Flavorful Chicken Asian Stir Fry Options For Family Gatherings At Home
Family gatherings at home are the perfect opportunity to bond over delicious food. One meal that never fails to impress is a flavorful chicken Asian stir fry. With its vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors, it’s a dish that caters to everyone’s taste buds. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also allows for a variety of options to suit different preferences. In this article, we’ll explore several chicken stir fry recipes that are perfect for your next family gathering.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the chicken, wash the vegetables, and mince the garlic and ginger.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken strips to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the mixed bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are bright and tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring to combine.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water, then add it to the skillet. Stir the mixture continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
- Drizzle sesame oil over the stir fry and mix well.
- Serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles.
Now that we have a basic chicken Asian stir fry recipe, let’s explore a few variations that can suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you want to add more vegetables, switch up the protein, or even make it vegetarian, these options are sure to please.
1. Spicy Chicken Asian Stir Fry
If your family enjoys a little heat, consider making a spicy chicken stir fry. To add spiciness, include sliced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes during the cooking process. You may also want to add sriracha or another hot sauce to the soy sauce mixture for an extra kick.
Spicy Chicken Stir Fry Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1-2 jalapeños, sliced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Follow the same instructions as the original recipe, adding sliced jalapeños and red pepper flakes along with the garlic and ginger.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce to taste, especially if using spicy sauces.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnishing with extra jalapeños if desired.
2. Chicken and Cashew Stir Fry
For a nutty twist, try adding cashews to your chicken stir fry. Cashews add a delightful crunch and flavor that elevates the dish. Simply toss in a cup of roasted cashews during the last few minutes of cooking.
Chicken and Cashew Stir Fry Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 cup roasted cashews
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the stir fry using the original method, and just before serving, fold in the roasted cashews.
- Ensure the cashews are evenly distributed throughout the dish before serving.
- Enjoy over rice or noodles, savoring the added crunch from the nuts.
3. Lemon Chicken Stir Fry
For a fresh and zesty flavor, a lemon chicken stir fry can be a refreshing option. Use the juice and zest of one lemon in your sauce mixture to brighten the flavors of the dish.
Lemon Chicken Stir Fry Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Follow the original recipe, adding the lemon juice and zest to the sauce mixture.
- Mix well and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles, enjoying the citrusy freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen vegetables for stir fry?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a convenient option. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the stir fry.
2. How do I make this stir fry gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free stir fry, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
3. Can I add other proteins to the stir fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu. Just adjust cooking times as needed for each protein type.
4. What can I serve with chicken stir fry?
Chicken stir fry pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side salad for a complete meal!
With these flavorful chicken Asian stir fry options, you’re sure to impress your family at your next gathering. Customize each recipe to suit your tastes and enjoy a delicious meal together. Happy cooking!
