Chicken stir fry with rice is a classic, quick, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a wholesome dish without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a savory sauce, all served over fluffy rice. If you’re wondering how to make chicken stir fry with rice that’s both easy and delicious, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive into the step-by-step process and some handy tips to make your stir fry a hit.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients Overview
– Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized strips
– Vegetables: Bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, or any veggies you love or have on hand
– Rice: White rice, jasmine rice, or quick-cooking instant rice
– Sauce: A simple mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a bit of cornstarch for thickening
– Oil: Vegetable oil, sesame oil, or olive oil for cooking
– Optional extras: Cashews, spring onions, chili flakes for heat, or sesame seeds for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Stir Fry with Rice
1. Prepare the Rice
Start by cooking your rice according to the package instructions. For a quick option, use instant or Minute® rice, which can be ready in about 5 minutes. This way, the rice will be done just as your stir fry finishes cooking.
2. Prep Your Ingredients
– Cut the chicken into even, bite-sized strips to ensure they cook evenly.
– Chop your vegetables into similar-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
– Mix your stir fry sauce by combining soy sauce, chicken broth, a bit of ketchup or hoisin sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add oil. When hot, add the chicken strips in a single layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Stir Fry the Vegetables
Add a little more oil to the pan if needed. Toss in your vegetables and stir fry for about 3-5 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Harder vegetables like broccoli or carrots may need a bit more time, so add them first, followed by quicker-cooking veggies like bell peppers or snap peas.
5. Combine and Add Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir well to coat. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken and veggies.
6. Serve Over Rice
Spoon the hot chicken stir fry over your cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or cashews for extra flavor and crunch.
Tips for the Best Chicken Stir Fry with Rice
– Cut ingredients evenly: This ensures everything cooks at the same rate and nothing is under or overcooked.
– Use high heat: Stir frying is all about quick cooking at high temperatures to keep veggies crisp and chicken juicy.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming instead of frying.
– Customize your veggies: Use whatever you have—snap peas, baby corn, mushrooms, or even cauliflower work great.
– Add a spicy kick: Toss in chopped chilies or a splash of hot sauce with the sauce for some heat.
– Use cornstarch: Coating chicken in cornstarch before cooking helps create a nice crispy texture and thickens the sauce.
Why Chicken Stir Fry with Rice Is a Go-To Meal
This dish is incredibly versatile and fast, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. It’s a balanced meal with protein, veggies, and carbs all in one. Plus, it’s easy to tweak based on what’s in your fridge or your flavor preferences. Whether you want it mild or spicy, packed with veggies or just a few favorites, chicken stir fry with rice is always a crowd-pleaser.
Chicken stir fry with rice is a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal that anyone can master. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can have a restaurant-quality dish ready in under 30 minutes. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures in every bite!