Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Looking for a quick and easy chicken stir fry recipe? This Chicken Stir Fry is a flavorful, healthy dish packed with tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, and carrots, and a delicious homemade stir fry sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner for anyone craving a wholesome meal. With cashews for extra crunch and a savory-sweet sauce made from soy sauce, honey, and ginger, this stir fry will satisfy your taste buds. Plus, it’s customizable for different dietary needs like gluten-free or vegetarian by simply swapping ingredients. Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete meal your whole family will love. Try this easy stir fry recipe today!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Stir Fry:

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 zucchini, sliced or cubed
• 2 tablespoons oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 small carrot, julienned or cubed
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, cubed
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1/2 onion, cubed
• 1/2 cup cashews

For the Stir Fry Sauce:

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or gluten-free soy sauce)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Trim the excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Chop the vegetables into evenly sized pieces, similar in size to the chicken.
2. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the stir fry sauce: chicken broth, water, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch. Set the sauce aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook the chicken until browned on all sides, stirring as needed. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and the butter. Add the broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, red bell pepper, onion, and carrots. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the minced garlic and ginger, then cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
6. Add the cashews and pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.
7. Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Stir Fry is packed with flavor, color, and nutrition. The tender chicken is perfectly complemented by crisp vegetables and crunchy cashews. The homemade stir fry sauce is a delicious blend of savory soy sauce, honey sweetness, and a hint of ginger. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a balance of protein, veggies, and healthy fats.

Tips

• Even Cooking: To ensure even cooking, make sure the chicken is cut into uniform pieces and the vegetables are roughly the same size.
• Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the cornstarch or let the sauce simmer for a little longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
• For Extra Flavor: Add a drizzle of sesame oil at the end for extra richness and depth.
• Meal Prep: This stir fry is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian stir fry. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess water.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) to make this dish gluten-free.
• Vegetables: Swap or add other vegetables like snap peas, baby corn, or bok choy for extra variety.
• Spicy: For a kick of heat, add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or finely chopped jalapeños to the stir fry.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, chicken breast works well in this recipe, but it may be less juicy than chicken thighs. If using breast, consider marinating it for extra flavor and moisture.

Can I make this dish in advance? Yes! You can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Simply cook the stir fry when you’re ready to serve, and add the sauce at the end.

Can I freeze leftovers? Stir fry can be frozen, but the texture of the vegetables may change once thawed. Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Chicken Stir Fry over steamed rice, brown rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
• For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or a mix of leafy greens like spinach or kale.
• Pair with a simple side salad or egg rolls to round out the meal.