Quick Chicken Stir Fry
Recipe Tested & Approved by Mia Hartwell
Every recipe is developed, cooked, and tested by Mia in a real home kitchen using everyday ingredients to ensure reliable, repeatable results.
Tender chicken and crisp vegetables in a savory garlic-ginger sauce, ready in the time it takes to cook rice. A fast, healthy weeknight dinner that beats takeout.
By Mia HartwellUpdated August 24, 2025
Developed using tested cooking methods — cook to the temperatures given and adjust times to your equipment.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Takeout-style chicken stir fry in 30 minutes
- 36g of protein per serving
- Loaded with crisp vegetables
- One pan and a glossy garlic-ginger sauce
Quick Chicken Stir Fry
27 min totalServes 4
Nutrition (per serving)
Values are estimates. See our disclaimer for details.
- Calories
- 340kcal
- Protein
- 36g
- Carbs
- 22g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 4g
- Sugar
- 9g
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Whisk the soy sauce, broth, and honey together; mix the cornstarch and water separately.
- 2
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Stir-fry the chicken 4-5 minutes until browned and at 165°F (74°C). Remove.
- 3
Add the remaining oil and the broccoli; cook 3 minutes. Add the peppers and snap peas and cook 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- 4
Add the garlic and ginger and cook 30 seconds, then return the chicken.
- 5
Pour in the sauce and the cornstarch slurry and toss until glossy and thickened, about 1 minute.
- 6
Serve over rice.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Slice the chicken thinly so it cooks fast and stays tender.
- Prep everything before you start — stir-frying moves fast.
- Keep the heat high so the vegetables char and stay crisp.
- Always cook the chicken to 165°F (74°C).
Cooking from your phone or kitchen? Print this recipe or save it as a PDF to keep it handy.
How to Cook Quick Chicken Stir Fry
New to this dish? Follow along with the detailed guide below — we break down each stage so you get perfect results the very first time.
Prep everything first
Mix the sauce and slurry and cut all the vegetables and chicken before the pan heats up — stir-frying is fast and waits for no one.
Cook in stages over high heat
Sear the chicken to a safe 165°F (74°C) and set it aside, then cook the vegetables by density so they stay crisp-tender. Bloom the garlic and ginger for just 30 seconds.
Sauce and thicken
Return the chicken, add the sauce and slurry, and toss until it thickens into a glossy glaze. Serve immediately over rice while everything is crisp.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a hot skillet to keep the vegetables crisp. Store separately from the rice.
Serving Suggestions
This quick chicken stir fry pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or your favorite grain. Add a simple side of roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables?+
Yes — add them straight from frozen and cook a minute or two longer, draining excess water.
Can I use thighs?+
Yes — boneless thighs stay juicy; slice thin and cook to 165°F (74°C).
Is it good for meal prep?+
Yes — store with or without rice for up to 4 days and reheat in a skillet.
You might also like
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Tender pan-seared chicken tossed with penne in a velvety garlic-parmesan cream sauce. It comes together in about 30 minutes and tastes like the kind of pasta you'd order at a trattoria.
- Total time
- ⏱ 35 min
- Calories
- 🔥 640 cal
- Protein
- 💪 42g protein
Lemon Herb Baked Chicken
Juicy oven-baked chicken breasts in a bright lemon, garlic, and herb marinade. A reliable, healthy weeknight dinner that stays tender thanks to a quick brine-style marinade.
- Total time
- ⏱ 37 min
- Calories
- 🔥 290 cal
- Protein
- 💪 39g protein
Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet
Golden chicken thighs glazed in a sticky honey-garlic-soy sauce, all in one skillet. The sauce reduces into a glossy glaze that's equal parts sweet, savory, and garlicky.
- Total time
- ⏱ 30 min
- Calories
- 🔥 410 cal
- Protein
- 💪 33g protein
Loved this recipe? Pin it so you can find it again — and explore more easy dinners.