Easy Meals: Chicken Stir Fry in 20 Minutes
By Tiffany Williams –
A homemade stir fry is one of the quickest ways to put a fresh, flavorful dinner on the table. Packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a savory homemade sauce, this 20-minute chicken stir fry is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthier than takeout without spending hours in the kitchen.
One of the best things about stir fry is its versatility. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, adjust the seasonings to your taste, and serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal. With everything cooking in one skillet or wok, cleanup is just as easy as the preparation.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, chicken broth, sesame oil, and black pepper. Set the sauce aside.
Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for five to six minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in the onions, carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers. Stir fry for four to five minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Add the garlic and ginger, if using, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring constantly for two to three minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats everything.
Remove from the heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This stir fry pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed white rice
- Brown rice
- Fried rice
- Lo mein noodles
- Rice noodles
- Cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate option
- Egg rolls or spring rolls
Optional Add-Ins
Customize your stir fry with additional ingredients such as:
- Snow peas
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini
- Baby corn
- Water chestnuts
- Snap peas
- Bok choy
- Cashews or peanuts
- Crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat
Cooking With Tiffany Tip
The key to a great stir fry is having everything prepared before you turn on the stove. Slice your vegetables, cut your chicken, and mix the sauce ahead of time because the cooking process moves quickly. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cooking over medium-high heat allows the chicken to brown nicely while keeping the vegetables crisp and full of flavor instead of becoming soft and watery.
Final Thoughts
This 20-Minute Chicken Stir Fry is a fast, fresh, and satisfying meal that proves homemade dinners can be both easy and delicious. It’s loaded with lean protein, colorful vegetables, and a savory sauce that rivals your favorite takeout.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing lunches for the week, this recipe is a dependable addition to your meal rotation. With just one pan, simple ingredients, and less than half an hour, you’ll have a wholesome meal that’s full of flavor and ready to enjoy.
