Citrus Ginger Chicken Stir Fry

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
Be the First to Review!

This Citrus Ginger Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant and zesty twist on your traditional stir fry. With a balance of citrusy sweetness and ginger warmth, it's a dish that brings a fresh, invigorating flavor profile that's perfect for any season.

Ingredients for Citrus Ginger Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken breast forms the protein base of this dish, offering a lean and tender texture that soaks up the flavors beautifully. Olive oil is used for cooking, giving a mild flavor and healthy fats. For the veggies, we have red and green bell peppers, which add sweetness and crunch, while carrot provides color and a slight earthiness. Broccoli florets are a hearty addition that soaks up the sauce wonderfully. The real flavor comes from the garlic and fresh ginger, which bring aromatic warmth. The soy sauce adds a savory depth, while honey brings a natural sweetness. Finally, the juices of orange and lime give the dish its unique citrus notes, and cornstarch helps thicken the sauce to coat everything nicely. Season with salt and pepper to taste for the perfect balance.

Tips & Tricks

  • Cut the chicken and veggies into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of ginger and garlic to match your taste preference.
  • Add a splash of sesame oil at the end for an extra layer of flavor.
  • If you like it spicy, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This stir fry pairs beautifully with jasmine or basmati rice, which absorbs the sauce perfectly. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. A side of steamed edamame or a simple cucumber salad makes for a refreshing accompaniment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well and offer a slightly richer flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Citrus Ginger Chicken Stir Fry Recipe Walkthrough

Start off by heating up 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken strips and let them brown, ensuring they’re cooked through, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Once they’re done, take them out of the pan and set them aside for a bit.

Using the same pan (because we love saving on cleanup), add the remaining olive oil. Quickly stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, letting them sauté for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells absolutely incredible.

Add in the sliced bell peppers, julienned carrot, and broccoli florets. Stir fry these veggies for about 5–7 minutes until they reach that tender-crisp stage — you want them cooked but still with a nice bite.

While the veggies are cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, orange juice, lime juice, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl. Make sure everything is well combined to avoid any clumps.

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, pouring the sauce over the stir fry. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the sauce has thickened up nicely.

Finally, season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Serve it hot over your choice of cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A delightful combination of citrus and ginger creates a unique and refreshing taste.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Packed with colorful veggies that add a nutritious punch.
  • Customizable to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Light, healthy, and satisfying all at once.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
2 tbsp olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium carrot, julienned
3 cups broccoli florets
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 orange, juiced
1 lime, juiced
1 tsp cornstarch
1/4 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
2. In the same pan, heat remaining olive oil. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add bell peppers, carrot, and broccoli to the pan. Stir fry for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, orange juice, lime juice, cornstarch, and water. Stir well to combine.
5. Return chicken to the pan and pour sauce over the stir fry. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!