If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and vibrant dish to brighten up your weeknight dinners, this 20 Minute Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute game-changer. With its perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce with just the right touch of sweetness and ginger, it delivers maximum taste with minimal fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or whipping up a fast meal after work, this recipe invites you to enjoy a nutritious, colorful feast that comes together faster than you’d expect.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the heart of this dish, each one contributing essential flavor, texture, and color that make the stir fry come alive. With a handful of pantry staples and a few veggies, you’ll create a dish that looks as good as it tastes.
- Soy sauce: Acts as the salty, umami-packed base of the sauce, tying all the flavors together.
- Sesame oil: Adds subtle nuttiness and depth to the sauce with just a little drizzle.
- Ground ginger: Gives a warm, zesty kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Sugar: Balances the salty and tangy sauce with a touch of sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a glossy finish that clings perfectly to the chicken and veggies.
- Chicken breast: The protein superstar here, cut into strips for fast and even cooking.
- Carrots: Add crunch and natural sweetness, sliced into matchsticks for quick cooking.
- Broccoli florets: Provide vibrant green color and a fresh, earthy bite.
- Red bell pepper: Brings bright color and a juicy sweetness that contrasts beautifully against the broccoli.
- Fresh spinach: Adds a soft, leafy texture and a burst of nutrients, wilting down into the sauce with ease.
- Lemon juice (optional garnish): Brightens the dish with a tangy lift just before serving.
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish): Sprinkle on top for nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- Rice (for serving): The perfect base to soak up every bit of the delicious stir fry sauce.
How to Make 20 Minute Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, sugar, and cornstarch in a small bowl. This simple yet flavorful sauce is what brings all the ingredients together with a glossy, rich finish. If you want to save even more time, you can mix these ingredients ahead of time in a jar and just give it a good shake before cooking.
Step 2: Get Your Vegetables Ready
Cleaning and cutting your vegetables properly makes a huge difference here. Cut the carrots into thin matchsticks so they cook quickly but retain some crunch. Chop the broccoli into small florets, perfect bite-sized pieces, and slice the red bell pepper into strips for vibrant color and a sweet crunch. Prepping the veggies before you start cooking keeps everything flowing smoothly.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a lightly greased skillet or wok over medium-high heat and toss in the chicken strips. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the outside is no longer pink. You want the chicken slightly golden on the edges but still juicy inside. This short cooking time locks in flavor while keeping the meat tender.
Step 4: Add the Core Vegetables
Once the chicken has started cooking, add the carrots, broccoli, and red bell pepper to the pan. Stir fry these for 5 to 8 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly without losing their freshness and crunch. The colors and textures in the pan create an inviting visual feast at this stage.
Step 5: Incorporate Spinach and Sauce
Add the fresh spinach and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Turn the heat down to medium-low and continue stir frying for about 5 minutes. The spinach wilts beautifully while the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency, coating each piece of chicken and vegetable with delicious flavor.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and, if you like, stir in a teaspoon or two of fresh lemon juice to wake up the flavors with a bright, zesty punch. Served over steaming rice and sprinkled with sesame seeds, this stir fry is ready to delight your senses and satisfy your appetite.
How to Serve 20 Minute Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a squeeze of fresh lemon juice add a perfect hint of acidity that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top add a lovely crunch and a nutty aroma that complements the sesame oil perfectly.
Side Dishes
While this recipe stands beautifully on its own over white or brown rice, you can also serve it alongside steamed noodles for a twist or pair it with a light Asian-inspired cucumber salad to introduce a refreshing counterpoint to the warm stir fry.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the stir fry in individual bowls topped with sliced green onions or chopped peanuts for extra texture. Wrapping the chicken and veggies in lettuce cups can turn this dish into an interactive hand-held delight, especially great for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The 20 Minute Chicken Stir Fry Recipe stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
While freezing stir fry isn’t the most ideal because the vegetables may lose some texture after thawing, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately if needed. Use freezer-safe containers or bags and consume within 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating can help revive the sauce and keep the chicken juicy without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this stir fry?
Absolutely! While chicken breast is perfect for quick cooking, you can swap in thinly sliced beef, pork, or even tofu if you prefer a vegetarian version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat or tofu is cooked through but still tender.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the sauce?
Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, giving it that delicious glossy texture that clings to the ingredients. If you’re avoiding cornstarch, you can try arrowroot powder or omit it, though the sauce will be thinner.
Can I make this stir fry gluten-free?
Yes! Choose a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor. Just be sure to check labels on all condiment ingredients.
What’s the best rice to serve with this stir fry?
Jasmine or basmati rice works wonderfully since they absorb the sauce well and add subtle fragrance. Brown rice is also a great healthier choice, adding chewiness and nutrition.
How can I add more veggies to this recipe?
Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking veggies like snap peas, baby corn, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just make sure to add them at the right time so everything cooks evenly without becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
This 20 Minute Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is one of those rare dishes that combines speed, simplicity, and incredible flavor all in one pan. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something wholesome without a lot of hassle. I promise once you try it, it’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your home too. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
20 Minute Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful 20-minute chicken stir fry recipe featuring tender chicken strips and a colorful mix of fresh vegetables tossed in a savory soy-ginger sauce, perfect for a healthy and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Protein
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into stir fry strips
Vegetables
- 2 large carrots
- 1 head broccoli, or about 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1–2 cups fresh spinach
Garnishes
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, ground ginger, sugar, and cornstarch until combined. Alternatively, you can prepare this sauce ahead of time by placing all ingredients in a jar, refrigerating it, and shaking well before use.
- Prepare the vegetables: Clean and cut the carrots into matchsticks, broccoli into small florets, and red bell pepper into strips to ensure even stir frying.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a lightly greased large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 3-4 minutes until the outside is no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
- Add vegetables: Add the carrots, broccoli, and bell pepper to the skillet. Continue stir frying for 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables start to become tender but still crisp.
- Add spinach and sauce: Add the fresh spinach and the prepared sauce to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir fry for about 5 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the sauce has thickened slightly, coating the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in one to two teaspoons of lemon juice if desired for brightness. Serve immediately over cooked rice and garnish with sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, cut chicken and vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili garlic sauce.
- Preparing the sauce ahead of time saves prep time on busy days.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
- Serve over steamed jasmine, basmati, or brown rice depending on preference.
