The velveted chicken in this stir-fry is unbelievably tender, thanks to a simple baking soda trick used by top Chinese restaurants. Paired with colorful bell peppers, onions, and peas, this dish is not only vibrant in appearance but also bursting with umami from the garlic and ginger base.
Whether you’re short on time or just want a healthier alternative to takeout, this dish is your weeknight savior. It comes together quickly, uses everyday pantry items, and satisfies those cravings for something savory, hearty, and nourishing. Serve it with a bowl of fluffy steamed rice and you’ve got dinner done in less than 30 minutes.
Full Recipe:
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500g (1 lb) chicken breast, thinly sliced
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2 teaspoons baking soda (for velveting)
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine (or dry sherry)
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1 teaspoon cornstarch
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2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or peanut)
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1 onion, sliced
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 green bell pepper, sliced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon grated ginger
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1 cup snow peas or snap peas
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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Steamed rice, to serve
Directions:
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Toss chicken with baking soda and let sit for 20 minutes (this “velvets” the chicken). Rinse and pat dry.
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In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, cooking wine, and cornstarch. Add the chicken and marinate for 15 minutes.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and just cooked. Remove and set aside.
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Add the remaining oil to the pan. Sauté garlic, ginger, and onion for 1 minute.
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Add bell peppers and snow peas; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
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Return the chicken to the pan, add sesame oil, and toss everything together for another 1-2 minutes.
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Serve immediately over steamed rice.
Prep Time: 20 minutes (including velveting) | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Chicken Stir-Fry: A Weeknight Staple
When it comes to cooking something quick, healthy, and full of flavor on a weeknight, stir-fry dishes reign supreme. Among these, chicken stir-fry is a beloved classic, cherished for its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature. This Easy Everyday Chicken Stir-Fry captures the heart of home cooking with a touch of professional finesse. Inspired by Chinese takeout yet tailored for the home kitchen, this dish brings together tender, juicy chicken and vibrant, crisp vegetables in a savory, umami-packed sauce that coats each bite perfectly.
What sets this particular recipe apart is the use of a technique called velveting, a Chinese culinary method that transforms chicken breast into an incredibly tender and silky protein. Combined with a deeply flavorful garlic and ginger stir-fry sauce, the result is nothing short of restaurant-quality food made in under 30 minutes. It’s wholesome, flexible, and ideal for busy cooks looking to deliver comfort and nutrition in one pan.
What Makes This Chicken Stir-Fry Special
The core reason this chicken stir-fry stands out is its thoughtful approach to texture and flavor. The velveting process, which involves lightly coating chicken in baking soda and rinsing before cooking, is commonly used in Chinese kitchens to tenderize meat. This simple yet highly effective step creates that iconic, slightly springy texture you often notice in good Chinese stir-fries.
Beyond the velveting, the stir-fry features a combination of aromatics—garlic and ginger—that serve as the base for the sauce, lending the dish depth and character. When paired with oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of Chinese cooking wine, these flavors meld beautifully and cling to every morsel of chicken and vegetable.
Unlike many stir-fry recipes that can end up either too oily or bland, this version finds a balance between lightness and richness. It allows the natural sweetness of bell peppers and the freshness of snow peas to shine while harmonizing with the savory umami flavors of the sauce.
Velveting Chicken: The Secret to Tender Perfection
Many home cooks struggle with dry or rubbery chicken when stir-frying. That’s where velveting makes a world of difference. The process involves tossing the sliced chicken in baking soda for about 20 minutes. This temporarily raises the pH of the meat’s surface, which helps break down the proteins slightly and keeps the chicken incredibly moist during cooking.
Once rinsed and patted dry, the chicken is marinated in a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, cooking wine, and cornstarch. This not only infuses it with flavor but also ensures a silky texture once it hits the hot wok. The cornstarch lightly coats the meat, creating a protective barrier that locks in moisture and helps the sauce cling beautifully in the final dish.
