5-Ingredient Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Ready for a savory, speedy dinner that feels like a triumph every single time? The 5-Ingredient Chicken Stir Fry is pure weeknight magic, coming together in just minutes with a handful of kitchen staples. Imagine juicy strips of chicken, bright crisp veggies, and a glossy, flavor-packed sauce—it’s as satisfying as takeout but totally doable even after your busiest days. You’ll love how effortlessly this meal comes together, and your family will ask for it again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe that just five ingredients can create such a vibrant and delicious meal! Each element in this 5-Ingredient Chicken Stir Fry adds something special—texture, color, flavor, or that irresistible fresh-from-the-wok aroma.

• Chicken breast: Sliced thin for speedy cooking, it delivers lean protein and a juicy bite every time.
• Mixed stir fry vegetables: Pick your favorites, fresh or frozen, for loads of color and a pleasing crunch—you can switch these up based on what’s in season or what’s left in your fridge.
• Soy sauce: This pantry staple brings salty, savory depth and pulls all the flavors together in glorious harmony.
• Sesame oil: Just a splash adds an unmistakable nutty aroma and unmistakably Asian-inspired flair to the dish.
• Olive oil: Ideal for both flavor and getting your stir fry started, it makes for a glossy (and heart-healthy) sauté.

How to Make 5-Ingredient Chicken Stir Fry

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the thinly sliced chicken in a single layer—this ensures it browns beautifully and cooks through quickly. Stir-fry the chicken until it’s golden on the edges and no longer pink in the center, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Watching the chicken sizzle is almost as satisfying as that first bite!

Step 2: Add the Veggies

Next, toss in your mixed stir fry vegetables. Whether you’re using a bag of frozen veggies for ultimate convenience or chopping up a medley of fresh broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas, keep those veggies moving in the pan! Cook them just until they’re brightly colored and tender-crisp—about 3-4 minutes—so they retain that garden-fresh crunch that makes every forkful exciting.

Step 3: Bring the Flavor

Now, pour in the soy sauce and drizzle over the sesame oil. This duo immediately transforms your stir fry into something extra special, infusing each piece of chicken and every veggie with savory, nutty flavors and that irresistible glossy coating. Stir everything together for 1-2 minutes, making sure the sauce evenly coats every bite. The smell alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen before you even say, “Dinner’s ready!”

How to Serve 5-Ingredient Chicken Stir Fry

Garnishes

Take your 5-Ingredient Chicken Stir Fry up a notch with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a handful of fresh cilantro. A dash of chili flakes adds a gentle heat for those who crave a kick, and a wedge of lime brings just the right pop of brightness. Little touches like these make your meal feel extra special and fresh.

Side Dishes

This stir fry is versatile enough to be served over a steaming bowl of jasmine rice, fluffy brown rice, or springy rice noodles. Want to keep it low-carb? Try cauliflower rice or a tangle of zucchini noodles. Each option soaks up that savory sauce differently, so rotate for variety or just use whatever you have handy!

Creative Ways to Present

Transform 5-Ingredient Chicken Stir Fry into lettuce wraps for a fun, hand-held dinner, or spoon it into meal-prep containers with your favorite grain for ready-to-go lunches. For a party vibe, serve it family-style right from the skillet and let everyone pile their plates just the way they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let your 5-Ingredient Chicken Stir Fry cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, making it a top choice for meal prep or grab-and-go lunches.

Freezing

While this dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze cooled stir fry in portioned containers for up to a month. Keep in mind that some veggies may lose a bit of their crunch after thawing, but the flavors remain delicious for quick heat-and-eat dinners on busy nights.

Reheating

To bring your stir fry back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce to loosen it up if needed. You can also microwave individual servings for about a minute or until hot, just take care not to overcook so the chicken stays tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring a little extra richness and tend to stay juicy, even if slightly overcooked. Slice them thin just like you would the breast pieces for perfect results in your 5-Ingredient Chicken Stir Fry.

What vegetables work best for this recipe?

Almost any combination of quick-cooking vegetables is fair game—think bell peppers, broccoli, snow peas, baby corn, and carrots. Frozen stir-fry mixes are a fantastic shortcut, but feel free to mix and match based on your favorites or whatever’s lurking in your crisper drawer.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap regular soy sauce for a certified gluten-free brand or use coconut aminos. Everything else in the 5-Ingredient Chicken Stir Fry is naturally gluten-free, making this a great pick for all diets.

How can I add more flavor or spice?

Try tossing in a minced clove of garlic or a little grated ginger with the chicken for extra zing. For heat, add a dash of sriracha, red chili flakes, or a sliced fresh chili when you stir in the sauce. This recipe’s simplicity makes it easy to customize.

Can I double the recipe for meal prep?

Yes, and it’ll still come together fast! Just be sure to use a large enough skillet or work in batches so the chicken and veggies fry (not steam), keeping everything crisp and delicious for your week’s lunches or dinners.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of 5-Ingredient Chicken Stir Fry is its pure, fuss-free joy—from the bold flavors to the speedy clean-up, it’s a dish you’ll reach for whenever life gets busy. Give it a try tonight, and watch how easily it becomes a new favorite at your table!