Nothing beats a quick, vibrant dish full of flavor and color like this Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. It’s packed with fresh veggies and tender chicken, and the sauce ties everything together in a way that makes your kitchen smell irresistible.

A black cast iron pan filled with a colorful stir-fry sits on a white marbled surface. The stir-fry has three main layers: the bottom layer is glossy dark brown sauce, the middle layer is cooked strips of golden brown chicken and bright, crisp vegetables including green snap peas and red and yellow bell pepper strips, while the top layer is sprinkled with white sesame seeds and chopped green onions. A wooden spoon rests inside the pan on the right side. Around the pan are small white bowls filled with white sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and red chili flakes. Part of a white cloth napkin and a small bowl of white rice are visible at the bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this easy chicken stir fry countless times, and honestly, it never gets old. It’s the perfect combo of sweet, savory, and tangy, with a sauce so good you’ll want to spoon it over everything.

Quick and Simple: Ready in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you still want home-cooked goodness.
Fresh and Nutritious: Loaded with crisp bell peppers, peas, and green onions, it’s bursting with vitamins and fiber.
Friendly for Everyone: Naturally gluten-free and easy to customize for different tastes or dietary needs.
Cost-Effective: All these fresh ingredients and bold flavors for less than takeout — always a win at my house.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The secret to a spectacular stir fry isn’t just tossing things in a pan—it’s about choosing the right balance of ingredients. Here’s why each one shines in this Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic plate with thin strips of fresh raw chicken breast, two whole bell peppers—one bright red and one vibrant yellow—sliced into thin strips arranged neatly on a simple white ceramic dish, a small white bowl filled with glossy snap peas, three fresh green onions with white and green parts separated and sliced, two whole garlic cloves beside a small white bowl of rich red tomato paste, another small white bowl containing golden toasted sesame oil, a small white bowl with thick amber honey, a small white bowl holding dark brown coconut aminos, a fresh knob of peeled ginger next to a small heap of crushed red pepper flakes on a clean white ceramic plate, a small white bowl with golden olive oil, a small neat pile of fine salt crystals and ground black pepper on the side, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Sliced thin for quick cooking and tender bites — chicken is a lean protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Olive oil or avocado oil: High-heat oils that let you get a good sear on the chicken and veggies without burning.
Bell peppers: I like mixing red and yellow for sweetness and vibrant color that makes the dish pop.
Snap peas or snow peas: Adds a fresh, crunchy texture and bright green goodness that complements the softer cooked chicken.
Green onions: Divided into whites for cooking and greens for garnish — they bring subtle onion flavor without overpowering.
Coconut aminos: A lower-sodium, gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that adds depth and umami.
Toasted sesame oil: Just a little goes a long way — it infuses the stir fry with that signature nutty aroma.
Tomato paste: Adds a nice rich, slightly sweet undertone to the sauce without being overpowering.
Honey: Balances savory and spice with a touch of natural sweetness.
Garlic and fresh ginger: These aromatics bring zest and warmth that energizes the whole dish.
Crushed red pepper flakes and black pepper: For just enough heat and spice to keep things interesting.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often swap in whatever veggies I have on hand or adjust the heat level to suit whoever’s joining me at the dinner table.

Variation: I sometimes add sliced mushrooms or broccoli for extra texture and nutrition — it’s a great way to sneak in greens without complicating the flavors.
Protein swaps: If chicken isn’t your go-to, turkey or tofu work beautifully when cut into thin strips and cooked the same way.
Spice it up: Add an extra pinch of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of Sriracha if you want that fiery kick.
Swap the sweetener: Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace honey for a slightly different sweetness profile, especially if you want it vegan-friendly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

A black skillet holds a colorful stir-fry with three clear layers: the bottom layer of green snap peas and thin strips of yellow and red bell peppers, the middle layer of thin orange carrot strips, and the top layer of light beige cooked chicken strips scattered evenly. Dark red-brown sauce is being poured from a glass bowl in the top right corner, slightly covering the center of the chicken and vegetables. Around the skillet, three small white dishes hold red pepper flakes, thinly sliced green onions, and cracked black pepper. The background is a white marbled surface with a white cloth with black stripes under the skillet. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once you see it shimmer, add your thinly sliced chicken strips seasoned with salt and pepper. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes on one side so it develops that lovely golden crust. Then stir and flip the chicken pieces to cook through. When it’s nicely browned and cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies Until Just Tender

Use the same skillet and pour in the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in your bell peppers, snap peas, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir frequently, letting the veggies soften but still keep their snap — about 4-5 minutes. Crisp-tender is the goal here to keep that fresh texture alive.

Step 3: Whisk Together Your Flavor-Packed Sauce

While the veggies cook, combine coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, tomato paste, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth — the sauce will be your stir fry’s magic touch.

Step 4: Bring It All Together and Finish Cooking

Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it with the veggies. Pour the sauce over everything and stir well to coat. Turn the heat up just until the sauce boils, then lower the heat and let it simmer until it thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. This step ensures every bite is loaded with flavor and that glossy finish that makes stir fries irresistible.

Top Tip

Having made this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve learned a few tricks that turn good into great. These tips will help you nail the texture and flavor every time.

Thinly Slice the Chicken: Cutting the chicken into thin strips helps it cook quickly and evenly — no rubbery bits here.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed so it gets a nice sear instead of steaming.
Prep All Ingredients First: Stir fry moves fast, so have everything chopped, sliced, and your sauce ready before heating the pan.
Use High Heat but Watch Carefully: Too low and you won’t get that crisp-tender texture; too high and you might burn the garlic—stir often after adding the sauce.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle sliced green onion tops and a handful of toasted sesame seeds on my stir fry — they add that fresh bite and a little crunch that takes the dish over the top. Sometimes, a squeeze of lime brightens things up wonderfully too.

Side Dishes

This stir fry pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa. On days when I’m feeling extra cozy, I serve it with steamed brown rice and a side of simple miso soup to make a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I love serving this stir fry in individual bowls over a colorful bed of spiralized vegetable noodles or inside letture wraps for a fun handheld twist. It’s a great way to refresh an already amazing dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. The stir fry keeps well for up to 4 days — which makes it such a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this stir fry a couple of times by portioning it out into freezer-safe containers. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and it tastes almost as fresh as the day you made it.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This helps keep the veggies crisp and the chicken tender. Microwaving works too, but I recommend covering to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dark meat like chicken thighs for this stir fry?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more fat and flavor, and they stay juicy and tender. Just slice them thinly like the breasts and adjust cooking time slightly as they might take a minute or two longer to cook through.

What if I don’t have coconut aminos?

You can substitute regular soy sauce or tamari if you’re not avoiding gluten. Just keep in mind that soy sauce is saltier, so adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Since the sauce and ingredients come together quickly, you can chop veggies and slice chicken in advance. Keep them stored separately in the fridge, then stir fry everything fresh when you’re ready to eat.

How can I make this recipe spicier without overpowering it?

Start by increasing the crushed red pepper flakes a little, or add a touch of chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture. Add gradually and taste as you go to keep the balance perfect.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is one of those powerhouse dishes for me — it’s quick, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re new to stir frying or a seasoned pro, I promise the balance of fresh veggies, tender chicken, and that irresistible sauce will make this a meal you come back to again and again. So go ahead, give it a whirl and enjoy a little homemade deliciousness on your plate.