If you’re craving a delicious, colorful, and homey meal that comes together in less than half an hour, this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chicken breasts, vibrant bell peppers, crisp broccoli, and a perfectly balanced sauce blending BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and a hint of brown sugar, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that delivers flavor, texture, and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re cooking a quick family dinner or impressing guests on a weeknight, this recipe strikes that perfect harmony of simplicity and excitement in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe? The ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each bringing something special to the dish—whether it’s the rich umami from soy sauce, the sweetness from BBQ sauce and brown sugar, or the fresh crunch and bursts of color from your veggies.
- ½ cup BBQ sauce: Adds smoky sweetness that makes the sauce pop and pairs marvelously with chicken.
- â…“ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Brings depth and saltiness while keeping your dish healthy.
- 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances savory flavors with subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the dish.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce saucy and moistens the stir fry perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: For cooking chicken and veggies without overpowering flavors.
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ – 2 lbs): The star protein, lean and easy to cook evenly.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning, but used modestly thanks to soy sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to complement the savory-sweet sauce.
- 2 bell peppers (red, orange, or yellow), chopped: Gorgeous color and a crisp, slightly sweet crunch.
- 3 cups chopped fresh broccoli: Adds earthiness and healthy green goodness with a satisfying bite.
- 1 onion, thinly sliced (yellow, white, or sweet): Brings natural sweetness and aroma that lifts the whole stir fry.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed: Offers an unmistakable punch of aroma and warmth.
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger: Provides a zesty, fresh contrast against the sweet, smoky sauce.
How to Make Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Start by combining the BBQ sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken broth in a small bowl. Whisk them together thoroughly so all those bold flavors meld beautifully into a velvety stir-fry sauce. Setting this aside while you prep everything else will save you time and keep things simple in the kitchen.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Toss your bite-sized chicken pieces in the pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook them evenly for about 4 to 5 minutes—stirring occasionally—until they’re perfectly cooked through and golden on the outside. Once done, remove the chicken and place it on a plate so it can rest while you tackle the veggies.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the chopped bell peppers, broccoli, and thinly sliced onion. Let these sauté for about 2 minutes to start softening while keeping their vibrant color and fresh crunch. After this, stir in the minced garlic and fresh grated ginger, cooking everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes to build layers of aromatic flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then pour in the prepared stir-fry sauce. Toss everything together and let it cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables reach your preferred tenderness and the sauce thickens slightly, clinging beautifully to each ingredient. This moment is when all the flavors marry into the signature taste that makes this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe so irresistible.
How to Serve Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To bring an extra pop of freshness and crunch to your dish, consider sprinkling some thinly sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top right before serving. These simple garnishes brighten the plate and add delightful texture, making every bite even more enjoyable.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Stir Fry Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice, which soak up the flavorful sauce perfectly. If you want to mix it up, try serving it over quinoa or even alongside simple garlic noodles for an inventive spin on your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, casual presentation, serve your stir fry in warmed bowls with colorful avocado slices or a wedge of lime on the side to squeeze over. You can also turn it into lettuce wraps for a hands-on dinner that’s light, refreshing, and full of flavor-packed bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, simply transfer them into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen after resting, making leftovers just as delightful as the fresh batch.
Freezing
This stir fry can be frozen, but for best results, freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables separately from the rice or other sides. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and they’ll stay good for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick meal later.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy the leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the texture of the veggies and prevent the chicken from drying out. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can revive the sauce and keep everything moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can swap or add veggies like snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, or carrots to personalize it according to what you love or have on hand.
What’s the best cut of chicken for stir frying?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work wonderfully because they cook quickly and stay tender. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier texture and richer flavor.
Is this Chicken Stir Fry Recipe gluten-free?
It can be if you choose gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your BBQ sauce doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients. Always check the labels if gluten is a concern.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
This version is mild and family-friendly. If you want to add some kick, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle some chili oil during the final cooking step.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, use vegetable broth, and swap BBQ sauce for a vegan-friendly version to keep those wonderful flavors while going plant-based.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Stir Fry Recipe truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl—easy to make, packed with flavor, and vibrant enough to lift your spirits any day of the week. I can’t recommend it enough for busy evenings when you want something both quick and comforting. Give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and watch it become a new favorite in your dinner rotation!
Print
Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This quick and flavorful Chicken Stir Fry recipe combines tender chicken breast with colorful bell peppers, fresh broccoli, and a savory homemade stir-fry sauce. Prepared in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Sauce
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- â…“ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ cup chicken broth
Main
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ – 2 lbs)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bell peppers (red, orange, or yellow), chopped
- 3 cups chopped fresh broccoli
- 1 onion, thinly sliced (yellow, white, or sweet onion)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
Instructions
- Make Sauce: Combine all the sauce ingredients—BBQ sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken broth—in a small bowl. Whisk them together with a fork until well blended and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet with sides over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken chunks to the pan, then sprinkle salt and pepper over them. Stir and cook occasionally for 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate, keeping it warm.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped bell peppers, broccoli, and sliced onion. Cook them for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring and cooking for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and vegetables start to soften.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared stir-fry sauce and cook everything together for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables reach your desired tenderness and the sauce is heated through. Serve the chicken stir fry hot over freshly cooked rice, and optionally garnish with chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar in the sauce to make it more or less sweet to taste.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter sauce.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken to ensure even cooking.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
