Unlock The Secret To Flavorful Chicken Stir Fry At Home

Chicken stir fry starts with marinating chicken in a simple mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and oil. The chicken is stir-fried with vegetables like onions and bell peppers and tossed in a rich sauce of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey. Cooked on high heat for a quick sear, this dish is both flavorful and healthy. Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

To make chicken stir fry, marinate thinly sliced chicken with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Stir-fry the chicken until golden, then set it aside. In the same pan, sauté garlic, ginger, and vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots until crisp-tender. Combine the chicken and vegetables, then add a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey. Cook until the sauce thickens, ensuring everything is coated. Serve with rice or noodles for a balanced, quick meal.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 500g boneless chicken breast or thighs (thinly sliced)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (or any oil of your choice)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional)

For the Stir Fry:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
• 1 onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 bell pepper (sliced into strips)
• 1 carrot (thinly sliced into matchsticks or rounds)
• 1 zucchini or broccoli (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
• 3-4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1-inch piece of ginger (minced)
• 2 spring onions (for garnish)

For the Stir Fry Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1 tbsp water or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (for sweetness)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp chili sauce (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:

• Thinly slice the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. The thinner the slices, the quicker they will cook.
• In a bowl, mix 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Add the chicken slices and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15-20 minutes in the fridge. This helps tenderize the meat and enhances its flavor.

2. Prepare Vegetables:

• Wash and slice all the vegetables. It’s important to cut them into even sizes for uniform cooking.
• Mince the garlic and ginger, and slice the spring onions for garnish.

3. Make the Stir Fry Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, water or chicken broth, honey or brown sugar, and sesame oil. If you like your stir-fry spicy, add chili sauce to the mix.
• Stir well until the cornstarch dissolves and the sauce is smooth.

4. Stir Fry the Chicken:

• Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Stir-fry the chicken for about 3-5 minutes, until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this could steam the chicken instead of browning it.
• Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

5. Cook the Vegetables:

• In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed.
• Add the minced garlic and ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the sliced onions, bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini (or broccoli). Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp. You want the vegetables to retain some crunch.
• Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

6. Combine Chicken and Vegetables:

• Once the vegetables are cooked, return the stir-fried chicken to the pan.
• Give the stir-fry sauce a final stir and pour it over the chicken and vegetables.
• Stir everything together, making sure the sauce coats all the ingredients. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the chicken and vegetables.

7. Finish and Garnish:

• Remove the stir fry from the heat and garnish with sliced spring onions and sesame seeds (optional).
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more soy sauce or chili sauce for extra flavor.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Stir Fry:

• Preheat the Pan/Wok: Make sure your pan or wok is hot before adding the chicken or vegetables to get that perfect sear and avoid steaming the ingredients.
• Cut Ingredients Evenly: Slice the chicken and vegetables evenly so they cook uniformly.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Stir-fry the chicken in batches if needed to avoid steaming and ensure a crispy texture.
• Vegetable Timing: Start with firmer vegetables like carrots and add softer vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve your chicken stir fry with steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. You can also pair it with a side of stir-fried bok choy or a fresh Asian-style salad.