For those who love a delicious and healthy meal that does not take all evening to prepare, a homemade stir-fry can be an ideal solution. This particular chicken stir-fry recipe, demonstrated in the video above, is designed to be both simple and packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for any busy weeknight. It delivers a wonderful balance of juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet garlic-ginger soy sauce, all coming together in just about 30 minutes. Furthermore, its flexibility with ingredients and suitability for meal prep means it can easily become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Crafting Your Perfect Chicken Stir-Fry Sauce
The foundation of any great stir-fry often lies in its sauce, and this recipe provides a simple yet incredibly flavorful one. A blend of a quarter cup of chicken broth and a quarter cup of gluten-free tamari soy sauce forms the liquid base. For individuals seeking a soy-free alternative, coconut aminos can be readily substituted, providing a similar umami depth. This ensures that the stir-fry remains accessible to various dietary needs.
Sweetness is introduced through one tablespoon of honey, a natural option that balances the savory elements. Additionally, one teaspoon of sesame oil and one teaspoon of rice vinegar are included, contributing to the distinct aromatic and tangy notes characteristic of many Asian-inspired dishes. A special optional ingredient, one tablespoon of dry sherry, is suggested as a gluten-free substitute for traditional Shaoxing wine, enhancing the overall flavor profile significantly. It is important to note that sherry cooking wine should be used, not sherry vinegar, to achieve the desired taste.
To ensure the sauce achieves the perfect consistency, one tablespoon of arrowroot powder is incorporated. Arrowroot powder is often preferred over cornstarch for its ability to thicken sauces smoothly and provide a glossy finish. This ingredient is whisked in with the other liquids, and it plays a crucial role in creating that luscious, clinging sauce that coats every piece of chicken and vegetable during cooking. Once mixed, the sauce can simply be set aside, ready to be added when the stir-fry is almost complete.
Essential Ingredients for a Delicious Chicken Stir-Fry
A vibrant healthy chicken stir-fry is usually packed with an array of fresh vegetables, and this recipe is no exception. It starts with one red bell pepper, which is prepared by removing the top, bottom, and inner membrane before being sliced into thin strips. A helpful tip for slicing bell peppers involves flattening the pieces and cutting from the inside face up, as this can make the process much easier and yield neater strips. These colorful peppers not only add a touch of sweetness but also provide essential vitamins and a pleasing crunch to the dish.
Next, one small to medium-sized carrot is prepared, which can be julienned into thin strips or simply sliced thinly. Slicing carrots on a slight diagonal can add a touch of elegance to the presentation, though straight slices work just as well. Carrots contribute a natural sweetness and vibrant color, along with beneficial nutrients. For the green component, about two cups of broccoli florets are recommended. These are cut into smaller, bite-sized pieces from the main stem, ensuring they are easier to eat and cook evenly within the stir-fry. Leftover broccoli can even be quickly sautéed for other meals, minimizing food waste.
The aromatic base of the stir-fry is enhanced by one small onion, which is peeled, halved, and then sliced into thin pieces. Onions are known for adding a foundational layer of flavor to many recipes. To further boost the aromatics and overall taste, one tablespoon of finely grated fresh ginger is included. A microplane grater is effective for achieving a very fine texture, though the small holes of a box grater can also be used. While fresh ginger is always preferred for its vibrant zing, one teaspoon of dried ginger can be substituted for every tablespoon of fresh ginger if needed. Finally, four garlic cloves are minced and added alongside the ginger. The quantity of garlic can always be adjusted to suit personal taste preferences, but four cloves typically provide a robust flavor that complements the other ingredients.
For the primary protein, one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast is utilized, though boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used if preferred. This amount typically equates to two medium chicken breasts. The chicken is sliced and diced into approximately one-inch cubes. Maintaining a similar size for all the chicken pieces is important, as it ensures even cooking. This attention to detail prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others become overcooked, guaranteeing a consistently tender texture in every bite. Once prepared, the chicken is placed in a separate bowl, ready for cooking.
Mastering the Chicken Stir-Fry Cooking Process
Timing can be a key element for a seamless meal preparation, so it is often suggested that any accompanying rice be started before beginning the stir-fry. This allows the rice to finish cooking around the same time as the stir-fry itself, ensuring a fresh, hot meal. Once the rice is underway, the focus can shift entirely to the quick cooking of the stir-fry, keeping the entire process efficient and within the 30-minute goal for this easy chicken stir-fry.
The cooking process begins by adding a splash of oil, such as avocado oil, to a pan heated to medium-high. Once the oil has coated the bottom of the pan, the cubed chicken is added. It is best practice to arrange the chicken in a single, flat layer across the pan. This allows for optimal browning and seasoning with salt and pepper. The chicken is allowed to cook undisturbed until a light browning occurs on the bottom. If a stainless steel pan is used, the chicken should release easily once it has browned sufficiently; if it sticks, a little more cooking time will typically resolve this.
After initial browning, the chicken is stirred and cooked for an additional four to five minutes, until all sides are lightly browned and it is almost cooked through. At this point, the chicken is transferred to a plate, leaving any flavorful juices in the pan. If necessary, another splash of oil can be added to the pan. Then, the prepared bell pepper, carrot, broccoli, and onion are added all at once. These vegetables are cooked and stirred for about three to four minutes, reaching a crisp-tender consistency that retains some bite and freshness.
Once the vegetables are cooked to perfection, the chicken is returned to the pan, along with the minced ginger and garlic. This combination is stirred for about 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Finally, the prepared stir-fry sauce is poured in. A quick stir of the sauce before pouring it in is recommended to ensure that the arrowroot powder has not settled at the bottom of the bowl. The sauce will naturally thicken after stirring it with the chicken and vegetables for approximately one minute. During this time, it is beneficial to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as these contribute significantly to the dish’s rich flavor profile. Once the sauce has thickened and coated everything, the chicken stir-fry is complete, presenting juicy chicken and tender veggies in a super flavorful sauce.
The finished chicken stir-fry can be served immediately. A classic presentation involves fluffing up white rice and adding a portion to a plate, then topping it with generous spoonfuls of the stir-fry. For those who prefer a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice or even zucchini noodles can be used as the base. A final touch of garnish, such as a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a small handful of thinly sliced green onion, not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the flavor. This meal also stores well, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep throughout the week.
