Chicken Stir Fry

There's nothing like a quick and flavorful meal that brings comfort to every bite, and this Chicken Stir Fry does just that. Packed with colorful, crisp vegetables and tender, juicy chicken, it’s an easy weeknight favorite that comes together in minutes but tastes like it took hours. As you toss everything together in the pan, your kitchen fills with the enticing aromas of garlic, ginger, and perfectly seasoned chicken, creating an irresistible invitation for everyone to gather around. Whether you’re serving it over rice or noodles, this stirs fry promises a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

Chicken stir fry is best with steam rice

Ingredients You’ll Need

With these ingredients, you’ll be on your way to creating a chicken stir fry that balances freshness, crunch, and local flavors. Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on seasonality or your taste preferences, making this a flexible and vibrant dish tailored to Bangladeshi taste buds

• Green Capsicum (Shimla Mirch): Adds a bright, fresh crunch and color to the stir fry. If capsicum is not available, use green beans (Borboti) or sliced carrots (Gajor) for a similar texture.

• Carrot (Gajor): Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. You can also try bell peppers or capsicum for a similar effect.

• Red Bell Pepper: Offers a mild sweetness with a hint of color; this can be swapped with green chili peppers for added spice or with tomatoes for sweetness and a Bangladeshi twist.

• Mushrooms: For an earthy flavor, button mushrooms or oyster mushrooms are great. If you prefer local options, try soy chunks or omit them for a more traditional taste.

• Broccoli (optional): Contributes body and heart to the stir fry. Cauliflower is a locally popular alternative that adds a similarly hearty texture.

• Baby Corn: Adds a unique texture, but if it’s unavailable, consider corn kernels or extra carrots.

• Spring Onions (Piyaj Pata): Offers a mild, slightly sweet oniony kick. Regular onions work well as a substitute if spring onions are hard to find.

• Chicken Breasts: A lean protein choice, chicken can be swapped with boneless beef strips, prawns, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

• Mustard Oil or Soybean Oil: Traditional olive oil is often swapped for mustard or soybean oil in Bangladeshi kitchens, both of which add richness and depth of flavor.

• Tomato Paste: Forms a base sauce; chili garlic sauce or homemade tomato puree also brings out that rich, tangy flavor familiar to local dishes.

• Soy Sauce (Soybean Sos): Essential for depth; if unavailable, a splash of fish sauce adds a salty, umami note familiar in Asian-inspired Bangladeshi cuisine.

• Green Chilies (Kacha Morich): Adds heat and zest. You can adjust according to your spice preference or use dried red chili flakes for a milder heat.

• Black Pepper (Gol Morich): Adds a hint of warmth and depth. White pepper or ground cumin can offer a subtle twist to the flavor profile

Ingredients

Here’s a Bangladeshi-style take on chicken stir fry, infusing familiar spices and flavors for a rich, savory experience:

How to Make Bangladeshi Chicken Stir Fry

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a hot wok or deep pan, add a splash of mustard oil or soybean oil for a hint of traditional Bangladeshi flavor. Stir-fry small pieces of chicken until golden and fully cooked, seasoning lightly with salt and black pepper for flavor.

2. Add Vegetables: Toss in sliced vegetables like carrots (gajor), green capsicum (shimla mirch), broccoli, mushrooms, and baby corn. Stir-fry over high heat, letting the veggies cook quickly to retain a slight crunch, adding a mix of soy sauce, tomato paste (or a hint of chili sauce for some heat), and a dash of sugar to balance the flavors.

3. Enhance the Flavor: Add a few green chilies (kacha morich) for a touch of spice, stirring them in briefly to release their aroma.

4. Finish with Garnish: Just before serving, mix in spring onions (piyaj pata) and a sprinkle of white sesame seeds.

5. Serve: Enjoy over fluffy steamed rice or with a side of fried rice for a complete, satisfying me.

   Pro Tips for a Bangladeshi-Style Chicken Stir Fry

   1. Tenderizing the Chicken (Bangladeshi Style): For extra tender chicken, skip the usual velveting technique and try a local touch—marinate the chicken in yogurt (doi), cornflour, and a pinch of ground ginger and garlic. This tenderizes the meat while adding a light, Bangladeshi flavor base that gives a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

   2. Use High Heat for Maximum Flavor: Preheat your wok or kadhai until it’s very hot. This high heat is essential for locking in the juices of the chicken and getting those crisp-tender veggies. Using a wok at high heat also brings out slight char flavors that deepen the taste of each ingredient.

   3. Adjusting the Sauce Texture: If you like a clingier sauce, dissolve cornflour in a small amount of water to create a slurry. Add it to your stir fry just before it’s done and cook until the sauce thickens. For a Bangladeshi spin, include a hint of mustard oil with the slurry for an added kick.

   4. Keep the Vegetables Crunchy: Stir fry is all about texture. Start with the firmer veggies like carrots and broccoli. Add quicker-cooking vegetables, such as capsicum and onions, later to maintain their color and bite. Be careful not to overcook the veggies—they should retain a little crunch for balance.

   5. Experiment with Seasonal Vegetables: Stir fry dishes are versatile! Try adding Bangladeshi favorites like baby corn, green chilies, or bitter melon (uchhe) if you like an added layer of flavor and texture. Adjust cooking times to match each vegetable’s firmness, and you’ll have a unique, tasty stir fry that brings the best of Bangladeshi flavors.

How to serve

1. Serve Over Steamed Rice:

Steamed rice is a classic base for chicken stir fry. Fluffy rice absorbs the flavorful sauce, providing a perfect balance to the savory chicken and veggies. For a Bangladeshi twist, you could use polao rice or jeera (cumin) rice for an added aroma.

2. With Fried Rice:

Serve chicken stir fry alongside or on top of a bed of egg-fried rice or vegetable-fried rice. Thi pairs wonderfully with the rich textures of the stir fry and makes for a more filling meal.

3. Accompanied by Noodles:

Stir-fried noodles, such as lo mein or chow mein, make a great companion to chicken stir fry. Tossing noodles with the same sauce or even a light soy sauce creates a cohesive dish with a variety of flavors and textures.

4. With Bangladeshi Roti or Paratha:

For a fusion twist, serve chicken stir fry with warm roti or paratha. These soft, flatbreads are perfect for scooping up the stir fry, adding a familiar touch to this dish.

5. Topped with Garnishes:

Add a sprinkle of chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts on top for extra crunch. Garnishes enhance both flavor and presentation, making the dish visually appealing and even tastier.

6. As a Wrap or Lettuce Cup:

Chicken stir fry can also be enjoyed as a wrap in lettuce leaves or thin rotis. This is a fun, hands-on way to eat and adds a fresh, crispy texture to the dish.

These serving ideas make chicken stir fry versatile, enjoyable, and well-suited for a variety of meal settings and tastes!