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Healthy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry - Fast, Fresh, and Flavor-Packed

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1 to 1.25 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
  • Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 medium carrot (thinly sliced), 1 small onion (sliced), 1 cup sugar snap peas or green beans
  • Garlic: 4–6 cloves, finely minced (adjust to taste)
  • Ginger: 1 tablespoon fresh, grated (optional but recommended)
  • Neutral oil: 1–2 tablespoons avocado, canola, or grapeseed oil
  • Green onions: 2, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds: 1 teaspoon, for garnish (optional)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for depth; use more soy if skipping)
  • 1–2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha (optional heat)
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch (or arrowroot) to thicken

Method
 

  1. Prep everything first. Slice the chicken thinly against the grain. Cut all vegetables into bite-size pieces. Mince garlic and grate ginger. Stir-fries move fast, so have it all ready.
  2. Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, red pepper flakes or sriracha, broth, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Heat the pan. Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and swirl to coat.
  4. Sear the chicken. Add the chicken in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through with some caramelized edges. Transfer to a plate.
  5. Cook the sturdy veggies. If the pan looks dry, add a little more oil. Add broccoli and carrots. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes until they start to soften but remain bright.
  6. Add quick-cooking veggies. Add bell pepper, onion, and snap peas. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes more. You want crisp-tender, not mushy.
  7. Add aromatics. Push veggies to the sides. Add garlic and ginger to the center with a small splash of oil if needed. Stir 30 seconds until fragrant, then toss with the vegetables.
  8. Combine and sauce. Return chicken to the pan. Give the sauce a quick stir (cornstarch settles), then pour it in. Toss everything for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the stir fry.
  9. Taste and adjust. Add a splash more soy for salt, vinegar for brightness, or chili for heat. Remove from heat.
  10. Serve. Spoon over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.