Quick Thai Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Sizzling Quick Thai Chicken Stir Fry Recipe for Busy Nights

Weeknight dinners become delightfully simple with this quick Thai chicken stir fry that combines vibrant flavors and speedy preparation.

Aromatic spices dance through tender chicken pieces, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Fresh vegetables add crisp textures and bright colors to the plate.

Balanced seasonings bring authentic Thai street food straight to your kitchen.

Fragrant herbs like cilantro and green onions provide an extra layer of deliciousness.

You can whip up this restaurant-quality meal in less than twenty minutes.

Hungry for a taste adventure that will impress everyone at the table?

Why Quick Thai Chicken Stir Fry Is a Favorite

  • Speed Up Dinner: Prepare a delicious Thai-inspired chicken stir fry in just a few quick steps, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast and flavorful meal.
  • Packed with Nutrition: Combine lean protein from chicken with a colorful mix of vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini, creating a balanced and wholesome dish that's both tasty and healthy.
  • Customize Your Spice: Easily adjust the heat level by adding or reducing red pepper flakes, making this recipe adaptable for different spice preferences and suitable for the whole family.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this simple stir fry that uses a single pan, reducing dishes and making cooking and post-meal cleanup a breeze.

All the Ingredients for Thai Chicken Stir Fry

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean protein that serves as the primary ingredient in this quick Thai-inspired stir fry.
Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers, Carrot, Zucchini: Fresh vegetables that add color, nutrition, and crunch to the dish.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and authentic Thai flavor to the stir fry.
Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Soy Sauce: A classic Asian condiment that adds saltiness and umami to the dish.
  • Fish Sauce: A traditional Thai ingredient that brings a rich, savory flavor profile.
  • Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the salty and spicy elements of the sauce.
  • Lime Juice: A bright, acidic component that adds freshness and tanginess.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy ingredient that provides a kick of heat.
  • Fresh Cilantro: A garnish that adds a fresh, herbal note to the finished dish.
Cooking Base:
  • Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil used for cooking the chicken and vegetables at high heat.
Serving Suggestion:
  • Rice: A classic accompaniment that serves as a perfect base for the stir fry.

Thai Chicken Stir Fry Steps Made Easy

Thai Chicken Stir Fry Steps Made Easy

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken and cook while stirring occasionally until the chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked through.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Roast the Vegetables

In the same pan, toss in the colorful vegetables:
  • Bell peppers
  • Carrot
  • Zucchini

Cook the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they become tender but still maintain a slight crunch.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Saute for one minute until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma.

Step 4: Create the Magical Sauce

Whisk together in a small bowl:
  • Soy sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Honey
  • Lime juice
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables.

Stir everything to ensure an even coating and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top.

Serve the vibrant stir fry over steamed rice and enjoy your delicious meal!

Tips for Delicious Thai Chicken Stir Fry Every Time

  • Cut chicken into uniform, thin slices to ensure quick and even cooking, preventing some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
  • Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect browning without burning vegetables or chicken, creating a delicious caramelized exterior.
  • Adjust fish sauce, honey, and lime juice proportions to create a harmonious sweet, salty, and tangy flavor profile that complements the chicken.
  • Select crisp, vibrant bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini for maximum texture and nutritional value, enhancing the overall stir fry experience.
  • Stir fry ingredients rapidly to preserve their natural colors, textures, and nutrients, keeping vegetables tender-crisp and chicken juicy.

Stir Fry Variations for Thai Chicken Lovers

  • Vegetarian Thai Tofu Stir Fry: Replace chicken with firm tofu, pressed and cubed, for a protein-packed plant-based version that maintains the original recipe's vibrant flavors.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Option: Swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the stir fry's authentic Thai taste profile.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure fish sauce is gluten-free to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Spicy Seafood Variation: Substitute chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood-focused version that adds a different protein and oceanic flavor to the classic stir fry.

Sides to Serve With Thai Chicken Stir Fry

  • Pair with a bright, zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling to complement the dish's bold, spicy flavors and cut through the richness of the chicken.
  • Enjoy a cold Thai iced tea or light beer like Singha to balance the heat and provide a cooling contrast to the stir fry's intense seasonings.
  • Add jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a neutral base that enhances the stir fry's vibrant taste profile.

Storing Thai Chicken Stir Fry for Later

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled stir fry to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality.
  • Place portion on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Warm in a skillet over medium heat, add small splash of oil or water to prevent sticking. Stir gently for 3-4 minutes until heated completely, maintaining texture and flavor.

FAQs

  • What ingredients can I substitute if I don't have fish sauce?

You can replace fish sauce with oyster sauce or a mix of soy sauce and worcestershire sauce for a similar umami flavor.

  • How spicy is this Thai chicken stir fry?

The red pepper flakes determine the heat level. For mild, use just a pinch; for more spice, add more flakes or include fresh chili peppers.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can cook the stir fry in advance and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving over fresh rice.

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Quick Thai Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Quick Thai Chicken Stir Fry Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Spicy “Quick Thai Chicken Stir Fry” delivers explosive Southeast Asian flavors in minutes. Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and zesty sauce combine for a speedy weeknight dinner that transports taste buds straight to Bangkok’s bustling streets.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

Vegetables:

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 small zucchini, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh ginger, minced

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) fresh cilantro, chopped

Serving:

  • Cooked rice

Instructions

  1. Ignite the vegetable oil in a spacious skillet or wok over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
  2. Introduce sliced chicken into the hot pan, allowing it to sear and develop a golden exterior for 5-7 minutes while stirring intermittently until fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate.
  3. Utilize the same pan to sauté vibrant bell peppers, carrot, and zucchini, transforming them into tender-crisp delights within 3-4 minutes.
  4. Infuse the vegetables with aromatic garlic and ginger, releasing their intense flavors for approximately 1 minute.
  5. Craft a dynamic sauce by whisking together soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, lime juice, and optional red pepper flakes in a compact bowl.
  6. Reunite the previously cooked chicken with the vegetable medley, then cascade the prepared sauce over the ingredients, ensuring comprehensive coating and allowing 2-3 minutes of additional cooking.
  7. Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, adding a burst of herbaceous brightness.
  8. Present the stir fry atop steamed rice, creating a complete and tantalizing meal ready to be savored.

Notes

  • Optimize meat preparation by patting chicken dry before cooking to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
  • Slice chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing, creating restaurant-quality texture.
  • Consider using low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor profile.
  • Swap protein options effortlessly by substituting chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to match different dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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