It also pairs well with a simple side salad.
Healthy Variations You Can Try
You can easily customize this recipe.
| Variation | Change |
|---|---|
| Low sodium | Use low-sodium soy sauce |
| Spicy | Add chili flakes |
| Extra protein | Add mushrooms |
| Kid-friendly | Skip pepper and spices |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking on low heat can make vegetables soggy. Always use medium-high heat. Adding too much sauce can make stir fry watery. Also, overcrowding the pan can prevent proper cooking.
Cook in batches if needed.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Chicken stir fry is great for leftovers.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer | Up to 1 month |
Reheat on a pan or microwave until hot.
Why This Recipe Is Beginner Friendly
This recipe uses simple steps, short cooking time, and common U.S. ingredients. Tables clearly explain how long to cook and what to add at each stage, making it easy for anyone to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and stay juicy.
Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?
Yes, you can use coconut aminos or light seasoning.
Is chicken stir fry healthy?
Yes, it is high in protein and vegetables with low oil.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it is perfect for meal prep.
Can I add frozen vegetables?
Yes, but thaw them first to avoid extra water.
Final Thoughts
This easy chicken stir fry recipe is a perfect example of quick, healthy, and U.S.-friendly home cooking. It fits busy schedules, supports healthy eating, and delivers great taste without complexity.
For more simple, tested, and beginner-friendly recipes, visit myfirstrecipe.com and make everyday cooking easy and enjoyable.
