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.
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.
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.
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.