This method is foolproof once you’ve tried it and makes all the difference in replicating that “takeout quality” at home without added sodium or MSG.
Aromatics and Sauce: Layers of Flavor
A good stir-fry depends on a strong base of aromatics. Garlic and ginger are classic choices in Chinese cuisine, and for good reason—they provide a fragrant, savory punch that infuses every component of the dish. By briefly sautéing them before adding the vegetables, their essential oils are released into the hot oil, permeating the entire stir-fry with their unmistakable flavor.
The sauce used in this stir-fry is also key. It combines soy sauce for saltiness, oyster sauce for umami richness, and Chinese cooking wine to add complexity. A dash of sesame oil at the end of cooking rounds out the flavor profile with a hint of nuttiness. This sauce is light but flavorful, enhancing the natural taste of each ingredient without overpowering them.
Vegetables That Stay Crisp and Colorful
The choice of vegetables in this stir-fry complements the chicken and makes the dish both nutritious and visually appealing. Red and green bell peppers not only add a sweet crunch and vibrant color but are also loaded with vitamin C. Snow peas or snap peas offer a snappy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken.
Timing is everything when stir-frying vegetables. The key is to keep them slightly crisp to maintain their freshness and texture. Stir-frying at high heat for just a couple of minutes ensures that the veggies retain their bright color, natural sweetness, and nutritional value. Overcooking would lead to limp, dull vegetables, so it’s important to stir-fry with intention and move quickly once the heat is on.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
While this stir-fry is perfectly delicious on its own, serving it over a bed of freshly steamed jasmine or basmati rice elevates it into a complete meal. The rice acts as a neutral canvas, soaking up the savory sauce and making every bite satisfying and comforting.
For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles are excellent substitutes that still pair well with the bold flavors. You could also add a fried egg on top for an extra protein boost or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for added texture and aroma.
This dish is also great for meal prep. Simply store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers incredibly enjoyable.
Customizing the Stir-Fry to Your Taste
One of the best things about this chicken stir-fry is how adaptable it is. You can swap the chicken for thinly sliced beef, shrimp, or even tofu if you prefer a plant-based option. Vegetables are equally versatile—broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, or baby corn all work well and add their own texture and flavor dimensions.
You can also control the spice level. While the base recipe doesn’t include chili, adding a sliced red chili or a dash of chili oil can provide that extra kick for spice lovers. A spoonful of hoisin or black bean sauce can offer a more robust and savory twist.
This makes the recipe ideal for families or picky eaters—just adjust to suit your preferences without sacrificing the integrity of the dish.
Tips for Stir-Frying Like a Pro
To master stir-frying, here are a few key tips:
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Prep everything in advance. Stir-frying happens fast, so have all your ingredients chopped and ready before heating the pan.
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Use high heat. Stir-frying requires a hot wok or skillet to sear ingredients quickly without steaming them.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and avoid sogginess.
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Keep things moving. Stir and toss constantly to distribute heat and prevent burning.
With these tips, you’ll not only succeed with this recipe but also gain confidence to create other stir-fry combinations on the fly.
Conclusion: Your New Weeknight Favorite
The Easy Everyday Chicken Stir-Fry isn’t just another quick meal—it’s a culinary technique disguised as comfort food. From the velveting method that ensures juicy, tender chicken to the balance of fresh vegetables and bold aromatics, this dish teaches you more than just how to stir-fry. It’s an education in flavor, texture, and efficiency.
What’s more, this stir-fry offers flexibility, making it easy to cater to different dietary needs, ingredients on hand, or flavor preferences. It’s as healthy as it is satisfying, and it comes together in a single pan with minimal cleanup.
Whether you’re a beginner learning your way around the kitchen or an experienced cook seeking a reliable go-to, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your rotation. The next time you’re craving takeout but want something healthier, fresher, and faster—this chicken stir-fry will have your back.
Let your wok do the talking, and let this stir-fry become a delicious new habit.