Simple Chicken Stir-Fry
A quick, flavorful chicken stir-fry featuring crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and savory sauce, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or casual lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 tsp cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 c boneless chicken pieces (3/4-inch) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 to 3 c chopped fresh vegetables (onions, green and red peppers, pea pods, broccoli, etc.) ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 c La Choy duck sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp chicken broth or water ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp ginger root ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine soy sauce and cornstarch; mix well.
- Add chicken pieces to the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet.
- Add chicken mixture to the wok and stir-fry until chicken is no longer pink, possibly cooking in small batches.
- Remove cooked chicken from the wok and set aside.
- Heat remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil in the wok.
- Add chopped vegetables, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the wok.
- Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender and hot.
- Return chicken to the wok, add duck sauce and chicken broth or water.
- Stir well and heat thoroughly, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot over noodles or rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a balanced meal, incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. If you don't have duck sauce, a mix of hoisin and sweet chili sauce can be a great substitute. For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the soy sauce mixture for 15-30 minutes before cooking. This recipe is also versatile; feel free to experiment with different proteins or tofu to suit your preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken stir-fry hot over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. This dish pairs well with a side of Chicken Egg Drop Soup (Stracciatella Zuppa) for a comforting touch. You can also garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an added crunch and visual appeal, enhancing your dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Stir frequently until heated through. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the chicken and vegetables soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simple Chicken Stir-Fry contains roughly 503 calories, with 4g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 625mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables for this stir-fry?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used, but it's best to thaw them and pat them dry before stir-frying to prevent excess moisture. Cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly since frozen veggies might take longer to heat through. Fresh vegetables, however, usually provide a better texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for soy sauce if I need a gluten-free option?
You can use tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, or coconut aminos for a soy-free option. Both will provide a similar salty flavor to your stir-fry without the gluten, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your stir-fry, consider incorporating sliced fresh chili peppers, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. You can also serve it with a spicy dipping sauce on the side to cater to individual spice preferences.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).