Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce

Alright, my mom tribe, gather ’round! Let’s talk about a dinner that’s a total lifesaver: Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce. It’s fast, it’s customizable, and it’s way tastier (and healthier!) than takeout.

I remember the first time I made this. It was a Tuesday. Of course, right? School pick up was crazy, little Timmy decided to paint the dog with his lunch, and I was staring into the fridge wondering how I’d pull dinner out of thin air. I had some chicken, some sad-looking veggies, and a desperate craving for something other than mac and cheese.

That night, Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce was born. The smell filled the house as the flavors melded together, and I knew I had something special. Everyone ate it! Even Timmy, who’s usually suspicious of anything green. This Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce became a staple for our family.

This Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce recipe is perfect for those “I-have-nothing-in-the-house-but-need-to-feed-my-family-something-delicious” nights. It’s a blank canvas for whatever veggies you have lurking in the crisper drawer.

And the best part? The homemade sauce takes minutes to whip up. Seriously! No need to buy those sugary, sodium-loaded bottles at the store. We’re making our own healthy stir fry sauce, and it’s going to be amazing.

So, fellow kitchen warriors, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious way to get dinner on the table, let’s get cooking! This Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce is about to become your new best friend.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Okay, mamas, here’s what you’ll need for this Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on the list. I’m all about making it work with what you’ve got!

For the Chicken Stir Fry:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup snow peas
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional, but I love them!)
• Cooked rice, for serving

For the Homemade Stir Fry Sauce:

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• 2 tbsp water

Trust me, this Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

Mom-Tested Ingredient Swaps:

No broccoli? Use cauliflower! Don’t have rice vinegar? Apple cider vinegar will work in a pinch. This Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce is all about flexibility.

If you want a low-sodium option for your healthy stir fry sauce, you can swap out the soy sauce for coconut aminos!

Real-Life Shopping Tips:

I usually grab chicken breasts at Costco because, you know, feeding a family is expensive! Most of the veggies I get from my local grocery store because they are quick and easy to grab. You can grab all the sauce ingredients at Target or Walmart while doing your regular grocery run.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives:

This easy Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce doesn’t have to break the bank. Use frozen veggies instead of fresh. They’re just as nutritious and often cheaper!

Ingredient Prep Shortcuts:

Buy pre-cut veggies. Seriously. It’s a sanity-saver! You can also prep the veggies ahead of time on the weekend. Then, when it’s dinner time, you can just throw them in.

Storage Wisdom for Leftovers:

Store leftover Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Personal Preferences:

My family loves when I add extra sesame oil to the sauce. It gives it a richer flavor. My oldest loves when I add some spice by using chili flakes.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, kitchen warriors, let’s get down to business and make this Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce! Don’t worry; it’s easier than it looks. I promise!

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. You can even buy pre-cut chicken if you’re short on time.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and water. Set aside. This healthy stir fry sauce is the magic that brings it all together!

Here’s a Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce trick that saved my sanity: Double the sauce recipe and keep half in the fridge for another meal. You will thank yourself later!

3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of brown.

While your Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce is sizzling, why not throw in a load of laundry? Multitasking, Mom style!

4. Add the Veggies: Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Then, add the bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, snow peas, and mushrooms (if using). Cook until the veggies are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.

Here’s where I used to mess up my Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce – don’t make my mistake! Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the veggies, or they’ll get soggy.

5. Pour in the Sauce: Pour the homemade stir fry sauce over the chicken and veggies. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 1-2 minutes. The sauce should coat everything nicely.

Your Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce should smell amazing by now. If not, add a little more garlic!

6. Serve: Serve the Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions, if desired.

While your Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee!

Personal Timing Tips:

In my chaotic kitchen, this Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. But some days, it can take longer. Don’t stress! It’s all about getting dinner on the table, not about perfection.

Common Concerns:

Don’t panic if your Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce looks a little watery at first. The sauce will thicken as it cooks. Just give it a minute or two!

Family-Tested Shortcuts:

Use a bag of pre-cut stir-fry veggies. It’s a HUGE time-saver! You can also use leftover cooked chicken. This is a great way to use up rotisserie chicken.

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, mamas, here’s how my family devours this Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce. Get ready for some kid-approved ideas!

My kids devour this Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce when I serve it with white rice and some edamame on the side. They love dipping the edamame in the stir fry sauce! Sometimes I like to make my Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce to serve as a dessert!

This Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you have no idea what to make. It’s also great for meal prepping. Make a big batch on Sunday and pack it for lunches during the week.

Perfect Occasions:

This quick Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a casual dinner party. It’s a crowd-pleaser!

Presentation Tips:

I like to sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top to make it look fancy. But honestly, my kids usually just dig right in, so presentation isn’t always a priority!

Leftover Ideas:

Use leftover Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce in lettuce wraps or add it to ramen noodles for a quick and easy lunch.

Seasonal Variations:

In the fall, I like to add some roasted butternut squash to my Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce. In the summer, I add some fresh corn and zucchini.

Guest Reactions:

I made this delicious Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce for a friend who was going through a rough time, and she said it was the best thing she had eaten in weeks. It made me so happy to be able to provide some comfort through food.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Alright, mamas, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you have about Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce. I’m here to help!

Can my picky eater handle this Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce?

Yes! You can customize the veggies to your picky eater’s preferences. Just use the ones they like and leave out the ones they don’t. You can also serve the sauce on the side so they can control how much they want.

What if I burn my Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

Don’t worry! We’ve all been there. If you burn your Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce, just scrape off the burnt parts and add a little more sauce. No one will ever know!

Can I make this Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! Make the Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce on Sunday and pack it in containers for lunches during the week. It reheats beautifully.

What other proteins can I use besides chicken?

You can use tofu, shrimp, beef, or pork in this Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce gluten-free?

Yes! Just use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce. Make sure to check the other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

What if I don’t have all the ingredients for the sauce?

No problem! The most important ingredients for the healthy stir fry sauce are soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. You can adjust the other ingredients to your liking or leave them out altogether.

Can I add nuts to this Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce?

Yes! Cashews, peanuts, or almonds would be a great addition. Just add them at the end so they don’t get soggy.

Looking for more easy weeknight meals? Check out my Chicken and Spinach Casserole with Cream Cheese, it is another great recipe the whole family will love! This Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce is so versatile, have fun and add whatever veggies and proteins that your family enjoys.

Final Thoughts:

This flavorful Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce is special to my family because it’s a reminder that even on the craziest of days, we can still come together and enjoy a delicious meal. It’s also a testament to the fact that cooking doesn’t have to be perfect to be enjoyable.

My Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce Mom Hacks:

• Buy pre-cut veggies to save time.
• Double the sauce recipe and freeze half for later.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to make it even faster.

Family-Tested Variations:

• Spicy Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce: Add a can of pineapple chunks and a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce, for inspiration you can look at this Sweet and Sour Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe.
• Vegetarian Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce: Use tofu instead of chicken and add extra veggies like snap peas. For vegetarian sauce options, you can look at What are some non-sweet stir fry sauces/recipes? : r/vegetarian.

My oldest loves the spicy version, while my youngest prefers the sweet and sour version. I love them all! For another chicken favorite, take a look at my Pretzel Crusted Chicken.

I hope you give this Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce a try. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that the whole family will love. And remember, you don’t have to be a perfect cook to make delicious food. Just have fun and enjoy the process! Here’s to more sanity-saving dinners and happy families! If you are looking for even more inspiration for your Chicken Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce, you can look at this 5-Spice Chicken & Vegetable Stir-Fry | Not Enough Cinnamon.

 

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