There is nothing quite like a homemade stir fry that comes together quickly, tastes vibrant, and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. This 20 Minute Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is a shining example of just that: a perfect harmony of tender chicken strips, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. Whether you’re rushing home after work or just craving something wholesome and flavorful, this recipe delivers an easy yet satisfying meal that feels as good as it tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t underestimate the power of simple, fresh ingredients; each one in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating a balanced medley of textures and flavors. From savory soy sauce for depth to crisp vegetables for crunch and color, these essentials ensure your stir fry is anything but ordinary.
- Soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami-rich base that ties the dish together wonderfully.
- Sesame oil: Adds a subtle nutty aroma that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Ground ginger: Imparts warm, gentle spice that brightens the sauce.
- Sugar: Balances the saltiness with a slight sweetness, rounding out the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce quickly for a glossy, clingy finish.
- Chicken breast: Cut into strips, it cooks fast and stays tender throughout.
- Carrots: Sliced into matchsticks for a sweet crunch that adds vibrant orange pops.
- Broccoli florets: Provide hearty texture and a fresh, green burst.
- Red bell pepper: Contributes color and sweetness for visual appeal and flavor contrast.
- Fresh spinach: Wilts down to a tender green layer, enriching the dish with nutrients and softness.
- Lemon juice (optional garnish): Lifts flavors with a hint of brightness right before serving.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Add a crunchy, toasty finish that’s so satisfying.
- Rice (to serve): Complements the stir fry perfectly, soaking up the delicious sauce.
How to Make 20 Minute Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Begin by mixing the soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, sugar, and cornstarch in a small bowl until well combined. This simple yet flavorful sauce is the heart of the dish, providing that irresistible glaze to the chicken and veggies. If you want to save time later, you can prepare this sauce ahead of time and just give it a good shake before cooking.
Step 2: Chop Your Veggies
Getting your vegetables ready might be the most important prep step for a stir fry. Cut the carrots into matchsticks so they cook evenly but retain a nice crunch. Chop the broccoli into small florets to ensure they cook through without getting mushy. Slice the red bell pepper into strips, adding a sweet and colorful element. Trust me, prepped veggies totally make the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a lightly greased large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your chicken strips, cooking them for about 3 to 4 minutes until the outside is no longer pink. This quick sear locks in moisture and sets the stage for perfectly tender chicken pieces that soak up the sauce later.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables
Once the chicken has started cooking, toss in the carrots, broccoli, and red pepper. Stir fry these vibrant veggies for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring consistently so they soften just right but still retain a delightful crunch. Watching those colors pop while the aromas fill your kitchen is pure comfort food magic.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Sauce
Now it’s time for the fresh spinach and the sauce to join the party. Add both to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir fry for about 5 minutes until the spinach has wilted down and the sauce thickens, coating every ingredient in a glossy sheen. The spinach adds an earthy softness that perfectly balances the dish’s texture.
Step 6: Final Touches
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in a teaspoon or two of lemon juice if you like a bit of brightness in your stir fry. Serve your beautiful chicken and veggie medley over fluffy rice, then garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for that final touch of crunch and flavor. This step truly elevates the dish from simple to spectacular.
How to Serve 20 Minute Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can make all the difference, and in this stir fry, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of sesame seeds are low-effort yet impressive options. Lemon juice brightens and lifts the dish, while sesame seeds add visual appeal and a subtle nuttiness that keeps you nibbling for more.
Side Dishes
This stir fry stands out beautifully when served over plain or jasmine rice, which soaks up every drop of the luscious sauce. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try it alongside quinoa or even cauliflower rice for a lighter, grain-free option that’s just as satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir fry in lettuce cups for a fresh hand-held treat, or pile it into warmed tortillas for an Asian-inspired wrap. Another winner is plating the stir fry atop a bed of noodles, like soba or rice noodles, to give it a hearty, comforting spin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken stir fry in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for ready-made lunches or quick dinners during the week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover stir fry, but the texture of some vegetables like bell peppers may change slightly. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the veggies, or use vegetables that freeze well, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Avoid microwaving for better texture and flavor retention.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat and tend to stay juicy, which works wonderfully in this stir fry. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, making sure they’re cooked through but still tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, so if you need a gluten-free option, look for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free and safe to use.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based protein. Use a vegetarian-friendly soy sauce and skip the optional lemon juice if you want to keep things perfectly pure.
What vegetables can I substitute or add?
Feel free to customize with what you have! Snow peas, snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn all make great additions or substitutes. Just keep similar cooking times in mind so everything finishes perfectly.
How spicy is this stir fry?
This particular recipe is mild and friendly for all tastes. If you crave heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or toss in some sliced fresh chili peppers during the vegetable stir fry step for a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a fast, flavorful, and foolproof meal, this 20 Minute Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is destined to become a go-to in your kitchen. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a colorful, nutrient-packed dinner without hours of prep or cooking. Give it a try and discover how easy and rewarding quick homemade meals can be!
Print
20 Minute Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This quick and flavorful 20 Minute Chicken Stir Fry recipe combines tender strips of chicken breast with fresh vegetables like carrots, broccoli, bell pepper, and spinach, all coated in a savory soy-ginger sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and serves four, with options to garnish with lemon juice and sesame seeds, served over rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into stir fry strips
- 2 large carrots
- 1 head broccoli, or about 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1–2 cups fresh spinach (about a large handful or two)
Garnishes
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir thoroughly until smooth. For convenience, you can prepare the sauce ahead by mixing all ingredients in a jar and refrigerating, shaking well before use.
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and cut the carrots into matchsticks, break the broccoli into small florets, and slice the red bell pepper into strips. Set aside the fresh spinach to add later.
- Cook the chicken: Lightly grease a large skillet or wok and heat over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the outside is no longer pink and the chicken is partially cooked.
- Stir fry the veggies: Add the carrots, broccoli florets, and bell pepper strips to the skillet with the chicken. Continue stir frying for 5-8 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain some crunch.
- Add spinach and sauce: Incorporate the fresh spinach leaves and pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Reduce heat to medium-low, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens to a glossy coating.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Optionally, stir in 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Serve the stir fry hot over steamed rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds as garnish for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast with thigh meat for juicier texture, adjusting cooking time slightly.
- Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preference—snap peas or mushrooms work great.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content for a healthier option.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a skillet or microwave.
